Black Earth, Wisconsin 53515

Black Earth Historical Society est. 1992

Black Earth Field Days

A Black Earth tradition, Field Days acts as a homecoming and festive occasion for all to congregate in downtown Black Earth. Thanks to all who attended and supported the Historical Society. Photos below from 12 August 2023 at the Black Earth History Museum open house. Above photo from 1948 Field Days parade line up when the state of Wisconsin celebrated 100 years of statehood. Find a non-cropped version of this 1948 photo with full description on the Black Earth History page.

2024

Historic Black Earth Calendars $15

Back by popular demand, the official Black Earth Historical Society's calendar for 2024 is now available. Calendar can be mailed to you for an additional $3. Proceeds go to help fund our historical mission in Black Earth. Great Christmas presents! 

Spring Rummage Sale Fundraiser
18, 19 April 2024

Thursday, Friday

Please donate your unwanted items!

  • Donated items accepted beginning February 6 
  • Items needed include lamps, kitchen stuff, mirrors, art, books, toys, games, sporting goods, tools, decor; sorry no clothing, electronics or furniture accepted
  • Call Gary Ballweg at 608-370-0751 to make arrangements for drop off at Black Earth History Center
  • Rummage Sale Thursday, Friday, April 18, 19 at the Black Earth History Center 9:00 to 3:00

Black Earth (Farmersville) Township turned 175 years in 2023

 
 What is now the town of Black Earth incorporated as part of the town of Farmersville (along with present day Berry & the southern half of Mazomanie townships) on 2 August 1848, just months after Wisconsin became a state. The present-day northern  half of Mazomanie township was added to Farmersville days later. Two years later in 1950, Berry was removed to become its own town. Population for Farmersville was 206, according to the 1850 census.
  The following year in 1851, the town's name was changed from Farmersville to Black Earth. It was only known as Farmersville for about three years. To further complicate the town's  origins, the present-day town of Black Earth section split off from the then-larger town of Black Earth in 1858 and called itself Ray township. This was due to a received competition between the two railroad villages of Black Earth and Mazomanie existing within the same Black Earth township. It seemed the town wasn't big enough for the both. However, this short-sighted split resulted in the village of Mazomanie being surrounded by the town of Black Earth; and the village of Black Earth being surrounded by the town of Ray. The next state legislature ended the confusion by re-naming the towns Black Earth and Mazomanie as they exist today, with both villages within their namesake townships. The short-lived town of Ray only lasted a matter of months.
  Today, this explains why the two present townships of Black Earth and Mazomanie are much geographically smaller than most townships in Wisconsin. Will the two towns ever combine again?  If so, what should they call themselves? Farmersville (again)? In 2023, the town of Black Earth is 175 years old if referring back to the original Farmersville name from 1848.

  • First Wednesdays of the month 6:30 Monthly Meetings Black Earth History Center
  • February 4, Sunday 2:00 Annual Meeting Black Earth History Center
  • April 18 & 19, Thursday & Friday 9:00 to 3:00 Spring Rummage Sale fundraiser  Black Earth History Center
  • May 26, first Sunday Black Earth History Museum Opener 1:00 to 4:00 Black Earth History Museum
  • July TBD, Tuesday 6:00 Taco Plates Concerts in the Park, Veterans Memorial Park, Black Earth
  • August 10, Saturday Field Days Open House Black Earth History Center (guided tours), Black Earth History Museum open after parade until 4:00
  • September 1 & 22, Saturdays 9:00 to 4:00 Brat Fry fundraiser The Shoe Box
  • September 29, Sunday Black Earth History Museum Last Open 1:00 to 4:00 Black Earth History Museum
  • November TBD, Monday 4:00 to 7:00 Cross Plains Culver's Share Event, a percentage of sales goes to the Black Earth Historical Society, thank you Culver's!
  • December 8, Sunday 1:00 to 4:00 Santa Open House Black Earth History Center