Sevastopol Historical Society
"There's no time like the present to preserve the past."
Our 2009 Sesquicentennial celebration was a terrific success! The following year, a group of people came forward and expressed an interest in collecting and preserving the Town's history. On Monday, March 14th 2011, there was an informational gathering and 25 people of various ages and interests met to establish the Sevastopol Historical Society, an avenue to remember the people, places and events from years gone by and begin collecting old-time photographs.
If you want to be involved in our effort to keep Sevastopol's history alive for future generations, please call the town office at 746-1230 for more information. Memberships are available: Individual $15, Family $25 and Associate (for businesses) $50. Even if you don't want to become an official member, feel free to attend one of our membership meeting to see what's going on and what plans are being made for future programs. Meetings are usually held once a month. Come see what we are all about!
PROGRAMS:
Members are in the process of formulating programs for 2013 and 2014. We are hoping for presentations in April, June, August and November this year. Specific topics and dates will be announced.
A special Veterans Day Program focusing on World War II veterans was held on Sunday, November 11th 2012 at the Sevastopol town hall. Participation was tremendous, with personal and recorded interviews, photographs and memorabilia from the W WWIIera.
All presentations and programs are free and refreshments are usually served. Unless otherwise noted, held at the Sevastopol town hall, 4528 State Highway 57 (Institute), approximately 5 miles north of Sturgeon Bay.
The following productions have been a great success, filling the town hall to capacity!
"Bassford Family History" was presented in September 2011. In 1859, area residents met at the Bassford home to form the Town of Sevastopol. George Bassford became Sevastopol’s first postmaster in 1874 and operated the post office from the log house originally located at the intersection of Highway 42 and County P. He was also an agricultural and political leader. The video presentation was narrated by Charlie Bassford and other family members, followed by a question and answer session. Everyone enjoyed coffee, cake & ice cream after the program.
"Logging Tools from the Late 1800s" was presented on February 19, 2012. Touch the past by learning about logging tools used in the mid to late 1800’s, the “Lumbering Era” for Door County. Lumberjacks Mike Madden and Pat Madden displayed and demonstrated tools of the trade and illustrated the enormous influence the lumber industry had on Door County and Sevastopol history. Guests were invited to bring an old tool along and share its history. Coffee and desserts followed the afternoon program.
"Memories of Our Door County Homemakers" 2012 marked the 100th anniversary of the University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension and on September 23rd 2012, we spent an afternoon with Ruth Scholz, one of the first Door County Extension Workers, to learn about the historical background and reflection on Door County Homemakers.