For exact dates and for info about events that require advance RSVPs, such as the May teas and the murder mysteries, use the links below.
Larson House Museum: Facebook page / upcoming events
McFarland Historical Society: Facebook page / upcoming events
You definitely don’t want to miss this live historic fashion show to benefit the non-profit Larson House Museum and Gardens! This event will feature stunning and historically accurate costumes crafted by McFarland costume designer Dennis Schell, of “Costumes by Schell.” Don’t miss out!
From multi-layered Tudor court attire of the 1550 to the refined glamor of the 1920s, you will learn a little about each era and the evolution of fashion from one era to the next. Each garment is meticulously researched and constructed from undergarments to outer accessories to reflect historical accuracy and craftsmanship. Dennis often works for a solid year to create a single costume!
Other McFarland residents will be assisting Dennis with sewing the costumes, and will serve as makeup artists and models at the event. The fashion show will take place at the McFarland High School on 5103 Farwell St in McFarland. We will have two live shows:
Saturday September 19 at 7:00 pm –purchase tickets
Sunday September 20 at 2:00 pm – purchase tickets
Would you like to become a patron or business sponsor of this event? Opportunities start at $100 and $250, respectively. Contact Gail Aaroen (gtaaroen@hotmail.com) for more information.
This Historic Fashion Show promises to be an unforgettable experience, and you won’t want to miss it!
During the McFarland Community Festival, Prairie Tech will be selling Wisconsin native plants at the Historical Museum on Main Street from 11-3. Half the profits go to the McFarland Historical Society.
Help pollinators, beautify your yard, and celebrate village history all at the same time!
Every Tuesday in September and October – Join us indoors at the Larson House Museum at 1 pm and learn to crochet a lapghan (small afghan) or work on your own independent textile project (knitting, crocheting, etc.) For questions, contact Gail at gtaaroen@hotmail.com. This event debuted in 2025, and may be repeated in 2026. Check here for further info.
Every December Sunday from 1-4, our free Very Victorian Christmas event takes place at the Larson House Museum (LHM). Complimentary hot beverages and cookies are served in the kitchen after your tour. Enjoy a tour of house or sit and enjoy the music.
The Larson House Museum is a Queen Anne style Victorian home built in 1898 and furnished to represent the 1920’s when electricity first came to McFarland. It’s a great place to bring out-of-town guests that are visiting for the holidays. Take a guided tour and enjoy the unique trees and decorations in every room of this photogenic gingerbread house. Admission is always free and donations are welcomed. A Very Victorian Christmas is also a great opportunity to pick up some last-minute gifts, which often include succulent arrangements by Wes Licht, gourd Santa ornaments by Thelma Allen, t-shirts, wrapped gift baskets, and gift memberships to the McFarland Historical Society.
Starting in 2022, we have held a number of murder mystery evenings at the Larson House Museum. These events require a reservation and involve 8-20 costumed participants, in addition to a few volunteer servers and actors. Characters are assigned by the Murder Mystery Committee. Guests come up with appropriate costumes and arrive at the lovely Larson House at the date and time specified on their invitation. Costumes do not need to be elaborate and anything you need can easily be purchased at a thrift store.
During these mysteries, our “John Larson” manikin has suffered horrible deaths by poison in his champagne, an exploding chocolate Easter egg, a candlestick to the head, etc. Themes have involved various decades and countries (e.g., 1960s France), with food and background music to match. Guests enjoy elaborate and tasty food served to all in the dining room, champagne, wine, or non-alcoholic beverages and an evening of fun as everyone tries to solve the “who done” it mystery.
The McFarland Historical Society Annual Meeting takes place on a Sunday in March or April each year from 1 to 3 pm. This always well-attended meeting is held in the Training Room at the McFarland Municipal Building at 5915 Milwaukee Street. All are welcome–you do not need to be a MHS member!
The Annual Meeting features a guest speaker on a topic related to local history, as well as the presentation of our annual Volunteer of the Year award. Refreshments are also served.
The always-sold-out Larson House teas will be held in 2026 on Sunday, May 3, and Saturday, May 9, both from 1-3 pm at the Larson House Museum at 6003 Exchange St, McFarland, WI. Both these dates are full.
The fascinating history of tea and tea parties will be explained as participants partake of tea, lemonade and sweet and savory treats in the elegant ambiance of this beautiful Victorian home. Those attending are encouraged to wear their Sunday best clothing and fancy hats. We have a wide selection of period appropriate hats on site for you to borrow for the event.
The fee is $25, a real bargain for this unique experience. All proceeds benefit the McFarland Historical Society.
We are still in need of volunteers to bake one of the confections to be served at the teas. Volunteers will be assigned a traditional recipe from the Society’s “Taking Time for Tea” book edited by Judy St. Clair. Contact Gail Aaroen at gtaaroen@hotmail.com for information.
To raise funds for the Larson House Museum gardens, gardener Gail Aaroen and a team of volunteers dig extra perennials from the garden. After washing off the soil, they replant in sterilized potting soil and sell the plants from the LHM driveway. This is a hugely popular plant sale that you won’t want to miss!
Plants include flowering and non-flowering plants suitable for full-sun to part-shade. Many Wisconsin native species are available.
We will be open 9-6 each day except we’ll close temporarily if it’s raining.
The Strawberry Shortcake Social will be held June ?, 2027 from 1 to 5 pm at the the Larson House Museum (6003 Exchange Street, McFarland WI). This annual event has been held since 2015 and features the best strawberry shortcake anywhere!
Food & drink: Fresh strawberries, homemade shortcake, vanilla ice cream topped with real whipping cream. Lemonade, root beer floats, sundaes and hot dogs are also served. The strawberries are freshly picked and the shortcake is homemade. Cash, check, or credit cards accepted.
Merch: We’ll have a few tables with items for sale to benefit the McFarland Historical Society, including books and t-shirts. We usually have a wide range of other items such as succulent arrangements, crocheted dishcloths, small artworks, etc.
Free entertainment: Enjoy traditional outdoor games, live music, a self-guided scavenger hunt, and free tours of the lovely Larson House.
Hundreds of people come back year after year for the family-friendly fun. All proceeds benefit the McFarland Historical Society, including the Larson House Museum.
Back by popular demand after its debut in 2025, this family-friendly event offers an afternoon of old-fashioned fun. Stop by anytime between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. to tour the historic home, enjoy live music both indoors and outdoors, stroll through the gardens, and try your hand at classic lawn games.
As a special treat, participants will receive a certificate for ice cream at Lily’s Ice Cream Parlor, located just across the street.
