GREEN BAY, Wis. – WisHistory is excited to announce the arrival of the final leg of its statewide History Makers Tour in northeast Wisconsin, marking the concluding chapter of a journey that has brought Wisconsin history directly to communities across the state since 2023.

From August 2026 through February 2027, the History Makers Tour will make stops in communities throughout the northeast region, including Appleton, Fond du Lac, Green Bay, Kohler, Sheboygan and Sturgeon Bay. Through pop-up exhibits, artifact displays, public programs, signature events and other activities, the tour connects people with Wisconsin’s rich history where they live.

Since launching, the History Makers Tour has collaborated with around 145 partners statewide to offer events that have reached over 500,000 people, creating opportunities for residents and visitors to explore the people, places and stories that have shaped the state. The northeast region represents the sixth and final stop on the statewide tour. The History Makers Tour is presented by Culver’s and is made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Grant Number: MA-253159-OMS-23.

In addition to local programming throughout the region, the final leg of the tour will feature several signature events:

Featured Upcoming History Makers Tour Events

Signature Event – Seeds in the Soil

Aug. 1, Appleton Public Library, Appleton, WI

Discover how gardening can connect us to history, family, and food in this engaging, all-ages presentation with Susan Apps-Bodilly, author of “Seeds In Soil, Planting a Garden and Finding Your Roots.” Explore hands-on ideas for starting a garden, using historical sources to learn about the past, creating themed gardens and crafts, and enjoy a family-friendly food demonstration with simple recipes. The program is free and open to the public with seating on a first-come, first-served basis.

Signature Event – Marathon County Then & Now: A 250th Community Celebration

Aug. 15, Yawkey House, Wausau, WI

Join the Marathon County Historical Society in partnership with the Wisconsin Historical Society for a free, family-friendly celebration of America’s 250th anniversary grounded in the traditions that make Marathon County unique. Enjoy an ice cream social, live entertainment, history displays, family activities and—yes—even a beard contest inspired by historic styles and local character.

Signature Event – Messengers From Deep Time: The Stones of Rock Fade

Sept. 18, John Michael Kohler Arts Center, Sheboygan, WI

Wisconsin’s landscape is the product of forces that operate on a scale almost impossible to imagine. Fortunately, geologist Marcia Bjornerud is here to help us picture it. Join this free talk on Wisconsin’s deep geological past at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center in Sheboygan alongside the installation “Rock Fade,” a striking exhibit that arranges stones from boulder to grain of sand as a meditation on deep time and humanity’s place alongside it.

Signature Event – Objects That Connect Us

Oct. 27, The Washington House Museum & Visitor Center, Two Rivers, WI

In celebration of October’s designation as “Family History Month”, we are excited to offer an evening of dessert and sharing cherished family objects. What can personal artifacts tell us about generations past, present and future? Discover unforeseen stories hidden within seemingly ordinary objects during this special event. Bring your personal keepsake to share with fellow community members as you learn, listen and explore history in an intimate, intergenerational setting.

New tour stops are frequently added to the lineup! Check online for a listing of upcoming events.

About the Wisconsin Historical Society
The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and most diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. The Wisconsin Historical Society serves millions of people every year through a wide range of sites, programs and services. For more information, visit www.wisconsinhistory.org.

About Culver’s
For over 40 years, Culver’s® guests have been treated to cooked-to-order food made with farm-fresh ingredients and served with a smile. The ever-expanding franchise system now numbers over 1,000 family-owned and operated restaurants in 26 states. The restaurants’ nationally recognized customer service is based on small-town, Midwestern values, genuine friendliness and an unwavering commitment to quality. Signature items include the award-winning ButterBurger®, made from fresh, never frozen beef, and Fresh Frozen Custard, including the famous Flavor of the Day program. For more information, visit www.culvers.com, www.culvers.com/facebook, www.x.com/culvers, www.instagram.com/culvers. All trademarks belong to Culver Franchising System.