About the Society
Formed in 1965 to preserve the grounds, the buildings, and the story of Wisconsin's first German settlement.
Our mission
"To glorify and give thanks to God, and to share the knowledge of what He has done for us thus far."
The Trinity Freistadt Historical Society operates and maintains the historical portions of the Trinity Freistadt grounds. Putting on events each year, the society hosts reenactments, demonstrations, picnics, and concerts — and publishes the books that keep the Pomeranian emigration story available to researchers and descendants.
Who we are
The society was formed in 1965 and celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2025. We are an all-volunteer organization of members, descendants, neighbors, and friends of Freistadt — bakers of the Fourth of July bread, firers of the forge, guides in the buildings, and keepers of the archive.
The historic site sits on the grounds of Trinity Lutheran Church of Freistadt, the congregation founded by the settlers in 1839 and still worshiping in its 1884 church. The society works hand in hand with the congregation: the church owns the land, and the society preserves and interprets its historic village of thirteen buildings.
Membership & volunteering
Interested in becoming a member or lending a hand? There is a job for every interest — event help, building care, exhibits, research, music, baking. Use the contact form and we'll get you connected.