Six organizations in the Manitowoc area will offer a “Member Swap Weekend” from Thursday, May 14 through Sunday, May 17, allowing members of each participating museum to visit the other five at no charge. The event includes Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center, Manitowoc County Historical Society, Wisconsin Maritime Museum, Hamilton Wood-Type & Printing Museum, The Rahr-West Art Museum and Woodland Dunes Nature Center and Preserve.
The event is designed to give members of these institutions an opportunity to explore the region’s heritage, maritime history, printing history, artwork, natural landscapes and agricultural background. Each organization will have its own hours during the swap weekend. Admission is granted by showing a membership card at walk-up; how many people are admitted depends on membership level.
Each museum offers different experiences. Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center features interactive agricultural exhibits and a birthing barn where visitors may see calves born daily. The Manitowoc County Historical Society covers 60 acres with over 30 historic structures such as Shadyside School and Collins Depot. At the Wisconsin Maritime Museum—described as the Midwest’s largest maritime museum—visitors can tour the restored WWII submarine USS COBIA or learn about shipbuilding history. Hamilton Wood-Type & Printing Museum houses what it calls “the world’s greatest collection of type” across more than 40,000 square feet. The Rahr-West Art Museum displays works by artists including Picasso and Georgia O’Keeffe inside a Victorian mansion with an adjoining modern wing. Woodland Dunes Nature Center and Preserve contains forests and prairies considered globally significant wildlife habitat.
Organizers say anyone with a valid membership card from one of these museums can participate in free admission during this period; family memberships require one card per person for entry. Additional charges may apply for some special experiences at each location.
Non-members are encouraged to join any of these six organizations to take part in Member Swap Weekend or access other benefits throughout the year.
More information about Member Swap Weekend is available at the Manitowoc County Historical Society website.
