As our country manages the COVID-19 pandemic and with continuing uncertainty for the remainder of the year, a decision was made to offer all of the Enrichment Programs virtually until January 2, 2021. We will utilize Zoom to continue offering interesting programs, giving us the flexibility to provide rich and interesting speakers, topics and content while keeping the public safe.
A Toast to Titanic Heroes
A Zoom Cocktail Session Celebrating the Heroes of One of the World's Biggest Disasters
Veronica Hinke
Dual Series offered Thursday, June 11 and June 25, 7-8 pm
Cost is $16 per person, for the dual series, and free to members
Mix up an Edwardian cocktail and raise a glass to some of the most inspiring heroes in history! Wausau native Veronica Hinke will talk about some of the brave and selfless survivors featured in her book "The Last Night on The Titanic: Unsinkable Drinking, Dining & Style" (Regnery 2019). "I've been thinking more than ever before lately about the people who put others before themselves even during those hours full of fear. I'm incredibly inspired by these stories, and I want to share them so they can inspire, especially during these uncertain times," Veronica said. Veronica's presentation will showcase the courageous acts of Margaret Brown (the "Unsinkable Molly Brown"), Edith Rosenbaum Russell, first violinist John Hume, Chief Baker Charles Joughin, and Merrill, Wisconsin popcorn vendor Daniel Coxon ("Popcorn Dan"). Pop a bowl of popcorn & stir up one of these mouthwatering Edwardian cocktail recipes from Veronica's book:
The Robert Burns
2 oz. blended Scotch whiskey 1 oz. vermouth 2 dashes absinthe 1 dash Regans’ Orange Bitters No. 6 lemon twist, for garnish shortbread cookie on side
Combine whiskey, vermouth, absinthe, and bitters into a cocktail shaker filled with ice and stir for 30 seconds. Strain mixture into a chilled Martini glass.
—Frank Caiafa, The Waldorf Astoria Bar Book
Short Bread Cookie (for the Robert Burns “garnish”)
(Makes 7 dozen cookies) 1 lb. butter 10 Tablespoons sugar 2 Tablespoons water 4 teaspoons vanilla 4 cups flour 1 teaspoon salt 2 cups ground pecans (optional) 4 cups powdered sugar (optional)
Using a hand-held mixer, cream together butter, sugar, water, and vanilla, gradually adding in flour and salt. Cream until mixture is fluffy and light. Add vanilla and water. Add pecans if desired. Mix together well. Roll cookie dough in your hands into 1-inch balls. Place balls evenly apart on buttered cookie sheet. Use the palm of your hand to press down each ball. Bake in 325 degree oven for twenty minutes. When cool, place powdered sugar on a plate and coat each cookie in powdered sugar.
—Jeanne Hinke (Wausau)
The Bronx (Old Waldorf-Astoria Bar Days Version)
1½ oz. Plymouth gin ¾ oz. Martini and Rossi sweet vermouth ¾ oz. Noilly Prat extra dry vermouth 2 orange peels (two 1-by-2-inch peels, snapped to release oils, then added to mixing glass) 1 dash Regans’ Orange Bitters No. 6
Add all ingredients to mixing glass. Add ice and stir for 30 seconds. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with orange peel.
—Frank Caiafa, The Waldorf Astoria Bar Book
The Clover Club (Pretty & Pink!)
1½ oz. gin ½ oz. lemon juice 1 egg white ½ oz. raspberry syrup
Dry shake ingredients to emulsify, add ice, shake, and serve straight up.
— XIX Restaurant, the Bellevue Hotel, Philadelphia (popularized worldwide at Titanic First Class Passenger John Jacob Astor IV's Waldorf=Astoria Hotel in New York City
Rob Roy
12-year-old blended Scotch whiskey 1 oz. Dolin de Chambery sweet vermouth 2 dashes Regans’ Orange Bitters No. 6
Add all ingredients to mixing glass. Add ice and stir for 30 seconds. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon peel.
—Frank Caiafa, The Waldorf Astoria Bar Book
Note: To make a dry Rob Roy, instead of sweet vermouth, use ¾ oz. dry vermouth. To achieve a perfect Rob Roy, use ½ oz. of each.
Old Abe or Old Abigail?: Using DNA to Determine the Gender of the Famous Civil War Eagle - Virtual Program on Zoom
Russell Horton
Saturday, June 20, 1:30 pm
Old Abe was the famous bald eagle mascot of the 8th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment during the Civil War. Following the war, the eagle lived in the State Capitol and became a nationally known symbol of the Union, appearing at veterans events around the country. But twenty years after Old Abe died, a controversy arose as to whether the eagle was male or female. Witnesses recounted seeing Old Abe lay eggs while others vehemently denied the possibility that the eagle was female. Newspapers around the country picked up on this story, but there was no way to resolve the issue. Find out how the Wisconsin Veterans Museum and University of Wisconsin scientists used twenty-first century technology to finally answer this question. The cost is $8, and free to Museum Members and children five and under. Please call to register for this program, 920-236-5799.
Women Who Dared - Virutal program on Zoom
Saturday, June 27, 1:30 pm
Jessica Michna
Cristabel and Emmeline Pankhurst, Susan B. Anthony, Emma Davisson, Elisabeth Cady Stanton; some names you may recognize, others you may not. In this program, Jessica Michna appears as …HERSELF! You will learn of these and other women (and men) who championed the cause of woman’s suffrage in this country and overseas in the late 19th and early 20th century. You will learn of the protests, jailing, victories, and defeats culminating with the signature of President Woodrow Wilson that would forever give women the right to vote. The cost is $8, and free to Museum Members and children five and under. Please call to register for this program, 920-236-5799.
Cristabel and Emmeline Pankhurst, Susan B. Anthony, Emma Davisson, Elisabeth Cady Stanton; some names you may recognize, others you may not. In this program, Jessica Michna appears as …HERSELF! You will learn of these and other women (and men) who championed the cause of woman’s suffrage in this country and overseas in the late 19th and early 20th century. You will learn of the protests, jailing, victories, and defeats culminating with the signature of President Woodrow Wilson that would forever give women the right to vote. The cost is $8, and free to Museum Members and children five and under. Please call to register for this program, 920-236-5799.
Endurance - Virtual Program on Zoom 
Saturday, November 14 1:30 pm
Rochelle Pennington
Pennington traveled to the countries of England and Scotland to research Sir Ernest Shackleton’s epic 1914 travels aboard the ship Endurance with his crew of 27. The incredible feats achieved during the voyage have inspired generations since. The author’s program will detail the extraordinary acts of determination used by the men to move fearlessly forward as they triumphed over the frozen Antarctic expanse where their lives were threatened daily. A leader among leaders, Commander Shackleton taught his men how to employ their thoughts to overcome every obstacle and to persevere against all odds and he can inspire us to do the same. Considered “ the greatest survival story in history,” the journey lives on today as a timeless model which shows how ordinary people, armed only with the simple power of attitude, can dive headfirst into immense adversity and emerge victoriously. The program will feature dozens of authentic documents and stunning photographs taken during the expedition. The cost is $8, and free to Museum Members. Please call to register for this program, 920-236-5799.
Laura Ingalls Wilder; Road to the Little House - Virtual Program on Zoom 
Saturday, November 21 1:30 pm
Jessica Michna
Generations of children and adults worldwide have been fascinated by the stories of Laura Ingalls Wilder. Her “Little House” series was the basis for a successful television series. But how did her life really evolve? What motivated her to put her experiences to paper? In this First Impressions presentation by Jessica Michna you will meet Mrs. Wilder, older, wiser and reflecting back on her life. She will tell you her life story and how she came to produce her literary works. The cost is $8, and free to Museum Members and children five and under. Please call to register for this program, 920-236-5799.
Bottoms Up: A Toast to Wisconsin's Historic Bars & Breweries - Virtual Program on Zoom
Saturday, November 28, 1:30 pm
Jim Draeger
Join national award-winning author and historian, Jim Draeger, as he leads you on a suds-filled romp through evolution and change in Wisconsin’s bar culture. Learn about the evolution of the tavern from stagecoach stops to the themed bars of today. Trace the social, cultural, and technological changes brought about by liquor regulation, temperance, prohibition and its aftermath. The cost is $8, and free to Museum Members. Please call to register for this program, 920-236-5799.
Menominee Clan Pow Wow
Saturday, June 5, 2021
12 pm - 6 pm
Pow Wow Grand Entry 1 pm
In honor of the Menominee Clan Story, carved and painted by Menominee artist, James F. Frechette, Jr., we invite you to the opening of the exhibition. The opening will include a Pow Wow as a gathering for us to join, dance, sing, and honor the culture of the Menominee.
The Arena Director will be Gary Besaw; Master of Ceremonies, Bruce Wilber, the Menominee Veterans Honor Guard; Drums will be Smokey Town and Wolf River Singers; Male head dancer, Ronnie Bowan; Female head dancer, Dawn Wilber; Food Vendors: Gii Taáse Family Singers, Brothertown Indians; Art Vendors: Stomping Turtle, Weeping Heart, Woodland Creations, Blanc Family and more!
Bring your chairs or blankets and enjoy a beautiful summer day on the historic grounds of the Oshkosh Public Museum. Those attending are asked to be respectful of the guidelines of COVID-19, to protect those we care about with social distancing, wearing a mask and handwashing.
The Pow Wow is free for the public to attend, with general admission for Museum entrance.
Every visit to the Oshkosh Public Museum can be enhanced with a special make-and-take project. Located in the sunroom near the main entrance, this area features an entertaining, historical do-it-yourself project.
The take home activity changes monthly, and directions and supplies are provided to make and take home your very own piece of history.
May: Spring Flowers. Spring showers bring May flowers! Learn about some of Wisconsin's native flowers, then make your own beautiful bouquet.
June: Bicycles. Summer is here, and that means many people are out and about enjoying the outdoors on two wheels. Learn about the history of cycling, them make your own mini bicycle.
July: Waterways. How much do you know about the water around Oshkosh? Learn how the early people of the area used the water, then make your own map.