Historical venue’s closure is history

The Ozaukee County Historical Society will open its Ozaukee County Pioneer Village to the public from noon to 4 p.m. on  Saturday, July 4, with some restrictions in place in response to coronavirus concerns.

The village’s opening was delayed from its scheduled May 15 date due to the coronavirus.

The village is a living history museum depicting life in rural Ozaukee County from 1840 to 1920. It is located on Highway I near Hawthorne Hills Park. 

Its 24 buildings of differing architectural styles represent many of the immigrant populations that first settled in this area.

For instance, the Fillmore Trading Post, circa 1858, was used as a general store, post office, fur trading post, polling place and gathering place.

During the shutdown, volunteers installed a new roof and picket fence,  painted, trimmed trees and worked in the gardens, among other projects.

Volunteers have included Allen and Cherie Buchholz of Cedarburg, Jim and Sally Punzel  of Saukville, Ken Albinger of Saukville, Jim Stuckert of Thiensville and Cathy Cabelka of Ozaukee Master Gardeners. 

Admission on Saturday will be $5 per person; children 5 and younger will be free.

Covid-19 precautions will be in place and will include “rigorous” cleaning, admissions will be taken outdoors, weather permitting, all patrons must use hand sanitizer before entering buildings, social distancing will be maintained.

Hand sanitizer and face coverings will be made available throughout the village. 

Restrooms will be locked and available on request. Water may be purchased at the admissions area.

Capacity will be limited to 50 people at one time.