History Speaks is an evening lecture series hosted by the Ephraim Historical Foundation. Held monthly during the summer, these engaging evening programs feature guest speakers and experts who explore a wide range of topics related to Ephraim's rich heritage and broader historical themes. Each session offers attendees a unique opportunity to connect with history through compelling narratives and discussions. Whether you are a longtime resident or a visitor to Door County, we invite you to deepen your understanding of the area's past and its connections to the present. This program is free and open to all.
More details on our 2026 History Speaks lectures below!
Tuesday, June 2nd at 6:00pm
Location: TBD
Join us for an engaging presentation by Northern Sky Theater. Beloved Doc Heide will present on the history and life of one of Northern Sky’s co-founders, Fred Alley.
Thursday, June 25th at 6:00pm
Location: Ephraim Village Hall
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, we will be sharing a clip of Ken Burns’ documentary: The American Revolution. After the screening, a presentation will follow. More details coming soon!.
Corporate funding for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by Bank of America. Major funding was provided by The Better Angels Society and its members Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine with the Crimson Lion Foundation; and the Blavatnik Family Foundation. Major funding was also provided by David M. Rubenstein; The Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Family Foundation; Lilly Endowment Inc.; and the following Better Angels Society members: Eric and Wendy Schmidt; Stephen A. Schwarzman; and Kenneth C. Griffin with Griffin Catalyst. Additional support for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by: The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations; The Pew Charitable Trusts; Gilbert S. Omenn and Martha A. Darling; Park Foundation; and the following Better Angels Society members: Gilchrist and Amy Berg; Perry and Donna Golkin; The Michelson Foundation; Jacqueline B. Mars; Kissick Family Foundation; Diane and Hal Brierley; John H. N. Fisher and Jennifer Caldwell; John and Catherine Debs; The Fullerton Family Charitable Fund; Philip I. Kent; Gail Elden; Deborah and Jon Dawson; David and Susan Kreisman; The McCloskey Family Charitable Trust; Becky and Jim Morgan; Carol and Ned Spieker; Mark A. Tracy; and Paul and Shelley Whyte. THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was made possible, in part, with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Tuesday, July 21st at 6:00pm
Location: Ephraim Village Hall
As we embrace concepts of liberty and freedom in our celebration of America’s 250th, we look forward to hosting local author Thomas Davis. Davis penned our July Book Club read: In the Unsettled Homeland of Dreams and will share the research and process of writing this incredible historical fiction novel. More information on our book club available here.
Tuesday, August 18th at 6:00pm
Location: Ephraim Village Hall
Our August History Speaks will showcase a presentation by Michael Stevens who is a WI State Historian Emeritus. He will be talking about early pioneer settlers in Wisconsin. This is based on his most recent book “The Making of Pioneer Wisconsin: Voices of Early Settlers” that was published by the WI Historical Society Press.