Mineral Point, Wisconsin
September 27- 29, 2024
30th Annual Cornish Festival & Celtic Celebration
Mineral Point, Wisconsin
Welcome to the 30th Annual Cornish Festival and Celtic Celebration! The Southwest Wisconsin Cornish Society was organized in 1991 with the purpose of preserving our Cornish heritage and identifying and strengthening our ties to Cornwall. We serve as an educational resource as we help Cornish Americans and others to understand Cornish heritage in Cornwall and around the world. The Cornish Festival in Mineral Point is our major project to further that understanding. Please check out our website to learn more or to join the society.
Event Calendar
Click any title for more details.
Friday, September 27, 2024
In the 1830s and 1840s, settlers from the United States and Europe began to flow into the Wisconsin Territory. They were lured by the prospect of plentiful lead to be had in shallow diggings. As the easy lead became scarce, and greater technical knowledge was needed to work the earth for its deeper lead and zinc deposits, immigrants from Cornwall, England filled the need. These miners and their families made a lasting imprint. At Pendarvis, you can see their stone cottages and come to understand how their legacy was preserved in the twentieth century.
The Mineral Point Archives is a resource for local history, including maps, photos, newspaper articles, letters, architecture, mining, genealogy records, land records, early Wisconsin legislation, railroad history and Cornish research, and an obituary and marriage database from our local newspapers from 1847 to the present.
Built by Cornish stonemasons John Toay and Phillip Allen Sr. in 1856, The Mineral Point Railroad Depot is one of the few remaining pre-Civil War depots in the United States. Through story-driven exhibits, the Museum honors the depot’s rich railroad heritage.
Studio potter Frank Polizzi will demonstrate the creation of ceramics on the potter's wheel, using a porcelain clay that has been mined in the St. Stephen and St. Austell areas of Cornwall since 1746.
In 1868, Cornish immigrants Sarah and Joseph Gundry built Orchard Lawn, with an Italianate mansion of locally quarried stone, on 11 hillside acres. The stately house is a remarkable survivor. When the last local Gundry died in 1936, it was rescued from demolition and became home to the MP Historical Society. Tours are given on the hour. The grounds may be enjoyed free of charge at any time.
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) first organized a lodge in Mineral Point in 1835. As the fraternal order increased in size to over 250 members by 1838, a two story frame lodge hall was built which was the first IOOF hall west of the Allegheny Mountains. The building exists today in its original form as the Odd Fellows/Rebekah Museum and contains a number of historical items relating to Odd Fellowship including a full size 1800's Odd Fellow lodge room on the second floor.
Ron Dunbar’s collection of local postcards and other paper artifacts. Carolyn Meuer’s study of the Cornish Ferrell family and their many influences on the region. Plus more!
Kick-off Cornish Festival Weekend with us at Pub Night! Enjoy a drink with live music by "The Tooles". Dinner is available for purchase. Head into our cozy Cornish pub to learn pub games by the roaring fire. Available drinks include beer, cider, and root beer.
Saturday, September 28, 2024
Start off Saturday with a hearty pancake breakfast at the historic Odd Fellows Hall. Enjoy a great meal and support the students earning funds for their trip to Cornwall!
The Farmer’s Market features locally grown produce, naturally raised meat, eggs, jams, syrups, honey, flowers, plants, baked goods, artwork, and more! The Farmer’s Market is a great way to support local agricultural producers.
Ron Dunbar’s collection of local postcards and other paper artifacts. Carolyn Meuer’s study of the Cornish Ferrell family and their many influences on the region. Plus more!
Along The Old Darlington Road. Author talk by John Sharp.
In the 1830s and 1840s, settlers from the United States and Europe began to flow into the Wisconsin Territory. They were lured by the prospect of plentiful lead to be had in shallow diggings. As the easy lead became scarce, and greater technical knowledge was needed to work the earth for its deeper lead and zinc deposits, immigrants from Cornwall, England filled the need. These miners and their families made a lasting imprint. At Pendarvis, you can see their stone cottages and come to understand how their legacy was preserved in the twentieth century.
The Mineral Point Archives is a resource for local history, including maps, photos, newspaper articles, letters, architecture, mining, genealogy records, land records, early Wisconsin legislation, railroad history and Cornish research, and an obituary and marriage database from our local newspapers from 1847 to the present.
Built by Cornish stonemasons John Toay and Phillip Allen Sr. in 1856, The Mineral Point Railroad Depot is one of the few remaining pre-Civil War depots in the United States. Through story-driven exhibits, the Museum honors the depot’s rich railroad heritage.
Shake Rag Alley is excited to bring back Fiber Faire after a successful relaunch last year! Join area artists & artisans for this free campus-wide event. We’ll have fiber artists, fashionistas, & farmers to explore all the wonderful ways we create and clothe ourselves. Learn more at https://shakeragalley.org/fiber-faire/
Studio potter Frank Polizzi will demonstrate the creation of ceramics on the potter's wheel, using a porcelain clay that has been mined in the St. Stephen and St. Austell areas of Cornwall since 1746.
Enjoy an informative tour of the historic homes and business places of “The Most Cornish City in the U.S.” The tour lasts about 1 ½ hours and offers a rich sampling of the city’s history
Demonstration of scone-making using a recipe from one of Mineral Point’s Cornish Bards, Catherine Whitford. Republic of Letters will also sell various Cornish and UK cookbooks. Visit The Book Kitchen’s website to purchase tickets at www.thebookkitchenmp.com
Sample some of the best food and beverages that Mineral Point has to offer at the Taste of Mineral Point, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. Local restaurants, cafes, and bars will offer delicious highlights from their menus.
Co-sponsored by the Mineral Point Public Library and the Southwest Wisconsin Cornish Society.
In 1868, Cornish immigrants Sarah and Joseph Gundry built Orchard Lawn, with an Italianate mansion of locally quarried stone, on 11 hillside acres. The stately house is a remarkable survivor. When the last local Gundry died in 1936, it was rescued from demolition and became home to the MP Historical Society. Tours are given on the hour. The grounds may be enjoyed free of charge at any time.
Enjoy an informative tour of the historic homes and business places of “The Most Cornish City in the U.S.” The tour lasts about 1 ½ hours and offers a rich sampling of the city’s history.
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) first organized a lodge in Mineral Point in 1835. As the fraternal order increased in size to over 250 members by 1838, a two story frame lodge hall was built which was the first IOOF hall west of the Allegheny Mountains. The building exists today in its original form as the Odd Fellows/Rebekah Museum and contains a number of historical items relating to Odd Fellowship including a full size 1800's Odd Fellow lodge room on the second floor.
Mineral Point’s History as seen through my Paper Artifact Collection by Ron Dunbar.
Demonstration of scone-making using a recipe from one of Mineral Point’s Cornish Bards, Catherine Whitford. Republic of Letters will also sell various Cornish and UK cookbooks. Visit The Book Kitchen’s website to purchase tickets at www.thebookkitchenmp.com
The members of Trinity Episcopal Church will be your hosts for an elegant and delicious fundraising tea in honor of Trinity’s own fondly remembered Cornish Bard, Catherine Whitford. Serving a selection of fragrant teas, assorted treats and scones, fine finger sandwiches, and Cornish Tea Biscuits.
In the dining room of the historic 1836 Walker House, enjoy an authentic Cornish meal: Salad, Beef Pasty, Pasty Sauce, Saffron Bun, Figgyhobbin, Wollersheim Red/White Wine or New Glarus Spotted Cow beer, or Soda/Coffee/Tea. Pizza for kids
The Countrymen come straight from Cornwall, playing Folk Rock music inspired by Cornish life. A five-piece band featuring tight four-part vocal harmony and strong instrumentation. Primarily performing original songs and their own arrangements of lesser-known contemporary folk, the band’s lyrical inspiration is drawn from life in Cornwall, the demise of local industries, and other rural issues that resonate throughout the country. The Countrymen are accomplished performers, engaging the audience with light-hearted banter and the backstories to their songs.
Sunday, September 29, 2024
In the 1830s and 1840s, settlers from the United States and Europe began to flow into the Wisconsin Territory. They were lured by the prospect of plentiful lead to be had in shallow diggings. As the easy lead became scarce, and greater technical knowledge was needed to work the earth for its deeper lead and zinc deposits, immigrants from Cornwall, England filled the need. These miners and their families made a lasting imprint. At Pendarvis, you can see their stone cottages and come to understand how their legacy was preserved in the twentieth century.
Studio potter Frank Polizzi will demonstrate the creation of ceramics on the potter's wheel, using a porcelain clay that has been mined in the St. Stephen and St. Austell areas of Cornwall since 1746.
In 1868, Cornish immigrants Sarah and Joseph Gundry built Orchard Lawn, with an Italianate mansion of locally quarried stone, on 11 hillside acres. The stately house is a remarkable survivor. When the last local Gundry died in 1936, it was rescued from demolition and became home to the MP Historical Society. Tours are given on the hour. The grounds may be enjoyed free of charge at any time.
Built by Cornish stonemasons John Toay and Phillip Allen Sr. in 1856, The Mineral Point Railroad Depot is one of the few remaining pre-Civil War depots in the United States. Through story-driven exhibits, the Museum honors the depot’s rich railroad heritage.
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) first organized a lodge in Mineral Point in 1835. As the fraternal order increased in size to over 250 members by 1838, a two story frame lodge hall was built which was the first IOOF hall west of the Allegheny Mountains. The building exists today in its original form as the Odd Fellows/Rebekah Museum and contains a number of historical items relating to Odd Fellowship including a full size 1800's Odd Fellow lodge room on the second floor.
Join in (or just listen to) the glorious sound of song and organ at Trinity Episcopal Church. Special appearance by southwest Wisconsin’s own Chough Singers. Event led by the Welsh Gymanfa Ganu association of Wisconsin
The members of Trinity Episcopal Church will be your hosts for an elegant and delicious fundraising tea in honor of Trinity’s own fondly remembered Cornish Bard, Catherine Whitford. Serving a selection of fragrant teas, assorted treats and scones, fine finger sandwiches, and Cornish Tea Biscuits.