When the Rock County Historical Society moved to its new building in 2016, the Board of Directors looked for something to set the museum apart from the many county museums throughout the country.  To attract visitors, they added a 2,800-piece nutcracker collection, donated from Betty Mann’s personal collection. The permanent exhibit of tastefully displayed nutcrackers is amazing. Nutcrackers of many shapes, sizes and colors from all over the world are showcased.  Recent additions and a donation of a 1,000-piece nutcracker collection have grown the nutcracker collection to over 5,300 as of January, 2023.

During the holidays, businesses and residents display nutcrackers.  A scavenger hunt is held to find the names of the over 130 nutcrackers scattered throughout town.  Other nutcracker-themed events take place throughout the year.