Wisconsin Historical Society: Pendarvis reopens May 28 with rich mining history, new experiences

Cornish tea with bestselling author, behind-the-scenes tours and new America 250-inspired event make for

exciting programming in 2026

MINERAL POINT, Wis. – Pendarvis opens for the 2026 season on May 28, inviting visitors to return to one of Wisconsin’s most distinctive preserved historic mining sites. Featuring a range of new and returning programming — including behind-the-scenes tours, lectures and discussions with celebrated Wisconsin authors and more — guests will gain an up-close view of the stories, landscapes and architecture that have shaped Wisconsin mining history for generations.

Located in the heart of Mineral Point, Pendarvis serves as a window into the lives of Cornish immigrants — some of the first Wisconsin “badgers” — who traveled to the state during the early lead and zinc mining era. The site also tells the remarkable preservation story of Bob Neal and Edgar Hellum, the business and life partners who dedicated their lives to rescuing the area’s 1840s stone and log cottages during the Great Depression. Their work saved a rare collection of mining-era structures and helped establish Mineral Point as one of Wisconsin’s earliest historic preservation communities.

“From its quintessential limestone buildings and cottages to the Merry Christmas Mine Hill Trail and Prairie, Pendarvis offers a blueprint for how to engage in community-oriented preservation,” said Susan Caya Slusser, southwest sites director, Wisconsin Historical Society. “By restoring and entrusting us with this essential piece of Mineral Point history, Neal and Hellum have ensured generations of Wisconsinites can continue to explore the importance of early Cornish mining efforts.”

The 2026 season occurs May 28 through Oct. 11, with admission hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday through Sunday. Spring admission rates are $12 for adults and teens (13 to 65), $11 for seniors (65+), $8 (children five to 12) and free for children under five. Wisconsin Historical Society members receive free general admission to all sites and 10% off ticketed events.

Wisconsin Historical Society membership starts at $60 annually. Members are encouraged to pick up a PastPort which can be used to collect stamps and redeem discounts at every Wisconsin Historical Society site.

Visit pendarvis.wisconsinhistory.org for more information or to purchase tickets.

Upcoming Events at Pendarvis:

Cornish Tea with Kathleen Ernst – Saturday, May 30, 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Enter the world of bestselling author Kathleen Ernst’s novel, “Mining for Justice”, the eighth book in her Chloe Ellefson series. Sip afternoon tea and enjoy Cornish-inspired refreshments while listening to Ernst talk about the inspiration behind her tightly-plotted murder mystery, which takes place at Pendarvis. Tour the site and see several of the unique objects featured in the novel. The cost is $50, and all participants must be 13+ to attend.

Behind the Scenes Tour – Select Fridays, June 19, July 17, Aug. 21, Sept. 11, Oct. 9, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Go behind the scenes into spaces typically off-limits to guests at Pendarvis and learn about the lives of Bob Neal and Edgar Hellum, the couple who first preserved it. This tour is not accessible without traversing several stairways, uneven paths and hilly ground. During the tour, guests can receive a complimentary drink at the Kiddleywink Pub. The cost is $35, and all participants must be 13+ to attend.

Pendarvis After Hours: Lectures on Tap – Saturday, July 11, 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Part of the 250 Years of History at Southwest Sites Series, former Mining History Association president Mark Langenfeld will present Zinc: The Lesser-Told Story, a special presentation on the history of mining in Wisconsin. Guests can purchase hard cider, Spotted Cow and non-alcoholic cider from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in Kiddleywink Pub before the talk. This event is free and open to the public.

About Pendarvis

Pendarvis is one of the Wisconsin Historical Society’s 12 historic sites and museums. Tucked away in historic Mineral Point, the site celebrates the restoration and preservation efforts of life and business partners Robert Neal and Edgar Hellum. Their legacy includes the preservation of six historic stone and stone-and-log cottages that comprise Pendarvis today, built by Cornish immigrants in the 1840s during the Wisconsin Territory’s lead-mining boom. Visitors can also explore the nearby Merry Christmas Mine Hill Trail & Prairie, which still bears the signs of early mining activity. Visit pendarvis.wisconsinhistory.org or call (608) 987-2122 for more information and a list of upcoming events. Wisconsin Historical Society members receive free admission to this site during regular operating hours.

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.