Ephraim's History

Ephraim Historical Foundation

3060 Anderson Lane
PO Box 165
Ephraim, WI 54211
Phone: (920) 854-9688
Fax: (920) 854-7232
Email: info@ephraim.org
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Ephraim Historical Foundation

The Ephraim Historical Foundation was founded in 1949 with the purpose to sustain the beauty of Ephraim of the enjoyment of residents, guests, and visitors; preserve and foster preservation of historical monuments, buildings, structures, sites, documents, and relics; and foster the development of cultural services including libraries, art, historical museums, adult education and other civic services especially within the Village of Ephraim, but also including the state of Wisconsin.

The Ephraim Village Museums is the public face of the Ephraim Historical Foundation.  The Foundation currently maintains five historical museum buildings – the Anderson Barn History Center, the Anderson Store, the Pioneer Schoolhouse, the Goodletson Cabin, and the Historic Iverson House.  Museum buildings are open to the public from mid-June through early October.  The Ephraim Historical Foundation office is located at the Anderson Barn History Center.

Anderson Barn History Center (1880), 3060 Anderson Lane

Restored in 1990, the Anderson Barn History Center tells of Ephraim’s past through photographs, artwork, artifacts, and stories.  The featured exhibit for the 2007 season is “Bethany Lutheran Church, 1882-2007: 125 Years of Service and Devotion in Ephraim.”  A hands-on family exhibit in the Hayloft provides fun for all ages and takes visitors through activities of a century ago.  Also, be sure to see our newest addition to the Barn -- an interactive touchscreen exhibit that takes visitors through the history of transportation in Door County!

Anderson Store Museum (1858), 10049 Water Street (at Anderson Dock)

Operated by the Anderson family until 1958, this building was the center of Ephraim business for over 100 years.  Today, the Anderson Store retains the appearance of an early 20th century general store, featuring shelves full of merchandise from days gone by.  Chat with storekeepers about the way business was done and perhaps make a purchase of your own: the store sells many items including old-fashioned candy, books on Ephraim and its history, historical postcards, and more.

Pioneer Schoolhouse (1880) and Goodletson Cabin (1850’s), 9998 Moravia Street

The one-room Pioneer school was used by the children of Ephraim until 1948.  Come and learn about school life in early Ephraim!  The Goodletson Cabin, originally built on Horseshoe Island, was home the large family of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Goodletson and today reflects living conditions of pioneer life in Ephraim.

Historic Iverson House (1854), 9966 Moravia Street

Built in 1853 by Rev. Andreas Iverson, this structure served as the parsonage, the first church, and school.  Constructed in Norwegian style, the lower level was used to shelter domestic animals.  It is one of the earliest known frame homes in Door County.  The Iverson House was restored by the Ephraim Historical Foundation and reopened as a museum in 2006.  It has been restored to 1885 based on the letters of Anna Petterson, the third minister’s wife to live in the house.

Hours and Admission Information

The Ephraim Village Museums open for the 2008 season on Friday, June 13!

Summer Hours:

All Buildings:
Tuesday through Saturday
June 13 – August 30
11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Historic Walking Tours (summer): Tuesday through Friday at 10:30 am,
Tours start from the Anderson Barn

Fall Hours:

All Buildings:
Friday and Saturday
September 5 – October 11
11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Historic Walking Tours (Fall, New for 2008): Wednesdays and Fridays, starting at 10:30 am from the Anderson Store

Admission Prices: $5 for adults, $3 for students aged 6-18, under 6 free
Price of admission includes entrance to all buildings and Historic Walking Tour

For more information, call (920) 854-9688 or visit our website, www.ephraim.org

Ask us about our NEW self-guided audio tours!