nelson/bailey log house
In 2023, The Friends of Saxonia House received a $50,000 grant from Washington County Tourism Council to put together an authentic Norwegian Log Cabin. The cabin was moved from western Wisconsin to our site. This building dates to the same period as the Saxonia House and will be used as an exhibit hall that explores both Norwegians in Wisconsin, the role of Romantic art in early tourism, and a friendship between two Romantic painters: German painter Casper David Friedrich and Norwegian painter Johan Christian Dahl in Dresden. Also in 2023, Kohler Foundation gifted The Friends of the Saxonia House $20,000 and Kohler Company $22,500.
We are exceedingly thankful to Washington County, Kohler Foundation and Kohler Company, and to others who have contributed to this exciting project.
Much work lies ahead. In 2025, we added the roof. Next up: source and install wooden windows and electricity. If you are able and interested in this project, please donate.
Our new booklet: Something Worth Saving - A Norwegian Log House in America
OUR MISSION
- To create the Saxonia Heritage Conservancy, a self-supporting, not-for-profit organization focused on the preservation of the Saxonia House and its accompanying buildings and property.
- To provide cultural, arts, culinary and historic programming at the Saxonia House, which will be professionally restored and furnished to the year 1855. The reconstruction of its Beer Hall will provide a welcoming space for modern multi-use events and functions.