Would you and your group like to learn more about the history of neighborhood “Mom & Pop” stores?  Explore that history and the birth of modern advertising with the latest program addition to the FWHS Speakers Road Show.  Debbie McArdle, owner of Iron Horse Antiques & Appraisals, will present this fascinating program which will illustrate the furnishings and offerings of the old fashioned stores frequented by our great-grandparents.  The program will feature classic wares from the stores of the past for hands-on inspection.  If your group might be interested in this NEW program, contact Debbie at jjmcard@comcast.net or 815 575-1272 for more information on booking a date.

Scrimshaw is a 19th-century American sailor-made art form created primarily (but not exclusively) from the teeth & bone of harvested whales during the heyday of the American whaling industry.  Learn about this industry that was so important to America’s success and study examples of the art form created by sailors during their seemingly-endless trips at sea.  Tom L. & Barb Conley are members of the New Bedford Whaling Museum and are annual presenters at the Scrimshaw Collectors’ Symposium.  For more information: contact  BarbConley1@sbcglobal.net or  847/669-5391. 

A quick trip to your family’s favorite keepsake haven may be a chance to immortalize the family’s name in Wisconsin history.

FRIENDS of the Wisconsin Historical Society solicit tax-deductible donations of antiques and vintage items for their April 2012 “30th Star Antique and Vintage Auction” at Old World Wisconsin in Eagle.

The inaugural auction, held in April 2010, was a rousing financial and cultural success, and FRIENDS have decided to make their event a biennial fundraiser.  Thus far the proceeds from the 2010 auction have provided some funding for Old World Wisconsin,  National History Day, and the restoration of two paintings important to Wisconsin’s history.  2011 funding plans of other Wisconsin Historical Society projects are currently underway.

Though more than a year away, the “30th Star Auction” demands a great deal of advance preparation.  Contributions of antiques (more than 99 years old) and vintage items (50-99 years old) will be gathered from across middle America.  In keeping with their goal to “preserve and share history”, each item will be accompanied by a Provenance Statement.  The auction catalog will list the known history of each piece as well as the donor’s name, if desired.  Tax deductible receipts will be provided.

Another grant just received from the Wisconsin Antique Dealers Association continues their commitment as the founding sponsors of the 2012 “30th Star Auction”.  The admissions charged at their October and February antiques shows in Waukesha fund their grant and scholarship programs.

For questions about  the 2012 “30th Star” Benefit Auction or to make a donation of an antique or vintage item, please contact Riene Wells at 262.363.4700, info@eaglehouse.com or Debbie McArdle at 815.575.1272, jjmcard@comcast.net .

To learn more about the FRIENDS of the Wisconsin Historical Society, visit http://www.friendswisconsinhistory.org/ To learn more about their Founding & Continuing Sponsors, the Wisconsin Antique Dealers Association, visit http://www.wisconsinantiquedealers.com .

Trouble may be afoot in Model “A” Days to be held in Sharon, Wisconsin on Saturday, June 4, 2011 as a scheduled march by the Temperance Society may come in conflict with a purported illegal “moonshine still” rumored to be in the area. Members of the Friends of the Wisconsin Historical Society will be on hand offering calming words, memberships for sale, and commemorative flasks for purchase to sooth any parched throats in the gathering. It all sounds like great fun; set your calendar to attend this fun day in Sharon!

Hop aboard history’s “Time Machine.” The annual meeting of the Friends of the Wisconsin Historical Society is scheduled for Wednesday, June 22, 2011 and will include a motor coach tour through Sauk, Vernon and Monroe Counties. President Bernie Long is currently finalizing plans for the combination meeting and day tour, which may include a guided tour through a nineteenth century grist mill, stops in a Czech-Bohemian display park, a tour of Wisconsin’s largest African-American rural settlement, up-close views of the Round Barns of Vernon County, a sampling of the crafts and food of the Amish people, a drive-thru of the Kickapoo Valley Reserve and more. The day will include a lunch stop and time for the annual meeting. More details will follow – look for an application to sign up for the wonderful day in the April issue of Pillars.

Pack your bag for an adventure in history. From Milwaukee to Manitowoc, participants on the Fall Excursion Tour can follow the “Wisconsin Ethnic Settlement Trail”, scheduled for September 19-21, 2011. This signature event of the Friends of the Wisconsin Historical Society will feature a fantastic three days and two nights of following the ethnic trails of early immigrants to the Badger state. Transportation, lodging, admissions, guided tours and most meals are included in the inclusive tour price of $450 for double rooming and $600 for an individual room. More details will follow, but save those dates in September for a fantastic tour through Wisconsin’s history.

AFFORDABLE SPEAKERS NOW AVAILABLE FOR YOUR GROUP!

FRIENDS now has volunteer speakers who can provide an interesting topic for your group’s next gathering for as little as $50 + mileage!   Speaker’s fees are donated directly to FRIENDS to assist in the endeavors of the Wisconsin Historical Society.

The FRIENDS of WHS History Speakers Road Show 

TEA-LEAF, MOSS ROSE & WHITE IRONSTONE CHINA Examples of the china are displayed and examined, interspersed with interesting tidbits about life in the mid-1800s.  Presented by Riene Wells, charter member of the Tea Leaf Club International and owner of a 2000+ piece collection that has been displayed at the Wisconsin Antique Dealers “Special Attraction” booth.   Riene is a frequent speaker at various historical group gatherings.  For more information, contact info@eagle-house.com .

WHO’S YOUR DADDY’S DADDY’S DADDY’S DADDY’S DADDY?  Of particular interest  to genealogy groups, this program explores the relatively new use of identifying the ‘y’ chromosome to trace paternal lineage for genealogical purposes.  The use of DNA can break down those brick walls researchers have been up against for decades.  Presented by Debbie McArdle, founder and volunteer Group Administrator of 4 Family Tree yDNA surname projects, and 40 years of genealogical experience.  For more information, contact jjmcard@comcast.net  or 815/575-1272.

THE VICTORIANS & THE INFLUENCE OF THEIR DOGS Offered by canine professional Kathy Krause.

VICTORIAN PEWTER-TRIMMED GRANITEWARE Rare examples of this often misidentified ornate ware are displayed and examined.  The history of its American manufacturers, circa 1870-1900, are discussed, as well as the status of the ware in the American Victorian-period household.  For more information, contact jjmcard@comcast.net  or 815/575-1272.

THE HISTORY & VALUE OF YOUR FAMILY’S HEIRLOOMS  Participants bring a family heirloom for discussion and evaluation.  Presented by Debbie McArdle, owner of Iron Horse Antiques and Appraisals, founded in 1978, and member of the New England Appraisers Association.  For more information, contact jjmcard@comcast.net  or 815/575-1272.

FOR THE FUN OF IT!  THE NEW HAMPSHIRE TOY ROOM AT THE DAR MUSEUM Presented by Debbie McArdle, DAR Museum Correspondent Docent of Kishwaukee Trail Chapter  NSDAR, owner of Iron Horse Antiques and member of the New England Appraisers Association.  Participants are encouraged to bring a pre-1920 toy for discussion and evaluation.  For more information contact jjmcard@comcast.net  or 815/575-1272.

CHRISTMAS IN THE DAR PERIOD ROOMS, WASHINGTON D.C. Presented by Debbie McArdle, DAR Museum Correspondent Docent of Kishwaukee Trail Chapter  NSDAR, owner of Iron Horse Antiques and member of the New England Appraisers Association.  Participants are encouraged to bring an early Christmas item for discussion and evaluation.  For more information contact jjmcard@comcast.net  or 815/575-1272. 

MYTH OR TRUTH, STORIES WE’VE HEARD ABOUT EARLY AMERICA  An overview of some of the common myths heard in museums and various historic places.  Presented by Debbie McArdle, DAR Museum Correspondent Docent of Kishwaukee Trail Chapter  NSDAR, owner of Iron Horse Antiques and member of the New England Appraisers Association.  For more information contact jjmcard@comcast.net  or 815/575-1272.

Those of you who have any interest in presenting programs to benefit FRIENDS and the Wisconsin Historical Society, please contact Debbie at jjmcard@comcast.net

The Rock County Historical Society and the Pickard Collectors Club have an amazing display of Pickard China on exhibit at the Helen Jeffris Wood Museum Center in Janesville, WI. The collection, which will be on display at the museum through March 20, 2011, is one of the finest ever assembled of the fine china, which had its origins in Edgerton, WI. The museum, located at 426 S. Jackson Street, is open daily (except for certain holidays) from 9 to 4. The Pickard China Collection can be viewed free of charge (donations are accepted).

When in Janesville over this Christmas season, stop for a Holiday Tour at the historic Lincoln-Tallman House. Tours will be held daily (except on Thanksgiving and Christmas days) through December 30, starting on the hour from 10 AM until 3 PM. The Lincoln-Tallman House is located at 440 N. Jackson Street in Janesville. Enjoy the holiday decorations at the historic house and enjoy lunch or dinner at the nearby historic Armory or Speakeasy.

Join other Friends of the Wisconsin Historical Society on the Internets social networking website, Facebook. Just a click or two will get you the Friends of the Wisconsin Historical Society calendar of events, photos of Friends and other useful information. The page was created and is being maintained by Friends of WHS board member from Mineral Point, Lisa Hay.

So if you’re not on Facebook yet, sign up now. It’s easy and it’s free. While you are there, “friend” the Friends of WHS. Go to Facebook and search for “Friends of the Wisconsin Historical Society”.