A New Chapter in Our Mission
Updates on Friends of Old Falls Village and the future ahead
• Friends of Old Falls Village is continuing.
• All three remaining 2026 events are still scheduled.
• The Renaissance Faire remains on the calendar.
• Planning is underway for 2027 and beyond.
Friends of Old Falls Village is entering an important new chapter. As discussions continue regarding the possible future of Old Falls Village Park, we want our supporters, volunteers, visitors, and community partners to know that our organization is continuing, our mission remains unchanged, and our remaining 2026 events will be held as planned.
As the new chapter begins, we start with a new logo. More to come next week.
A New Chapter Begins
From Friends of Old Falls Village to the
Heritage and History Guild
Every great organization reaches a moment when its name no longer tells its whole story.
For years, Friends of Old Falls Village has brought history to life through living-history events, educational programs, family festivals, traditional crafts, music, and immersive experiences. Thousands of visitors have walked through military encampments, spoken with historical interpreters, watched skilled artisans at work, and discovered that history comes alive when it is experienced firsthand.
Those experiences have been made possible by an extraordinary community of volunteers, reenactors, educators, veterans, sponsors, partners, and supporters who share a passion for preserving our heritage.
As our programming continued to grow, we recognized something important.
Our mission had grown beyond the boundaries of a single location.
While Old Falls Village will always remain an important part of our history, the work we do is about much more than one park. Our purpose is to preserve, share, and celebrate the stories, traditions, arts, and experiences that have shaped our communities—wherever those opportunities exist.
That realization inspired a new identity.
Welcome to the Heritage and History Guild
The Heritage and History Guild represents the next chapter in our organization’s history.
It reflects who we have become:
A community of historians, storytellers, educators, and volunteers.
A home for reenactors, artisans, musicians, and living-history interpreters.
An organization dedicated to educational programming and cultural experiences.
A collaborative partner working with museums, parks, schools, nonprofits, civic organizations, and communities throughout the region.
A nonprofit committed to preserving heritage while making history engaging, accessible, and memorable for all ages.
Our new name provides the flexibility to grow while remaining true to the values that have guided us from the beginning.
Our Mission Remains the Same
Although our name has changed, our mission has not.
We believe history should be experienced—not simply observed.
Whether through Revolutionary War encampments, World War II living history, Vietnam programs, Renaissance Faire, Pirate Fest, educational school days, traditional crafts, music, museums, or cultural festivals, our purpose remains to create experiences that educate, inspire, and bring communities together.
We will continue developing programs that honor veterans, preserve traditional skills, celebrate local heritage, and encourage families to learn together.
Looking Forward
The Heritage and History Guild is built on a simple idea:
History belongs to everyone.
As we continue to grow, we look forward to building new partnerships, exploring new opportunities, and bringing living history and cultural programming to even more communities.
This is not the end of our story.
It is the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
We invite you to follow our journey, attend our events, volunteer, become a member, and help us preserve the stories that connect us all.
Together, we will continue bringing history to life—for this generation and the next.
Community Impact at a Glance
● 9,000+ annual visitors each year (6,000+ attendees to our events alone)
● Thousands of volunteer hours
● More than a dozen annual public programs
● Educational partnerships and veterans programs
● Family-friendly events for all ages
● ADA improvements benefiting all visitors
● Community rentals and public use
● Volunteers from throughout southeastern Wisconsin
● Partnerships with schools, businesses, civic groups, and nonprofits
● 47,000 website visitors in 2025 and over 30,000 visitors in 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Friends of Old Falls Village shutting down?
No. Friends of Old Falls Village is continuing and preparing for the next chapter of the organization.
Are your remaining 2026 events still happening?
Yes. Our three remaining events this year will be held as planned at Old Falls Village.
Is the 1960s Era Vietnam Living History Reenactment still on?
Yes. The upcoming 1960s Era Vietnam Living History Reenactment remains scheduled and will take place as planned.
Will the organization continue if the park changes hands?
Yes. Friends of Old Falls Village is continuing, and planning is already underway for future events, future branding, and a future location.
Has a new location been selected?
Not yet. Our Board of Directors is evaluating several promising sites for a future home beginning in 2027.
Will there be a new name?
Yes. We expect to introduce a new name and brand that better reflect the organization’s future direction and expanded mission.
Is the mission changing?
No. Our mission remains centered on preserving history, providing immersive educational experiences, supporting reenactments, and serving the community.
How can supporters stay informed?
We will share updates in the coming weeks regarding our future location, new name, upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and ways to support the organization.
How can people continue to support the organization?
Supporters can continue helping by attending events, volunteering, sharing updates, and encouraging the organization during this transition.
Thank You for Your Support
Friends of Old Falls Village remains committed to preserving, sharing, and bringing history to life for our community. We are deeply grateful for the support, encouragement, and dedication of our volunteers, visitors, donors, reenactors, veterans, and community partners as we move into this next chapter together.