Fulfilling our role as a maritime museum, we are always looking for ways to enhance  the Classic and Wooden Boat Show’s exhibit offerings.  In addition to fine mahogany boats, beautifully built canoes and kayaks and our traditional entries, we are seeking new and interesting exhibits that reflect the boating heritage of Door County and Wisconsin.  Do you have a boat under restoration?  Bring it and let visitors see how it’s done.  Does your boat have an interesting history?  We’ve got a place for you.  Is your classic boat a “user” boat?  Perfect!  Who cares if it shows some wear?  We don’t.  So if you are interested in being part of the event and can contribute to this effort, please let us know.  Glance through our thoughts for this year below.

Our 2026 Wish List

Fiberglassics  Our “Marque of the Year 2026”

For 2026, we are looking for “Fiberglassics” the terrific runabouts of the 1950’s and 60’s and extending a special invitation to their owners to attend this year.  Let’s celebrate these terrific pieces of boating history.  We’ve designated the boats our special 2026 “Rock & Roll Marque of the Year” and hope to showcase them to the public.  If you own a “Fin-tastic” Fiberglassic, we hope you’ll join us.

 

Vintage fishing gear/lures/equipment

Recreational fishing is an important part of our culture here in Wisconsin.  We’d love to showcase its history.

Outboard Motors

Vintage outboard motors- particularly those by Wisconsin manufacturers should be part of our festival.  Wisconsin is the home of the outboard motor, after all.

Wisconsin built boats are always welcome!

Thompson Boats, built right across the bay in Peshtigo, should be well represented.  Dunphy, Cruisers Inc, Tomahawk, and others built in the Badger State fit right in.

Wood Boat Builders/Restorers

Naturally, we’re looking  for Wisconsin boatbuilders who can display their creations during our festival.  If you build boats, either at home or as a professional, think about attending next August.

Model Boats

Don’t get the idea that we’re just interested in full-size boats.  We’re also inviting builders of model boats to attend.  The museum contains a great collection and we’d like to see more.  So if you build or operate model boats, consider joining our festival.

  

Let us know if you have an interesting exhibit to offer.