The Sister Bay Historical Society, (SBHS), was organized in November, 1994 by Curt and Eloise Lindem, Jim and Joan Champeau, Dorothea Johnson, and Barbara McGivern.

In 1995, the Village of Sister Bay authorized the SBHS to take over the project of rehabbing the old Alex and Emma Anderson farmhouse at the intersections of Hwy 57,  Fieldcrest Road and Country Lane - a project which began with David Lee in 1994. David and some of his students from Gibraltar High School saved the building from destruction by asking the Village for money to re-roof the structure, (money that would have been spent to tear the building down). When David Lee passed away in 1995, Curt Lindem saw an opportunity to continue to save the old farmhouse according to David's wishes, and the Village agreed to continue funding the project.

Curt Lindem and several members of SBHS began restoring the 1875 farmhouse from top to bottom, and from the outside to the inside, saving the old floors and beadboard, hand-made window glass, and woodwork wherever possible. Unfortunately, Curt also became ill, and when he passed away in the fall of 1996, members of the Historical Society finished the restoration.  The farmhouse was officially named The Old Anderson House Museum and opened for its first visitors in the fall of 1997. At that time area residents began donating family heirlooms, keepsakes and artifacts to the museum for safekeeping.   

                                                                              
 
Membership in the SBHS began to increase and new activities were scheduled for society members, such as participation in the Fall Fest parade, having an ice cream social on the front lawn of the museum, having a booth at Marina Fest, and sponsoring an annual Christmas Party/Sing Along.

The vision expanded in 1999 when the Village of Sister Bay purchased the 6.46 acres to the north of the museum making it possible for the Historical Society to create the Corner of the Past. In January, 2000, Willard Kramer donated the first farm building to the museum - a granary that formerly was part of the farm owned by Emma Anderson. Today it stands as the cornerstone of what has now become a farm once again thanks to many area residents who have made their historic farm buildings available to the Historical Society. Kramer also donated the migrant worker's cabin.

In February, 2001 the 100 year-old post and beam Koessl Barn was moved to the site, followed by the machine shed. Other donations include the 100 year-old sawmill, two log cabins, a chicken coop and most recently, a log structure that will house blacksmithing tools. All of the buildings have been restored by volunteers from the membership and the community. Funding comes from membership dues and donations.
 
Hundreds of artifacts, tools, and farm implements have been donated to the Old Anderson House Museum and the Corner of the Past. Also on display is the original mail sleigh for the Village of Sister Bay (this was the first item to be restored by the members of the Historical Society following the restoration of the Old Anderson House Museum). Bernie Hagedorn and Bob Berns also donated their collections of historic photos of Sister Bay. These artifacts are on display from early summer to early fall for visitors to see.

                                                                      

In addition to displays and exhibits, many activities are now possible at the museum and farm. For several years local artisans have volunteered to demonstrate their skills as part of the Saturday Heritage Programs (weaving, rug hooking, painting, carving, blacksmithing, chair caning, bead working, spinning, egg painting, and Norwegian embroidery). The Saturday morning Farmer's Market is now in its 5th year with numerous vendors bringing their locally-grown produce, flowers, and honey. Special programs such as a tractor show, small engine displays, annual quilt shows, a doll show, pancake breakfasts in the barn, and annual garden walks are also part of the season's activities.

In October of 2004, the SBHS received recognition from the Wisconsin Historical Society when it was given the Local History Certificate of Commendation for the development of the Old Anderson House Museum and the Corner of the Past, and in 2005, the Society hosted the annual convention for the northeast section of the Wisconsin Historical Society Office of Local History.

The Board of Directors for the Sister Bay Historical Society consists of 12 members plus a liaison person from the Village Board. Appointments are made to the following committees: Construction, Curator, Membership, Programs, Publicity, and Volunteer Coordinator.

The museum and Corner of the Past annual season runs from June through September, and both facilities are open Saturdays and Sundays in June and September, and Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in July and August. (A Farm Market is conducted on Saturdays, July thru the 1st week in October).

Volunteers perform a variety of duties such as building construction and remodeling, docents, landscaping, grass cutting, serving food and coffee at events, baking cakes, etc. New volunteers are always needed and welcomed.

For additional information regarding the Sister Bay Historical Society please contact Roberta Kutlik at 920-854-9242.