Old World Wisconsin: Three Wisconsin historical society sites help families in need

Three Wisconsin Historical Society Sites Help Families in Need:

Old World Wisconsin, Wade House and Wisconsin Historical Museum Collect 909 items for “The Big Bundle Up” Charity Clothing Drive

Eagle, Wis.–Old World Wisconsin (Eagle), Wade House (Greenbush) and the Wisconsin Historical Museum (Madison) collected 909 warm winter items as part of “The Big Bundle Up” campaign, a Wisconsin Department of Tourism initiative to help those in need.

New in 2014, the Wisconsin Historical Museum joined Wade House and Old World Wisconsin in participating in “The Big Bundle Up,” and the three historic sites teamed up with a goal of collecting 500 items. Speaking on behalf of all three sites, Lisa McGovern, communications manager of Old World Wisconsin, shared: “The generosity and enthusiasm of guests to our historic sites is unparalleled. As we head into winter’s coldest months, we’re glad to have a role in helping these Wisconsin families stay a little warmer.”

During the seven-week collection period, Wade House accepted 313 items. Coats, sweaters, hats, scarves, mittens, and other warm clothing items were collected.

Amidst the new and gently-used donated items at Wade House was a wonderful assemblage of hand-knit winter gear from a donor in Plymouth.

The Wisconsin Historical Museum collected 292 items.

Each historic site partnered with a local charity as the recipient of items collected; apparel received at Old World Wisconsin was given to The Women’s Center in Waukesha; items donated at Wade House were shared with Safe Harbor and Bridgeway House in Sheboygan and Solutions Center and Support Services in Fond du Lac, and winter gear received at the Wisconsin Historical Museum was donated to Porchlight of Dane County.

Media Inquiries:

Old World Wisconsin: Lisa McGovern at lisa.mcgovern@wisconsinhistory.org or 262-594-6304 (office) or 414-217-5447 (mobile).

Wade House: Bridgitt Zielke at bridgitt.zielke@wisconsinhistory.org or 920-526-3271 (office)..

Wisconsin Historical Museum: Ellen Pincus at ellen.pincus@wisconsinhistory.org or 608-264-6566 (office) or 608-770-2013 (mobile).