HISTORICAL COMMITTEE

The Historical Committee is presently made up of five members who meet monthly. It is their responsibility to oversee and recommend to the Friends Board of Directors the Preservation and Restoration needs of the early 1900s historic collection. We support the education needs of the Schumacher Farm Site through tours, displays, books and resources of our artifacts. It is our goal to enhance the park so that the visitor feels that are witnessing what a 1917 farmstead would have looked like.

Committee Purpose

To inventory, maintain, exhibit , restore and update our collection. We follow a donation policy that helps us accept or reject donations from the community. Many donations of artifices are offered, but due to space and significance we are able to accept only those that meet our requirements.

The Committee is currently working on an exciting new project called PocketSights. When the project is complete, park guests will be able to use their cell phones to learn about the buildings and grounds of the Schumacher Farm. We hope to have this ready by the end of Summer 2023.

Summer Farmhouse Tours

We are pleased to offer tours this summer in our historic farmhouse! Drop in to learn more about the history of the house and the Schumacher family on June 17th, July 15th, or August 19th from 10 am - 1 pm. You'll be guided by one of our knowledgeable volunteers. Tours are free; donations are encouraged. 

Donating Artifact(s)

Fill out this Artifact Field Receipt Form and notify the office at 608-849- 4559 that you have an item(s) that you wish to give to the farm. Please do not just drop it off without prior approval. It is meaningful to learn the history of your artifact.

Artifact Spotlight

The Historical Committee recently received a donation of a Griswold no.3 ten quart iron fruit and lard press from Tom Thoreson, Dane County Parks Commission member. A fruit press is used to extract juice from crushed grapes to make wine. The basket holds the grapes and pressure is applied by a plate that is forced down onto the fruit. The juice flows through the opening in the basket inside the press. 

The Griswold Manufacturing Company is known for making cast iron cookware, grinders and fruit presses. The first foundry dates back to 1868 as the Selden & Griswold Company with the nickname of the Butt Factory because they originally made butt door hinges. It burned down and rebuilt as the Griswold Manufacturing Company operating from 1885-1957. 

For collectors, the small Griswold skillet no's 2 and 4 are rare. 

Annual Garage Sale

Each May, the Historical Committee puts on a garage sale fundraiser in the Center for Rural History the week of Waunakee's Garage Sale days. Stay tuned for more details on the 2024 sale!