Preserving Ephraim’s Places, Stories, and People.

The Ephraim Historical Foundation's vision is to faithfully preserve, sustain, and share the history, culture, and beauty of Ephraim.

  • Founded in 1949 as a not-for-profit organization, the mission of the Ephraim Historical Foundation is to:

    • Preserve and to foster preservation of historical monuments, buildings, structures, sites, and collections.

    • Act as a resource in support of cultural organizations and civic services within the Village of Ephraim and the community at large.

    • Act as a vehicle and custodian of financial contributions for the preservation of historic properties and collections.

    • Enrich the concept of Ephraim as a village of values for the enjoyment and understanding of our cultural traditions and natural beauty.

    • Share the heritage and stories of the people of Ephraim through research, outreach, and education.

  • Since 1949, the Ephraim Historical Foundation has been sustained by a dedicated community of members, donors, staff, and volunteers who believe in preserving Ephraim’s story. It is because of their collective passion and support that we are able to collect, care for, and share the priceless evidence of our village’s past. Together, our community ensures that Ephraim’s stories—and those of the generations who came before us—are preserved and shared for generations to come.

  • The Ephraim Historical Foundation stewards a collection of historic sites and museums that preserve the places where Ephraim’s history unfolded. Each building, artifact, and landscape offers a tangible connection to the people and stories that shaped our village. Through careful preservation and thoughtful interpretation, these sites invite visitors to experience Ephraim’s past and understand its lasting influence on our community today.

  • The Ephraim Historical Foundation’s archives and collections safeguard the documents, photographs, objects, and personal stories that tell Ephraim’s history in detail. These materials preserve everyday life as well as pivotal moments, offering invaluable insight into the people who built and shaped our community. Through careful stewardship and research access, our collections ensure Ephraim’s history remains preserved, studied, and shared for generations to come.

Our Historic Sties & Museums in Ephraim, Wisconsin

  • The Anderson Barn Museum

    Housed in a historic barn that once served Ephraim’s farming community, the Anderson Barn Museum brings local history to life through rotating exhibitions and immersive storytelling. The museum explores the people, traditions, and everyday experiences that shaped Ephraim and the surrounding area, connecting past and present in a space rooted in the village’s agricultural heritage.

  • The Anderson Store Museum

    The Anderson Store, a cornerstone of Ephraim since the 19th century, offers a glimpse into the village’s commercial past. Preserved as a historic general store, it showcases artifacts, merchandise, and stories that illustrate daily life, trade, and community in early Ephraim. Visiting the store connects guests to the rhythms of village life and the people who made Ephraim thrive.

  • The Pioneer Schoolhouse

    Step back in time at the Pioneer Schoolhouse, where Ephraim’s early students learned their lessons in a one-room school setting. Preserved to reflect 19th- and early 20th-century education, the schoolhouse offers a glimpse into the daily life, discipline, and community spirit of generations past. It’s a hands-on experience that brings local history to life for visitors of all ages.

  • The Goodletson Cabin

    The Goodletson Cabin, one of Ephraim’s earliest settler homes, offers a rare glimpse into pioneer life on the Door County peninsula. Preserved to reflect the daily routines, craftsmanship, and resourcefulness of the village’s first families, the cabin connects visitors with the challenges and triumphs of early Ephraim life. It’s a window into the past that tells the story of determination, community, and heritage.

  • The Historic Iverson House

    The Iverson House, a beautifully preserved historic home, offers a glimpse into Ephraim’s domestic life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. With carefully maintained interiors and period artifacts, the house tells the story of the families who lived, worked, and shaped the village. Visitors can explore daily life, traditions, and the personal histories that bring Ephraim’s past to life.

  • The Groenfeldt Stable

    The Groenfeldt Stable preserves a key piece of Ephraim’s agricultural heritage, showcasing the barns and structures that supported the village’s farming community. Visitors can explore the stable to see traditional tools, equipment, and the ingenuity of generations who worked the land. It’s a space that highlights the daily rhythms, labor, and resilience of early Ephraim life.

  • The Svalhus Research Library

    The Svalhus Research Library is a hub for exploring Ephraim’s history through documents, photographs, maps, and rare publications. Designed for researchers, students, and history enthusiasts, the library provides access to primary sources that illuminate the village’s past. It’s a place where stories, families, and events of Ephraim’s heritage are preserved, studied, and shared for generations to come.

Join Our Community of People Who Love Ephraim, Wisconsin

Regular Family Membership

Starting at an annual due of

$75

Your annual membership supports the Ephraim Historical Foundation’s mission to preserve, protect, and share our village’s history. Regular family members enjoy benefits such as free or discounted admission to our museums and historic sites, early access to events and programs, and exclusive updates on exhibitions and collections. Most importantly, your membership helps ensure that Ephraim’s stories and heritage are preserved and shared for generations to come.

Sign Up

✓ Personalized membership cards

✓Time Travelers reciprocal grogram

✓Invitations to openings and events

✓ Two yearly newsletters

✓ Monthly History Hub e-newsletter

✓ Annual membership directory

✓ 10% discount at the Anderson Store

✓ Free History Tram Tours

✓ Annual Report and voting privileges at the July Annual Meeting

✓ Access to “Members Only” Merchandise

From December 15th, 2025 to January 15th, 2026 all New Gift Family Memberships are 20% off!

Call our office at (920) 854-9688 for more info!

Gift a Membership This Year!

Tours & Programs

Tram Tours

Discover Ephraim’s past from the comfort of our guided History Tram Tours. Traveling through the village and along its historic sites, the tours highlight stories of early settlers, landmark buildings, and local traditions that shaped the community. It’s an engaging way to experience Ephraim’s history while enjoying the sights and stories that make our village unique.

May-October

The Ephraim Historical Foundation hosts a variety of community events that bring history, culture, and neighbors together. From seasonal celebrations and walking tours to special gatherings and fundraisers, these events provide opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate Ephraim’s unique heritage. They’re designed to engage residents and visitors alike while fostering a shared appreciation for our village’s past and present.

Year Round

Educational Programs

The Ephraim Historical Foundation offers a wide variety of educational programs throughout the year, designed for learners of all ages. From engaging SPARK! activities for people with early to mid-stage memory loss and their care partners, to hands-on Schoolhouse Lessons for kids and the History Speaks lecture series, there’s something for everyone to explore. These programs bring Ephraim’s history to life, fostering curiosity, connection, and a deeper understanding of our community’s past. 

Year Round

Community Events

The EHF Archives are available all year!

The Svalhus Research Library is open by appointment year-round for those interested in genealogy, business history, cultural history, and much more!

Call (920) 854-9688 or email info@ephraim.org today to make an appointment!