262-594-2922

friends@friendsoww.org

P.O. Box 347
Elkhorn, Wisconsin 53121

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Old World Foundation Celebrates our 40th Anniversary in 2024!

OWF News

Old World Foundation Celebrates our 40th Anniversary in 2024!
We invite you to join us in celebrating our 40th anniversary year. In 1984, a group of people founded Friends of Old World Wisconsin which was later incorporated and became Old World Foundation. This passionate group of people recognized that in order for Old World Wisconsin to become the premier Midwestern outdoor living history attraction, it would need additional support. Thanks to our Friends (those who support annually with an unrestricted gift) and the donors who give to specific projects and programs at OWW, Old World Foundation has gifted over $9 million to Old World Wisconsin since our inception. Each year, Old World Foundation helps to fill the gap between what OWW receives in state support and earned revenue and what it needs to complete certain projects and enhance programs including special events.

In 2024, the OWF Board of Trustees has voted to continue our financial sponsorship of Animal Encounters, Independence Days, Halloween Legends and Lore and Home For The Holidays. In addition, Old World Foundation will be providing financial support for the gardens, animals, historic buildings, and educational programming. Throughout the year we apply for grant funding and host an annual fundraiser, and work with corporate sponsors, but our greatest area of support comes from individuals who care about Old World Wisconsin and preserving history.

Please visit our Event page for more information about the engagement opportunities that Old World Foundation offers to our Friends and other partners. And, visit our Friend Partner page for information on how you can join our Friends Partner program and make a positive impact at OWW.

Also... SAVE THE DATE for our 6th Annual Sunset Soiree Celebration! More information will be available in June when the Chair of our Board of Trustees announces her Chair's Challenge to raise money for a specific project or program at OWW. Those who donate $250 or more receive an invitation for 2 people to join us for Sunset Soiree on the evening of August 10. Watch our short video to the right for more information.

More Articles!

For those who have may have missed previous articles about Old World Wisconsin and Old World Foundation, we've created a convenient archive so you can catch up on the news.

  • Old World Wisconsin's heritage livestock conservation efforts. Read the full press release. (June 12, 2023)
  • Sunset Soiree surpassed its goal to raise $35,000 to fund interior restoration and furnishings for the historic Wittnebel's Tavern. Read the full press release. (September 8, 2022)
  • Sunset Soiree Raises Funds for Historic Restoration Projects at Old World Wisconsin. Read the full press release. (July 3, 2019)
  • OWF Announces 2018-2019 Funding For Old World Wisconsin. Read the full press release. (November 22, 2019)
  • Preserving the Past and Bringing History to Life. Read the complete article from the Waukesha County Business Alliance.
  • OWF Announces 2019-2020 Funding for Old World Wisconsin. Read the full press release. (December 1, 2020)
  • Update on Fundraising Efforts. Read the full press release (September 1, 2021)

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Fiscal Year in Review

Sunset Soire

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