With museum operations and in-person programs halted due to the coronavirus pandemic, you might think things are pretty quiet at the Manitowoc County Historical Society. In fact, the museum’s historical village is buzzing with activity.
Local contractors, staff, and volunteers are tackling a to-do list covering many of the site’s 35 historic buildings and grounds work. Access to the historic structures during the day is making it easier maintenance work and taking on larger projects at this time. Repairs and restoration work on the historic structures don’t go away because the museum is closed.
One of the largest undertakings has been structural and cosmetic repair to the museum’s 1870s General Store. Rotten boards were removed and replaced on the structure’s exterior. The bathrooms located on the south side of the General Store will also be updated. The General Store repairs have been made possible by ACE Building Service and generous donors to the museum’s Vetting Fund. The Vetting Fund was created in honor of Hugo and Eleanor Vetting, who donated their 40 acre farm field to start the creation of Pinecrest Historical Village in 1969. The fund is an ongoing source of support for the development and maintenance of Pinecrest Historical Village.
1870s General Store received exterior updates by ACE Building Service
The museum has also begun construction on the Krueger Sawmill. The Krueger Sawmill will help tell the story of our community’s logging past and is set to be open to the public in the fall. This project is made possible by the Krueger Family and the Mid-Lakes Rustic Iron Club.
Construction has begun on the Krueger Sawmill, a partnership program between the Mid-Lakes Rustic Iron Club and the Manitowoc County Historical Society
Restoration work is also ongoing to some of the museum’s ‘newest’ structures – the Meeme Livery Stable and Poll House. Final touches are being added to the Livery Stable while exterior restoration continues on the 1900 Poll House. General spring cleaning and grounds keeping remain a priority as well.
Volunteers continue to work on a variety of maintanance projects, including restroation to the 1900 Meeme Poll House. Pictured is volunteer Bill Pauwels
Nevertheless, the Manitowoc County Historical Society misses working with museum’s guests. The museum’s historic structures come to life with living history demonstrations, captivating scores of schoolchildren and guests of all ages. The museum is expected to reopen in early June.
