The spring opening weekend will take place on May 3 with a variety of living history demonstrations, including sheep shearing 

At the Manitowoc County Historical Society in May: Homegrown Breakfast fundraiser, heritage skills workshops, and walking tours

Here's what is happening at the Manitowoc County Historical Society, 924 Pinecrest Road in Manitowoc, in May: 

• 19th Annual Homegrown Heritage Breakfast Fundraiser; Saturday, May 3 from 8 am to 11 am; The menu for the breakfast includes: scrambled eggs from Humpty Dumpty Eggs, bread from Natural Ovens Bakery, bacon and sausage from Newton Meats, butter from Pine River Dairy, cheese from Henning’s Cheese, local jams, and maple syrup from Hilltop Maple Syrup Camp. The breakfast will be prepared by Late’s BBQ, Manitowoc. Funds raised at the event will help the Manitowoc County Historical Society in their efforts to preserve and promote local history through a wide variety of education programs. Tickets include admission to the museum and village, along with all activities. Tickets ​are sold in time slots, corresponding to the time you would like to eat. Advanced registration is recommended. Limited walk-in tickets will be available. The cost of the breakfast, plus general admission for the day, is $26 for adults, $16 for youth age 4 to 17, and free for children under 4. MCHS members receive $10 off adult and child prices. 

• Corporate Partner Employee Free Day; Saturday, May 3 from 10 am to 2 pm; Our 2025 Corporate Partners are invited to join our Manitowoc County Historical Society: Museum and Pinecrest Village for a FREE Employee Day on Saturday, May 3 from 10 am to 2 pm. There is NO CHARGE for general admission for all 2025 Corporate Partner employees and their immediate family members.

• Spring Opening Weekend; Saturday, May 3 from 10 am to 4pm; You’ll be able to chat with our knowledgeable costumed interpreters who keep the stories of our past alive. You’ll hear the clanging of the blacksmith’s hammer, smell the aroma of fresh-baked treats, and truly experience life in the 19th century. Interpreters — including cooks and craftspeople — will be demonstrating their talents from 10 am to 2 pm. Sheep shearing demonstrations will also take place. General admission. 

• Lincoln Boulevard Historic Walking Tour; Wednesday, May 7 with Tours at 3 pm and 5 pm; This 90 minute walking tour of Lincoln Boulevard in Manitowoc will bring to life the architectural styles, places, and people that called this area home. Meet near the Lincoln Park Fieldhouse at 1215 N 8th St., Manitowoc. Advanced registration is required and fee charged.

• 19th-Century Sweet Treats Workshop; Saturday, May 10 from 10 am to 1 pm; Treat yourself and your loved ones to delicious, historical sweets! Learn how to make treats on the woodstove and churn your own ice cream! Please wear closed-toed shoes for this experience. Advanced registration is required and fee charged. 

• Community Craft Night; Thursday, May 15 from 5 to 7 pm at MCHS; Do you knit, crochet, sew, quilt, draw, paint, scrapbook, embroider, whittle, or anything else? Bring something to work on while you enjoy community engagement! Meet other crafters and artisans in your community, and maybe even pick up a new skill. Each month we will be bringing out a item from our archives collection to enjoy and inspire you in your own work! FREE to attend.

• Member Swap Weekend; Member Swap Weekend (Thursday, May 15 through Sunday, May 18) gives you access to participating local museums. Explore museums across Manitowoc County with family, friends, or anyone covered by your membership. Hours vary by museum. To visit, show your Manitowoc County Historical Society membership card for walk-up admission at the participating museums. Number admitted free depends on your membership level. Members of participating museums also receive free admission to the Manitowoc County Historical Society on Member Swap Weekend. Check the website for details.

• Yarn Dying Workshop; Saturday, May 17 from 10 am to 1 pm; Experience the beauty of plants by using them to create colorful, vibrant dyes! Participants will learn the basics of dyeing (including some chemistry), get to use natural dyes, and will get to dye a skein of yarn to take home with them. Advanced registration is required and fee charged. 

• Tram Tour - MCHS Members Only; Wednesday, May 21 at 11 am and 6 pm; Hop aboard the Tram Tour with MCHS Engagement Manager Devinne Fackelman as we explore the Historic Village! In this special 1 hour tour, members will discover the unique history of several buildings, delve into tales from the past, and gain insights into the Museum itself. This tour is ideal for members of all ages. Advanced registration is required. No charge to attend. Please note: General tram tours are held throughout the year for non-members as well!

• MCLS Library Card Free Day; Saturday, May 24 from 10 am - 4 pm;  Join the Manitowoc-Calumet Library System for a free day at the Manitowoc County Historical Society. Guests can show their MCLS library card to tour the museum at no cost. A story time at Shadyside School will be presented by the Manitowoc Public Library at 12:30 pm. A variety of make-and-take activities will be available for youth inside our Shadyside School. 

• Kolache Workshop; Saturday, May 24 from 11 am to 3 pm; Students of the class learn to make the kolache dough and filling to create the perfect sweet treat. Advanced registration is required and fee charged. 

• Family Blacksmithing Workshop; Saturday, May 24 from 12 Noon until 3 pm; This class will allow an adult/parent/grandparent to work with a child as they learn historic blacksmithing techniques in a historic setting. Everyone will get to make several small, hands-on projects, such as small dinner triangles and hooks, while learning about proper safety in a workshop environment. Advanced registration is required and fee charged. 

• World War 1 Encampment; Saturday, May 31, from 10 am - 3 pm and Sunday, June 1, from 10 am to 3 pm; Visit the camps of American, British, German, Russian, and Ottoman nations and learn about their role in the Great War. Various activities are scheduled for the weekend including camp kitchens on the front, weaponry, the Red Cross and more. Step into a display area focusing on Manitowoc County during WWI. General admission.