Milestones - From Moments & Memories
2026-02-23 - 2026-10-24 | Sheboygan County Museum, 3110 Erie Avenue, Sheboygan, WI, 53081, United States
The enduring stories of objects

Vest worn by Sgt. Joseph Richardson, Revolutionary War. Object #3952.00

In the summer of 1776, representatives to the Second Continental Congress adopted the final draft of the Declaration of Independence, officially declaring Thirteen Colonies in America free and independent of Great Britain. In 2026, that moment and memory has become a MILESTONE – the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America. Inspired by this momentous occasion and its enduring legacy, the Sheboygan County Museum is proud to present MILESTONES – From Moments & Memories.

Life is a series of moments – celebrating the centennial of a city, reminiscing on years past at a 50th wedding anniversary, realizing it was the last visit to a childhood home. Whether collectively shared communal events, deeply personal quiet occasions, or retrospectively life-changing turning points, the people and the Sheboygan County we know today have been profoundly influenced by such moments. These moments and memories may be fleeting but they often leave behind a physical trace. These tangible artifacts are left to reveal stories, reflecting the tapestry of carried traditions, witnessed events, and a past that influences the present and the future.
MILESTONES – From Moments & Memories will explore the enduring objects of experiences that have shaped not only the nation but also Sheboygan County. Featuring a variety of artifacts from the Museum’s collection, alongside photographs and personal reflections, the exhibition will encourage visitors to reflect on the moments that have personally shaped their own lives. The exhibit will be on display from February 23 through October 24, 2026.

Sheboygan Sesquicentennial Coat Tales, created by Wilson Elementary School staff and students. Object #5628.1

Included with Museum Admission
Museum HoursMonday – Friday, 10:00am – 5:00pmSaturday, 10:00am – 3:00pm(Closed holidays)

Lantern Parade 2026 - Making & Parade
2026-08-17 16:30 - 20:30 (America/Chicago)
Let Your Light Shine
From 1935–2011, the Vollrath Bowl Lantern Parade marked the end of the recreation department’s summer playground program each August. In some years they had thousands of participants who made themed lanterns, walked in the parade, spectated, performed skits, and showcased a flashlight dance.
Throughout the summer, Sheboygan County Museum invites children and families to combine history with creation as this Sheboygan tradition is reimagined. Participants can stop by the Museum’s lantern-making tables on Mondays in August at Vollrath Bowl. Then, help our community shine brightly together at the culminating parade.

Lantern Making at the Bowl - August 17
Vollrath Park4:30pm – 6:30pmFree

2026 lantern parade - AUGUST 17
Vollrath Park 8:00pm – 8:30pmFree

RAIN DATE: August 24, 2026Making: 4:30pm-6:30pmParade: 8:00pm-8:30pm

PARTNERING LOCATIONS & programs

Above & Beyond Children’s Museum
Bookworm Gardens
Camp Y-Koda
Family Fun Fest
KidStop
Mead Public Library
Play is Healing
Sheboygan Recreation Department (SASD)

purchase a throwback lantern kit
Based on original lantern patterns and stencils from the Vollrath Bowl Lantern Parade now part of the Museum’s collection. Purchase a kit and create a modern version of a classic.
Available June – August at the Sheboygan County Museum gift shop.

Made Possible In Part By kohler foundation, inc.

Show & Tell REMIX
2026-09-08 14:00 - 15:00
Family, work, pets, food, home: There is so much that defines us. Bring an object to help you share a story (any story!), or just listen.
Sheboygan County Museum partners with local libraries to make this free offering about keeping your own personal history.

Pre-registration strongly encouraged.

Elkhart Lake Public Library
Tuesday, September 8, 2026 | 2:00pm-3:00pm
Adult Show & Tell, plus a 15-minute record-keeping workshop.

Pre-register with the library

Plymouth Public Library
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 | 2:00pm-3:00pm
Adult Show & Tell, plus a 15-minute record-keeping workshop.

Pre-register with the library

Past Locations
Kohler Public Library, April 21, 2026
Lakeview Community Library, May 4, 2026
Mead Public Library, May 19, 2026
Cedar Grove Public Library, June 1, 2026

Family Adventure Days 2026
2026-09-12 12:00 - 15:00 | Sheboygan County Museum, 3110 Erie Avenue, Sheboygan, WI, 53081, United States
The Sheboygan County Museum hosts second Saturday drop-ins this spring and fall from 12:00pm–3:00pm. Experience family fun throughout the Museum campus with hands-on activities.

Admission: Included with general Admission, Free for membersAdult $10/ Senior $7/ Active Military $7/ Youth (6-17) $5

Capturing the Moment Cyanotypes & Scavenger Hunt
Cruise the Museum campus to find different photo and recording styles, from airplane photography to musical wax cylinders. Make a cyanotype to document something special from your day.

Saturday, September 12, 2026 | 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Drop-in any time

Harvest history & gourd Speedsters
Enjoy a scavenger hunt about food and add your name to the winner’s circle as you race gourd speedsters.

Saturday, October 10, 2026 | 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Drop-in any time

Show & Tell REMIX
2026-09-15 14:00 - 15:00
Family, work, pets, food, home: There is so much that defines us. Bring an object to help you share a story (any story!), or just listen.
Sheboygan County Museum partners with local libraries to make this free offering about keeping your own personal history.

Pre-registration strongly encouraged.

Plymouth Public Library
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 | 2:00pm-3:00pm
Adult Show & Tell, plus a 15-minute record-keeping workshop.

Pre-register with the library

Past Locations
Kohler Public Library, April 21, 2026
Lakeview Community Library, May 4, 2026
Mead Public Library, May 19, 2026
Cedar Grove Public Library, June 1, 2026
Elkhart Lake Public Library, September 8, 2026

AMERICA'S KITCHEN - Old Farm Country Cookbook Lecture
2026-09-17 17:30 - 19:30
America's Kitchen Workshops
Celebrate local culture and history the the art and science of cooking.

Old Farm Country Cookbook LEcture with Susan Apps-Bodilly
Hear about cooking on the farm without electricity, share your own family cooking or farm stories, and explore two hands-on stations about cookware, wood-burning stoves, and food preparation.

Thursday, September 17, 20265:30pm – 7:30pmPre-registration Encouraged
Free as part of the Wisconsin History Maker’s Tour

Register Here

Upcoming America's Kitchen programs
Gorditas Workshop with Maggie from José’s Food Truck/ Taller de Gorditas con Maggie de José’s Food TruckThursday October 15, 2026/ Jueves, 15 de Octubre, 2026 – 5:30pm – 7:00pm

Family Adventure Days 2026
2026-10-10 12:00 - 15:00 | Sheboygan County Museum, 3110 Erie Avenue, Sheboygan, WI, 53081, United States
The Sheboygan County Museum hosts second Saturday drop-ins this spring and fall from 12:00pm–3:00pm. Experience family fun throughout the Museum campus with hands-on activities.

Admission: Included with general Admission, Free for membersAdult $10/ Senior $7/ Active Military $7/ Youth (6-17) $5

Harvest History & Gourd Speedsters
Enjoy a scavenger hunt about food and add your name to the winner’s circle as you race gourd speedsters.

Saturday, October 10, 2026 | 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Drop-in any time

AMERICA'S KITCHEN - Gorditas Workshop/ Taller De Gorditas
2026-10-15 17:30 - 19:00
America's Kitchen Workshops
Celebrate local culture and history the the art and science of cooking.

Gorditas Workshop with Maggie from José’s Food Truck/ Taller de Gorditas con Maggie de José’s Food Truck
Make gorditas in a bilingual workshop with Chef Maggie from José’s Food Truck. Hold history as you experience processes from Sheboygan’s first food truck, and as you hear about Maggie’s love of cooking. Go home with gorditas and a recipe.
Prepara gorditas en un taller bilingüe con la Chef Maggie, de José’s Food Truck. Sostén la historia en tus manos mientras experiementas los procesos del primer camión de comida de Sheboygan y escuchas sobre la pasión de Maggie por la cocina. Regresa a casa con tus gorditas y la receta.

Thursday, October 15, 2026/ Jueves, 15 de Octubre, 20265:30pm – 7:00pmPre-registration REQUIRED/ se REQUIERE inscripción previa
$25 for members, $30 public / $25 para miembros, $30 para el público general

Register Here/ Regístrese aquí
