BRUSSELS – The Belgian Heritage Center (BHC) invites residents and visitors to step back in time during Belgian Days at BHC on Saturday, July 11 for a day dedicated to exploring the history, culture and enduring legacy of Wisconsin’s Belgian settlement.

Throughout the day, guests will have the opportunity to participate in guided tours and educational presentations that showcase the people, places and events that shaped one of the largest Belgian settlement areas in the United States.

The day begins with a Belgian Settlement Bus Tour from 8:30-10 a.m., departing from the Belgian Heritage Center. Participants will travel through the historic settlement area, visiting roadside chapels, cemeteries, viewing historic homes and other significant landmarks while learning about the immigrants who established thriving communities throughout southern Door County, Kewaunee County and Brown County.

Bus Tour Tickets are $25 per person and space is limited. Reservations are strongly encouraged. To reserve your seat, contact Julie at 920-619-6363 or email contact@belgianheritagecenter.org. Payment accepted by cash, check or credit card. This event is held in cooperation with the Brussels Lions Club, with proceeds benefiting both the Lions and BHC. Please note: The tour leaves from the Belgian Heritage Center at 8:30 am, tour transportation is via a standard school bus, accessible only by steps.

Visitors can also join a BHC Campus Walking History Tour from 9:30-10 a.m. The guided tour explores the Belgian Heritage Center campus and highlights the buildings, exhibits and artifacts that help preserve the stories and traditions of the Belgian settlers and their descendants.

At 10:30 a.m., attendees are invited to the presentation Belgian Life on the Door Peninsula and the Great Fire of 1871, running until noon. The program will examine the history and development of the Belgian settlements through stories of perseverance, success and community life. Participants will also learn about the science behind the Great Fire of 1871, one of the deadliest wildfires in American history, and its impact on local communities. The presentation concludes with a visit to Tornado Park, the site of the former village of Williamsonville, which was destroyed during the fire.

The afternoon presentation, The Belgian Settlements in 1776 and 1876, will be held from 1-2 p.m. This program explores how life in the Belgian settlements evolved during America’s first century and how local history intersected with major state and national events. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how the settlement communities grew and contributed to the development of Wisconsin and the nation.

The Belgian Heritage Center will be open throughout the day, providing visitors additional opportunities to explore exhibits, connect with local historians and learn more about the Belgian settlement heritage that remains an important part of Door County’s identity today.
For more information, events and updates follow the Belgian Heritage Center on Facebook or visit www.belgianheritagecenter.org.

About the Belgian Heritage Center

The Belgian Heritage Center, operated by the Namur Belgian Heritage Foundation, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the Belgian heritage of northeast Wisconsin. Established in 2010 with the purchase of the former St. Mary of the Snows Catholic Church, the Center has since expanded to include the historic school/convent building. It serves as a cultural and educational hub, celebrating the rich legacy of the area’s early Belgian settlers.