Special Events

Strawberry Shortcake Social

The Strawberry Shortcake Social is an annual event at the the Larson House Museum at 6003 Exchange Street held in June from 1 to 5 pm and features McFarland’s best strawberry shortcake! The strawberries are freshly picked and the shortcake is homemade. There is also live entertainment, lawn games and free tours of the Larson House. Beverages and hot dogs are also served with all proceeds benefitting the McFarland Historical Society. What great, family friendly event.

In 2024, the event will be held on June 23. In addition to that amazing strawberry shortcake, the entertainment is outstanding. The Subterranean Jazz Project plays jazz, blues, pop and anything else that brings joy to their audience. Romeo and Juliet First Draft by the Bard of literature actually has a happy ending and you won’t want to miss it! Blue Skies Saxophone Ensemble plays jazz, classical, religious and popular selections. Corey and Shauna Bauhs are a local couple who sing Johnny Cash and Clearwater Revival tunes along with their original music.

A Very Victorian Christmas

Our Very Victorian Christmas is a popular special event at the Larson House Museum at 6003 Exchange St. in McFarland WI. Every room in the house is decorated. As part of Christmas in the Village on the first Saturday in December, we are open from 10 am to 4 pm. Free tours are given. Fancy treats and hot beverages are served. Christmas music is played on the piano from 10 am until 3 pm, a reading of “T’was the Night Before Christmas” is given at 3 pm followed by Christmas carols around the living room tree.

Every Sunday afternoon in December from 1 to 4 pm, the house is open for free tours, treats, and a reading of “T’was the Night Before Christmas” for the children. (Note – the house will not be open Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve.)

Murder Mysteries at the Larson House

Our poor “John Larson” manikin has suffered horrible deaths by poison in his champagne, an exploding chocolate Easter egg, a candlestick to the head, etc., during murder mysteries at the Larson House. We need 8 to 20 individuals willing to take on characters assigned by the Murder Mystery Committee, come up with appropriate costumes and arrive at the lovely Larson House at the date and time specified on their invitation. Guests can expect elaborate and tasty food, champagne, wine, or non-alcoholic beverages and an evening of fun as everyone tries to solve the “who done” it mystery.

Day Trips

Tours of other historical museums and others points of interest are planned for all members and friends, usually in August. Tours have included Old World Wisconsin near Eagle, Wisconsin, the Rotary Gardens and Tallman House at Janesville, Wisconsin, and the World Circus Museum at Baraboo, Wisconsin.