Mount Horeb Area Historical Society’s Driftless Historium
Biographical Info
Nestled in the heart of charming Mount Horeb, the Driftless Historium History Center & Gift Shop is a fun and educational destination that has something for everyone. The three-building facility is the base of operations for the Mount Horeb Area Historical Society. It is open daily, Sunday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Stroll through the main exhibit hall, where you’ll experience the story of the unique and beautiful Driftless Area; check out what’s new at the special exhibits gallery; take a virtual tour of the Mount Horeb area (including Little Norway’s former 1893 Norway Building, Springdale Lutheran Church and Rare Earth Farm’s historic Brusveen dairy barn) at our 3D kiosk; partake in some retail therapy in our fully-stocked gift shop and bookstore; enjoy a scoop (or two!) of our exclusive hand-scooped Trollway Creamery ice creams (Troll Tracks, anyone?); and snap a selfie with our “American Gothic”-inspired trolls.
The gift shop carries an impressive array of items, from vintage-inspired toys and kitchenware, ethnic gifts, yard art and cast iron statuary, oil lamps, sassy t-shirts, jewelry and more. And a colony of trolls waiting to join your family! (We specialize in carrying an array of genuine, vintage, crazy-haired trolls, scouted from personal collections, estate sales, basements and attics.)
Our notable book selection features local authors and histories, Wisconsin-themed titles, children’s books and miscellaneous other tomes chosen to entertain and enlighten.
Check out the current special exhibit, “Creators, Collectors & Community: Making Ethnic Identity through Objects,” that explores the muddy roots and colorful characters who shaped Mount Horeb’s current fame as the “Troll Capital of the World.”
Guided tours are available, personalized to your group size and interests. With advance notice, we are happy to incorporate behind-the-scenes excursions!
Genealogists, historians and researchers are encouraged to take advantage of the Society’s expansive archival and artifact holdings. Forty years of collecting the physical remnants of southwestern Dane County’s history have resulted in a carefully maintained repository of over 25,000 photographs, area tax rolls, family and individual papers, subject files, local artwork and other paper materials, and a 4,000 square foot, climate-controlled storage area housing a multi-faceted three-dimensional collection. Research appointments and/or commissioned research is available by request and coordination with staff.
The Driftless Historium calendar includes special events and programs for all ages. For the most up-to-date information and listings visit mthorebhistory.org or facebook.com/MtHorebHistory/, or call 608-437-6486. We’ll see you soon!
