Events & Work Days

The Den Theatre  - 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave. Chicago, IL 60622 (Click for tickets & info)

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Deep in the heart of the Great Lakes, where Lake Michigan waters intersect with Green Bay, a lighthouse stands watch over the narrow, treacherous passage known to those in her reach as Porte des Morts, or Death’s Door. Hailed as a haven by some and posed as a prison by others, Pilot Island hosts a number of faithful and reluctant keepers alike. As the only checkpoint standing between a ship’s safe passage and an unknown alternative, the island and its light play a vital role in the lives of both the passersby beholden to its reaches, and its inhabitants–saviors to those whose brush with death is close and indelible.

Where once carefully crafted routines guided by human hands give way to automated processes, there lives an impression. Each soul Pilot Island hosts treads a deeper footpath and leaves behind a new story to haunt her shores–a young pair of immigrants with no lighthouse keeping experience and the mercurial second assistant burrowing under their skins; a beloved pet becoming an unlikely martyr; a Keeper who saved enough lives to create a legacy, and more.

In a kaleidoscope of new, imaginative storytelling colliding with factual records of life on Pilot Island between the 1880s-1910s, Pilot Island & Her Keepers holds a beveled pane of glass over the meeting of fact & fiction–where memory passes down to legacy, and history transforms into lore.

Nov 12, 2024 at 6:30 pm

Central Library Auditorium - 515 Pine Street, Downtown Green Bay

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“Wisconsin Lighthouses” illuminates the power and appeal of these iconic structures. This program explores their history, idyllic settings, unique architecture, and the light they shine on a bygone era.

Producer Jeff Pfeiffer takes us behind-the-scenes with stories and clips from the upcoming PBS Wisconsin special, “Wisconsin Lighthouses.”

Learn what it takes to put a documentary of this scale together, including physical production, working in remote locations, and creative problem solving. He will also share tales of his favorite Green Bay lighthouses.

Nov 14, 2024 at 7:00 pm

Capitol Civic Center - 913 S 8th St, Manitowoc, WI 54220

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Join PBS Wisconsin in Manitowoc for a free community screening of the all-new film Wisconsin Lighthouses! Seating is general admission, no ticket needed.

Wisconsin Lighthouses illuminates the power and appeal of these iconic structures. The program explores their history, idyllic settings, unique architecture, the people who called these lighthouses home, and the light they shine on a bygone era.

Immediately following the film, enjoy a panel discussion titled “Bringing Wisconsin’s Lighthouse History to Life.” We’ll shine a light on the innovative ways people in Wisconsin are telling our state’s rich lighthouse history. Hear from a panel of experts as they discuss the beauty, importance, and challenges of sharing Wisconsin’s lighthouse history through film, immersive storytelling and state-of-the-art technology.

Swing by before 7 p.m. to be among the first to experience the film’s interactive complement, “Wisconsin Lighthouses: Illuminating Cana Island.” This 3D feature on pbswisconsin.org will allow digital “visitors” to explore Cana Island Lighthouse both inside and out. Try it out for yourself at an interactive display in the theater lobby!

Meet FOPPI volunteers at Canoecopia, presented by Rutabaga Paddlesports and held at the Alliant Energy Center Exposition Hall in Madison WI.

Canoecopia is the largest paddlesports consumer event in the world. With over 100 presentations and clinics, Canoecopia is also an educational event where you can learn about specific gear for your style of paddling, develop skills to get you where you want to go, and discover some of the many places to paddle, both near and far.

Famed Door County photographer, Dave Heilman will be once again sharing his craft with us during two photography workshops on Plum Island.

Mark your calendar and plan to attend our annual meeting and picnic, Saturday, July 26th. This is just one of the many benefits of being a member! Guests are welcome

FOPPI is once again excited to partner with Stone Silo Prairie Gardens in DePere, WI to host a plant sale of native perennials and grasses.  FOPPI volunteers and Stone Silo experts will be on hand to help you select the perfect native plants for your garden. Stone Silo's plants are grown on site and are well suited for our climate.

Famed Door County photographer, Dave Heilman will be once again sharing his craft with us during two photography workshops on Plum Island.

You’ll learn fun facts about the Monarch butterfly, their migration and the role this part of the country plays in it as well as what we can do to protect these fragile creatures.  You will get a chance to net the butterflies, apply a monitoring tag to them, and trace their migration south to aid scientists in studying their population and migration patterns.