Washington Island Ferry Eyrarbakki leaves Northport in Door County, June 17, 2024. PC: Fox 11 Online
DOOR COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — It bills itself as a time to celebrate the past, and the heritage that can be found in parts of Northeast Wisconsin.
“We want to promote a love of history, and a knowledge of history. And we’re so rich in Door County,” said Nina Botting Herbst, Heritage Alliance of Door County President.
The 3rd annual Door County History Days kicked off Monday morning, aboard one of the vessels with the Washington Island Ferry, called Eyrarbakki.
“It started as a joke. I kind of said, wouldn’t it be great if we had the launch on the ferry?” asked Botting Herbst.
The on board crowd consists of citizens, lawmakers, and non-profit group officials.
“And it provides an opportunity for all these organizations to actually talk about what they do, and who they are. And all the different history that you find in Door County,” said Botting Herbst.
Tourism leaders say there is an impact on the local economy.
“In 2023, we had $53.6 million dollars that were contributed through the recreation, arts and culture, and history experiences,” said Julie Gilbert, Destination Door County President and CEO.
Julie Gilbert History Days is a chance to experience something new. The Jackson Harbor Maritime Museum, can be found on the northeast part of Washington Island.
“So somebody who is visiting Door County can not only enjoy the outdoor recreation, but really have those other experiences that give a full understanding of our culture and history. And of why and who Door County is,” she said.
Historian Nina Botting Herbst agrees.
“Because our stories. And that’s what it is. It’s talking about how we got here. And I find learning history really just informs us as people now,” she said.
Door County History Days wraps up on Sunday.
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