Early Settlement and Immigration in Manitowoc County: 1837-1900
The presentation. The earliest settlers during this time period were mostly Yankees from New England and New York who engaged in lumbering, fishing and shipbuilding. Within a few decades, the economy began to change to agriculture and manufacturing due in large part to immigration from northern Europe, particularly Germany. Ethnic groups from many countries arrived, each with their own language, skills, customs and traditions. Bob Fay provides an overview of this mass migration of people during the 19th century, with stories of families who braved trans-Atlantic hardships and the westward journey to establish homes in Manitowoc County.
The speaker. Fay is an archaeologist and former executive director of the Manitowoc County Historical Society.
Free tickets required. Find them at the Help Desk starting March 1. Feel free to call or email to reserve tickets.