Old World Wisconsin: Pioneer power: Old World Wisconsin shares 19th-century technology at Wisconsin Science Festival

Contact: Lisa McGovern,
Communications Manager
Office 262-594-6304
Mobile: 414-217-5447
lisa.mcgovern@wisconsinhistory.org

October 18-19

Eagle, Wis.–Pioneer Power takes center stage October 18-19 at Old World Wisconsin as for the second year, this historic site joins the Wisconsin Science Festival with a weekend filled with 19th-century technology and hands-on activities. Now in its fourth year, the festival has established itself as a statewide celebration of creativity and scientific discovery for audiences of all ages.

“So many of our day-to-day activities rely on technology,” shared Jennifer Van Haaften, associate museum director. “Some of the methods have changed, but the principles behind them remain the same. We’re known for making history engaging by inviting guests to roll up their sleeves and experience history by doing. We’re excited to do the same in the science arena. And we invite guests to have some fun while they’re having their ‘ah-ha’ moments!”

Guests can help crank strands of jute into super-strong rope, using a rope-making machine or see fiber spun into yarn and discover the role of the wheel in spinning–and why some fibers work better than others. They may witness how farmers used labor-saving machines to shell corn or help with other farm- and home-related work. They may help make a box with historic tools at the Life on the Farm experience.

This weekend dovetails with the site’s Autumn on the Farms weekends, which run through the end of October. On October 18-19 there will be plenty of steam- and gas-powered labor-saving machines to see. There’s even a steam engine-powered sawmill which will cut logs into planks, as was done in the 1800s. Another feature of the weekend is “Everything But the Squeal”–where pork and chicken will be preserved using many early rural methods of butchering and food preservation.

Details: 10 am to 4 pm Saturday and 10 am to 5 pm Sunday. Some activities on the Welcome Center will be free; other activities take place within the site, which requires an admission fee. Museum admission: Adults $16; children (5-17) $9 (children under 5 are free); students and senior citizens (65 and over) $14; family (two adults and two or more dependent children 5-17) $43. Fees include an all-day tram transportation pass. Details at http://wihist.org/WISci2014 or by calling 262-594-6301.