On Saturday, October 14, the Hoard Historical Museum in Fort Atkinson will be hosting their annual “Gov. Hoard Day.” Gov. W.D. Hoard, a resident of Fort Atkinson, was a Civil War veteran, the 16th governor of Wisconsin and founder of W.D. Hoard’s & Sons, which published the Daily Jefferson County Union newspaper and Hoard’s Dairyman magazine.
October 10 was designated Gov. W.D. Hoard Day as a state holiday by Gov. Doyle in 2010. The Hoard Museum is celebrating the day the following Saturday.
The afternoon programs will explore the history of the Civil War. W.D. Hoard enlisted twice for the Northern Army in Wisconsin and New York.
From 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., join Civil War reenactors for military drills and learn more about the average daily experience of Civil War soldiers. Civil War soldiers drilled, or marching in formation, to practice the skills that they would need in battle. Drills taught soldiers to function as a group. Come join our reenactors as they drill on the lawn, weather permitting, and learn about the skills needed by a Civil War infantryman plus more.
All scheduled programming will occur in the Jones Family Gallery.
The event is free and open to the public. There will also be refreshments in honor of Gov. W.D. Hoard’s 187th birthday. Hoard was a Civil War veteran, governor of Wisconsin, and started the Jefferson County Union (1870) and Hoard’s Dairyman (1885), both of which still have ties to Fort Atkinson.
Date and Time
Saturday Oct 14, 2023
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM CDT
Saturday, 10/14
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location
Hoard Historical Museum
401 Whitewater Avenue
Fort Atkinson
Fees/Admission
Free! Donations accepted.