Trinity Freistadt Historical Society

The Trinity Freistadt Historical Society is a heritage organization established in 1965 that preserves and shares the history of Wisconsin's first German settlement. It maintains a historic site of twelve buildings at 11856 N. Church Place, including an 1884 church and a log cabin, and carries out its work through reenactments, publications, and community events.

The society offers tours of twelve historic buildings during specific events like the Freistadt 4th of July and the Ice Cream Social. Visitors can also arrange private and group tours for school clubs, family reunions, or other organizations by calling (262) 242-0724 or sending a message to the society.

Admission to the historic site is by donation, and the society provides limited archival research services for genealogy or research questions. Interested individuals can learn more about membership or volunteering opportunities by using the contact form on the website.

The historic site features twelve buildings, including a working blacksmith shop, a bake oven capable of baking up to 40 loaves of bread, and a smokehouse for curing meats. These structures help demonstrate the food-preparation methods and daily life of the original Pomeranian settlers.

The society hosts an annual July 4th tradition featuring the Freistadt Alte Kameraden Band, a tradition that dates back to 1845. They also publish books and DVDs about the Pomeranian immigration story for researchers and descendants.

The society is currently raising funds to build a timber-frame Exhibition Barn to house its collection. This project is part of their ongoing efforts to preserve and display the history of the settlement.

The historic site is located at 11856 N. Church Place in Mequon, Wisconsin, and the mailing address for checks and orders is 10729 W. Freistadt Rd., Mequon, WI 53097. The society can be contacted by phone at (262) 242-0724.

The society was formed in 1965 and celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2025. It operates as an all-volunteer organization with members, descendants, neighbors, and friends who contribute to various aspects of the site's preservation and interpretation.

The society works hand in hand with Trinity Lutheran Church of Freistadt, which owns the land. The church was founded by the settlers in 1839 and still worships in its 1884 church, while the society preserves the historic village of twelve buildings.

The society's mission is to glorify and give thanks to God and to share the knowledge of what He has done for them. They aim to keep the Pomeranian emigration story available to researchers and descendants through their publications and events.

The society offers a variety of volunteer roles, including event help, building care, exhibits, research, music, and baking. These opportunities are open to anyone interested in contributing to the preservation of the historic site.

The society provides limited archival research services for those interested in genealogy or historical research. They encourage visitors to send a message with their specific research questions to get connected with the right resources.

The society's website mentions a special event featuring Abigail Adams on Monday, November 16, 2026, which is a living-history evening about the revolution and early days of Washington, D.C. This event is free to attend.

The society's Facebook page is used to announce open-house afternoons and other updates. Visitors are encouraged to check Facebook or call ahead to confirm regular hours, as they are subject to change.

The society's archive includes a variety of items such as a loom, changing displays, and a theater shed. The barn also holds a loom and changing displays, making it a regular stop for school groups spending a day on the grounds in period dress.