Old World Wisconsin teams with the Eagle Centre House Bed & Breakfast to offer visitors a very special dinner-theater/lodging package for the holidays.  Guests are invited to visit Old World Wisconsin to see the dinner theater production of “Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol”, playing weekends from November 25 thru December 18 and extend their visit with an overnight stay at the nearby Eagle Centre House B & B.

The special holiday package rates begin at $210 per couple and include a pair of tickets to the dinner theater and luxurious lodging and breakfast at the Eagle Centre House.  For more information on this fantastic holiday treat or to make reservations call 262-363-4700.

The deadline for signing up for the FWHS sponsored autumn excursion, “Travel The Ethnic Settlement Trail” quickly approaches.  The three day, two night excursion is planned for September 19-21 and includes a variety of experiences and features.  The application deadline for the excursion is Monday, August 12 so make your reservations NOW!  Download your application and mail it in right away.

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. 

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.