Step back in time by visiting the Ephraim Historical Foundation Museum Buildings.
Our Historic Sites
Anderson Barn Museum
Come and see the inside of the original Anderson Barn. The barn was built around 1880 and is home to a changing exhibit of the EHF collection each year.
In 2009, the EHF added the ARC (Archival Research Center) which house the archives, administration offices, climate-controlled storage, and a conference room.
Location: 3060 Anderson Lane, Ephraim, WI 54211
Open May 25th - October 12th
Svalhus Research Library
Originally built around 1890 and owned by Peter Peterson, “Svalhus” roughly translates form Norwegian as “cool house” or “cooling House.” It was donated to the EHF in 1995 by Ned and Natalie Nedderson.
In 2018, the Svalhus was converted into a research library to allow more access to our collections. Visitors are able to conduct research on local history and genealogy using EHF archival resources, including books, newspapers, and other collections.
Location: 3060 Anderson Lane, Ephraim, WI 54211
You can schedule an appointment here.
Anderson Store Museum
The Anderson Store was one of Ephraim’s original general stores. It was run by the Aslag Anderson family for almost 100 years.
Come step back in time and see many of the everyday items that were sold at the store. Don’t forget also pick up a few souvenirs, historical books, or old-fashioned candy while you are there too!
Location: 3081 Anderson Lane, Ephraim, WI 54211
Open May 25th - October 12th
Pioneer Schoolhouse and Goodletson Cabin
The Pioneer Schoolhouse was built in 1880. It served grades 1-8 and the students ages ranged from 4-20 years old because of sporadic attendance.
In 1949, the Pioneer Schoolhouse was closed as anew school was built in Ephraim. Helen Sohns, a former teacher of the Pioneer Schoolhouse, worked with a close friend, Warren Davis, to preserve the Pioneer Schoolhouse and in turn creating the Ephraim Historical Foundation.
Today the Schoolhouse is set up as it would have looked in 1939.
The Goodletson Cabin was built around 1855 on Eagle Island (present day Horseshoe Island) by Norwegian immigrant Thomas Goodletson and his family. It was skidded across the ice in the 1860s to the foot of the bay.
The cabin is early pioneer design with flat-hewn logs and dovetail corners.
In 1974, the cabin was given to the EHF, who relocated and restored it.
Location: 9998 Moravia Street, Ephraim, WI 54211
Open May 25th - October 12th
Iverson House Museum and Groenfeldt Stable
The Iverson House was built in 1853 by Andreas Iverson. It is the oldest frame house in northern Door County.
The Iverson House is interpreted to the year 1885, based off the letters then resident Anna Petterson wrote home to her mother in Europe.
In 2002, the EHF bought the property and by 2005 the Iverson House was restored and open to the public as a museum.
The Groenfeldt Stable was built in the 1860s by Pastor J.J. Groenfeldt, who bought the Iverson House when he took over the pastorate from Revered Iverson in 1854. This building is currently under restoration.
Location: 9966 Moravia Street, Ephraim, WI 54211
Open May 25th - October 12th