32nd Annual Cornish Festival & Celtic Celebration

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 and other documents, architecture, mining, genealogy records, land records, early Wisconsin legislation, railroad history and Cornish research, including the Cornish Family History website 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 detailed story-driven exhibits, the award-winning Mineral Point Railroad Museum honors the depot’s rich railroad heritage and Cornish craftsmanship. 

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.

Potters Diana, Tom and Claire Johnston will highlight the ceramic process alternating between throwing on the wheel and demonstrating table work techniques.  While there, check out the in-house Brewery Museum that showcases the history of the building and its robust beer brewing history.

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.

A cornucopia of Cornish knowledge presented in a variety of displays. This year’s line-up will include photos from Mineral Point and Cornwall, family genealogies, the Ridnour collection of mining memorabilia (in the windows at 146 High St.) and more. 

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.

Kick-off Mineral Point's Cornish Fest Weekend with your family and friends during Pub Night at Pendarvis!  Enjoy traditional pub music by The Tooles and let the warmth of the roaring fire in the Kiddleywink Pub transport you to Cornwall as you try your hand at Cornish pub games.  Beer and cider will be available for purchase along with food truck dining options. 

Start off Saturday with a hearty pancake breakfast at the historic Odd Fellows Hall. Enjoy a great meal and support the Mineral Point High School Band.

The Mineral Point Market features locally grown produce, naturally raised meat, eggs, jams, syrups, honey, flowers, plants, baked goods, artwork, and much more! The Mineral Point Market is the place to be on Saturday mornings and a great way to support local agricultural producers.

A cornucopia of Cornish knowledge presented in a variety of displays. This year’s line-up will include photos from Mineral Point and Cornwall, family genealogies, the Ridnour collection of mining memorabilia (in the windows of 146 High St) and more.

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 and other documents, architecture, mining, genealogy records, land records, early Wisconsin legislation, railroad history and Cornish research, including the Cornish Family History website 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 detailed story-driven exhibits, the award-winning Mineral Point Railroad Museum honors the depot’s rich railroad heritage and Cornish craftsmanship. 

Join area artists & artisans for fiber arts demonstrations, a pop-up market, and share your wearable art at the Fashion Show.  Learn more at https://shakeragalley.org/fiber-faire/

Arts Mineral Point members will display and sell original artwork, including works representing Mineral Point and the influence of the Cornish on the community and the area.

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.

Potters Diana, Tom and Claire Johnston will highlight the ceramic process alternating between throwing on the wheel and demonstrating table work techniques.  While there, check out the in-house Brewery Museum that showcases the history of the building and its robust beer brewing history.

Special demonstration of Bard Catherine Whitford’s tea biscuit recipe. 

Live music sponsored by the Mineral Point Public Library and the Southwest Wisconsin Cornish Society.

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. 

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.

Immigration to Southwest WI. Tracey Roberts. Tracey Lee Roberts is a retired Senior Lecturer Emerita in the History Department at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, where she has focused her research on Southwestern Wisconsin and the Lead-Zinc Mining District for over thirty years.  

The members of Trinity Episcopal Church will be your hosts for an elegant and delicious fundraising tea.  Serving a selection of fragrant teas and assorted treats.

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.

Sugar Moon, a nationally-celebrated Chicago bakery, will be popping up for Cornish Festival! The Sugar Moon team will be selling sweet and savory breakfast pastries, cookies, and more! 

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.

Potters Diana, Tom and Claire Johnston will highlight the ceramic process alternating between throwing on the wheel and demonstrating table work techniques.  While there, check out the in-house Brewery Museum that showcases the history of the building and its robust beer brewing history.

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 detailed story-driven exhibits, the award-winning Mineral Point Railroad Museum honors the depot’s rich railroad heritage and Cornish craftsmanship. 

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.  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.  Serving a selection of fragrant teas and assorted treats.