Foundation
Grants and Partnerships
Old World Wisconsin relies on the generosity of foundations who award grants to Old World Wisconsin through Old World Foundation.
1880s Wagon Shop
Each year, thousands of children visit Old World Wisconsin with their families or on a school-sponsored field trip. Children often learn best when they are involved in “doing” or creating. The 1880s wagon shop is perfectly suited for a project of this type because of its original use as a tinkering space and side business for Norwegian immigrant farmer Anders Pedersen (Andrew Peterson) of nearby Whitewater, Wisconsin.
Pedersen worked as a farmer; however, his prior experience in a wagon factory allowed him to take on extra work building, repairing, and finishing wagons and other farm equipment using factory-made parts. The wagon shop was equipped with a blacksmithing forge, so Pedersen could fashion or repair metal fittings and wheel parts, in addition to woodworking and painting/finishing.
If you visited OWW this past season, you have seen how the space has been transformed into an interactive makers’ space that allows visitors to become immersed in the experience.
In addition, the Maihaugen Foundation is funding the transformation of the space inside the Ward School building into an interactive space primarily for younger children. Watch for updates on this project as the 2025 season progresses.
Recognition
We are grateful to the grant-making foundations who supported Old World Wisconsin through Old World Foundation with a grant award during our last (9 month) fiscal year.:
A - G
Anonymous; Brookbank Foundation: Charles and MaryAnn LaBahn; Derse Foundation; Four-Four Foundation; Greater Milwaukee Foundation Funds: Anthony and Andrea Bryant Fund and The Ceres Foundation Fund
H - M
The Evan and Marion Helfaer Foundation; The Herb Society of America - Wisconsin Unit; Kettle Moraine Garden Club; The Arthur C. Koots Foundation; The Camille A. Lonstorf Trust; LUMW Foundation; Maihaugen Foundation
P - W
The Janice and Raymond Perry Community Fund Inc.; Melitta S. and Joan M. Pick Charitable Trust; Segal Family Foundation
Welcome to Wagon Works at the 1880s Wagon Shop!
This is a fully interactive maker's space! Be aware that there will be loud noises and it may be crowded. Each space has directions posted on what to do, please make sure that you clean up after yourself so that the space is ready for the next wheelwright!
Design and Build
When you step into the shop, you will explore the different parts that make a wagon. Begin with the Design Area to your left. Grab a piece of paper and a pencil and draw your own wagon!
Continuing to your right. These are the materials that were used to build wagons. And you can also explore the wheels of a wagon.
