MONROE — Take a step back in time as you enter the 1917 restored Imobersteg Farmstead Cheese Factory, lost in history for almost 100 years on the original homestead.
On Saturday, June 8, current master cheesemakers — joined by numerous retired cheesemakers — will make a 90-pound wheel of Swiss cheese in a live demonstration showcasing how cheese was made over 100 years ago at the National Historic Cheesemaking Center, at the corner of Wisconsin 69 and 21st Street.
The day begins at approximately 9:30 a.m. where attendees can lend a hand to help stir the kettle of milk as it’s heated. The cheesemaking process continues throughout the morning until the completed 90-pound wheel of Swiss cheese is on the press table. At 1 p.m., Arthur Bartsch will demonstrate making cheese spreads in the Heritage Room at the cheese museum.
The old-fashioned cheesemaking event also features a restored horse-drawn milk wagon from the early 1900s. Tours of a rib-side caboose, also located on the center’s grounds, will be open to visitors.
Other attractions include free admission to view the National Historic Cheesemaking Center’s Museum, full of artifacts and rich cheese factory history. Tours will be conducted throughout the day, starting at 9 a.m. and continuing until 4 p.m.
The National Historic Cheesemaking concession stand will feature cream puffs, master grilled cheese sandwiches and beverages served throughout the day. There will also be live accordion music, yodeling, flag throwing and alphorn blowing selections.
Browse the Milk House Gift Shop and the Green County Welcome Center, where there is also information about local businesses and attractions throughout Green County, surrounding communities and the entire area.
Executive Director Donna Douglas invites everyone to come out and take a turn stirring the kettle, where “cheese is our culture.” There will be activities for all ages. The public is invited to wander throughout the grounds and museum at no charge.
For further information, visit nationalhistoriccheesemakingcenter.org or call 608-325-4636.
