new berlin historical park - New Berlin, WI
I've driven by the New Berlin Historical Park several times over the past few years. Each time I'd think, I should check this out. Well, last week I finally did. Though the buildings and museum were not open for tours, the grounds are open to the public every day.
Surrounded by trees and valleys, the park resides in the Prospect Hill Settlement Historic District. There are six buildings located on the south side of National Avenue, along with the neighboring New Berlin Historical Society Museum. Across the street to the north, are the historic Freewill Baptist Church, and the Weston Antique Apple Orchard, along with the Alice Weston Memorial Garden, and the Isabelle Weston Memorial Trail (through the apple orchard).
Most of the buildings in the park did not originate at this location, but were moved to preserve the history of the area. There are signs on each building giving a brief history, and the original location. For example, the Church-Winton-Martin home was moved to the park in 2001. Built in 1845, it was the home of New Berlin's first postmaster, Daniel Lindsey Church. In 1866 the home was purchased by Theodore S. Winton, the next postmaster. His daughter, Theodora Winton Youmans, was a noted leader in the Wisconsin Women Suffrage Organization, and was crucial in helping to ratify the suffrage amendment in Wisconsin.
Prospect Hill School was a one-room all grade school, originally built in 1863. It changed roles and locations a couple times through the years, and was donated to the Historical Society in 1995 by the current owners. The original blackboards and windows remain intact. During open house events, you can step inside and imagine what it was like to attend the school more than 150 years ago.
There are multiple events hosted at the park throughout the year. The next upcoming event is HISTORIC DAY. The event is currently scheduled for September 12, from Noon to 4 p.m. Buildings will be open for tours. For more information, visit the Historical Society of New Berlin events page.
Location: 19765 W. National Ave., New Berlin, WI (Waukesha County)
For more information, click here.
Surrounded by trees and valleys, the park resides in the Prospect Hill Settlement Historic District. There are six buildings located on the south side of National Avenue, along with the neighboring New Berlin Historical Society Museum. Across the street to the north, are the historic Freewill Baptist Church, and the Weston Antique Apple Orchard, along with the Alice Weston Memorial Garden, and the Isabelle Weston Memorial Trail (through the apple orchard).
Most of the buildings in the park did not originate at this location, but were moved to preserve the history of the area. There are signs on each building giving a brief history, and the original location. For example, the Church-Winton-Martin home was moved to the park in 2001. Built in 1845, it was the home of New Berlin's first postmaster, Daniel Lindsey Church. In 1866 the home was purchased by Theodore S. Winton, the next postmaster. His daughter, Theodora Winton Youmans, was a noted leader in the Wisconsin Women Suffrage Organization, and was crucial in helping to ratify the suffrage amendment in Wisconsin.
Prospect Hill School was a one-room all grade school, originally built in 1863. It changed roles and locations a couple times through the years, and was donated to the Historical Society in 1995 by the current owners. The original blackboards and windows remain intact. During open house events, you can step inside and imagine what it was like to attend the school more than 150 years ago.
There are multiple events hosted at the park throughout the year. The next upcoming event is HISTORIC DAY. The event is currently scheduled for September 12, from Noon to 4 p.m. Buildings will be open for tours. For more information, visit the Historical Society of New Berlin events page.
Location: 19765 W. National Ave., New Berlin, WI (Waukesha County)
For more information, click here.
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