MANITOWOC, WI – The Manitowoc County Historical Society: Museum and Pinecrest Village and Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center announce a new, combined field trip experience, Agriculture of Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow, now available for school groups. The new program will welcome students in grades 4 – 12 to both destinations on the same day.

The field trip bundle offers students the chance to connect agriculture of the past with the present and future. After visiting both destinations, students will come full circle in their exploration and understanding of Wisconsin agriculture.

Manitowoc County Historical Society: Museum and Pinecrest Village

The suggested itinerary starts out at the Manitowoc County Historical Society, where students will discover that time is a resource to use wisely on a farm. They will follow an early 1900s farm family through turning grains into food, tending to their fields, taking their milk to the cheese factory, and creating a meal for the family. Students will see how STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and history connect through pioneer power on the 19th century farm.



Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center

After a short 12-mile drive to Farm Wisconsin, the day will continue with exploration of modern-day agriculture practices. Students will explore how food, fuel, and fiber are grown and raised across the state of Wisconsin. They will learn how cranberries are harvested, create watersheds and discover the importance of rainfall, and test their combine harvester driving skills. The visit will also include meeting two expectant mother cows, possibly witnessing the birth of a calf if timing is right, and a driving tour of a dairy farm home to over 3,000 milking cows.

“We are thrilled to begin this new partnership with a longtime supporter of Farm Wisconsin,” shared Abigail Winkel, brand manager at Farm Wisconsin. “The Manitowoc County Historical Society offers a look into the past agricultural practices that have shaped our robust agriculture economy of today, and we are excited for students to experience the past, present, and future of agriculture with one combined field trip experience.”

Education coordinator at the Manitowoc County Historical Society, Natalie Stankovic, added, "We are so excited to team up with Farm Wisconsin to offer this immersive journey into how agriculture has, does, and will impact their daily lives, as well as the lives of those who came before and after us. This program will assist teachers in bringing their classrooms to life as an extension and support of all that they do to foster lifelong curiosity in their students."

This field trip program is open to all public, private, and home school students. One field trip fee covers admission to both destinations and is as follows: youth admission (students age 3 – 18): $12; teachers/primary family educators (one per family): free; additional adults/chaperones: $25; children under 3: free.

Schools interested in scheduling the Agriculture of Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow field trip can learn more or reserve a date on either website: manitowoccountyhistory.org or farmwisconsin.org.

About Manitowoc County Historical Society: Museum and Pinecrest Village

Nestled in the scenic countryside of Eastern Wisconsin, the Manitowoc County Historical Society is a museum of living history. The 60-acre interpretive museum of local history features a welcome center with local history exhibits and research services and the outdoor Pinecrest Historical Village - a collection of over 25 historic buildings with period furnishings from Manitowoc County's early settlers. For more information, contact the museum at (920) 684-4445 or ManitowocCountyHistory.org.

About Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center

The Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center is an interactive agricultural education center located along I-43 in northeastern Wisconsin. Farm Wisconsin connects visitors’ curiosity to the wonder of Wisconsin agriculture and provides guests with a better understanding of their food sources and their importance. More information can be found at farmwisconsin.org.