Historical Museum Guide for Wisconsin

Wisconsin History Museums

Madeline Island Historical Museum  [Madeline Island Ferry]

Take Madeline Island Ferry to the island from Bayfield to explore the history of this lovely island.

Chetek Area Calhoun Museum

Operated by the Chetek Area Historical Society, the museum is devoted to the promotion and interpretation of the history of the greater Chetek area of northern Wisconsin.  The museum features Native American exhibits, lumber trade exhibits, history of the tourist industries and manufacturing industries along with Chetek's residents involvement in the U. S. Military.  Located at 120 Knapp Street in Chetek, WI.

Pioneer Village Museum  [Photos and Map Tour]

A delightful village to ramble through, containing over 40 buildings including 5 historic log cabins.  Stroll down Pioneer Street and learn what life was like in the "olden days".

Neville's Museum of History, Art and Science.

Elmer's Auto & Toy Museum

Featuring hundreds of muscle, antique, and classic cars and trucks as well as pedal cars and antique toys and dolls, Elmer's Auto & Toy Museum can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages.  Located at W903 Elmers Road in Fountain City, WI.

Fort Folle Avoine Historical Park   [Indian Village]

Experience living history on this historic site next to an authentic Woodland Indian Village, where fur trading posts operated from 1802-1805.  Located on County Road U between Danbury and Webster.

Grantsburg Area Historical Society and Museum

Housed in a late 1800s Methodist Church, the museum offers exhibits relating to the history of the area along with a genealogy library which contains local records.  An old 1870 jail house and the 1800 Stenborg House are part of the property.

[1897 Clark County Jail Museum on Facebook]

Operated by the Clark County Historical Society, the museum features the jail along with the beautiful sheriff's residence housed inside the same building.  A large military exhibit is found on the third floor.  Located at 215 E. 5th Street in Neillsville, WI.

Branstiter Museum

Visitors can take a step back in time to the early 1900s in Greenwood, Wisconsin.  Wooden sidewalks take them past 17 early storefronts in Greenwood.  Exhibits include early artifacts, tools, dairy farm implements, and photographs.  Located at 600 S. Main Street in Greenwood, WI.

Tufts Museum

The lovely 1885 Tuft's Mansion still contains the original plate glass windows.  Partially restored, the mansion is opened for tours seasonally and is available for rentals.  Located at 26 Hewett Street in Neillsville, WI.

Indian Agency House

Built by the United States Government in 1832, the historic Indian Agency House was created for the Indian Agent to the Ho-Chunk Nation (Winnebago Indian).  The house has been furnished with American antiques.  It is owned and operated by The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the State of Wisconsin.  Located on Agency Road just 1 mile east of downtown Portage, WI.

Wisconsin Dells   [History]  [Travel & Attraction Guide]

A lovely place to visit.  The boat tours are great and the rock formations and cliffs are incredible.  It is easy to imagine Indians standing lookout on these cliffs in the long ago past. Located in the City of Wisconsin Dells.

Sun Prairie Historical Museum  [Sun Prairie Death List]

Sun Prairie's heritage comes alive.  Walking tours and presentations are offered.  Located at 115  East Main Street in downtown Sun Prairie, WI.

Wisconsin Historical Museum

Explore the rich history of Wisconsin in this major history museum located at 30 N. Carroll Street, Madison, WI on the square.

Wisconsin Veterans Museum

Learn about the military history of Wisconsin state.  A research center is on the premises and offers online assistance.  Address: 30 W. Mifflin St., Madison, WI.

Dodge County Historical Museum  [Famous People from Beaver Dam]

Dedicated to the preservation of Dodge County history, the museum relates the early history of Beaver Dam long with exhibits of what life was like in the Pioneer days.

John Hustis House Museum

Built in 1851 by John Hustis (founder of Hustisford), the home today is filled with antiques and artifacts related to the history of the early settlement of Hustisford, WI.

Located at 134 North Ridge Street in Hustisford, WI.

Mayville Limestone School Museum  [History]

Construction of this building was started in 1857 and was used as a public school for 125 years.  Today it houses a museum devoted to the history of this school and Marysville.  Located at the corner of North Main & Buchanan Streets in Maryville, WI.

Waupun Heritage Museum   [Family Genealogies Held]
22 South Madison Street, Waupun, 53963
Phone: (920) 324-7931

Door County Maritime Museum

Learn about the nautical history of Door County, WI.  Visitors will see exhibits about ships and lighthouses along with many exhibits about Pirates in Wisconsin.

Historical Downtown Menomonie

Louis Smith Tainter House

This beautiful three story 1890 mansion was built of sandstone by Captain Andrew Tainter as a wedding gift for his son Louis and wife Effie.  Today it houses the Stout Alumni Association and the Stout University Foundation.  Located at Broadway and Crescent in Menomonie, WI.

Russell J. Rassbach Heritage Museum

The museum offers the story of the Chippewa Valley and it's people through early artifacts, exhibits and interpretation.  Admission includes a tour of the 1866 Anderson log house and Sunnyview School.  Located in beautiful Carson Park at Eau Claire, WI.

Step back in time to the days of the Wisconsin logging camps.  Climb aboard the Lumberjack Steam Train, a vintage steam train which will take you to the museum and blacksmith shop where you will learn about the labor intensive logging camps.  The train takes you to the site of an old logging camp known as Camp 5.  The museum is brimming with historical artifacts and lumberjack tools.  The train depot is located 1/4 miles West of Highways 8 & 32 on Highway 8 in Laona, WI.

Fennimore Railroad Historical Society Museum

Home to "The Dinky", a 15 gauge steam locomotive, the museum is modeled to represent a turn-of-the-century railroad depot.  Located at 610 Lincoln Avenue in Fennimore, WI.

The Mining Museum

Learn about the importance of mining in the history of Platteville through exhibits and artifacts.  Visitors are offered an underground tour of the 1845 Bevans Lead Mine.  The museum is open seasonally - Spring through Fall.  Located next door to the Rollo Jamison Museum at 405 E. Main Street in Plateville, WI.

Rollo Jamison Museum

The collections in this museum began with the collection of arrowheads begun by Rollo Jamison in 1899.  The collection has grown to include many historical artifacts related to the early history of Platteville and the surrounding area.  Located at 405 E. Main Street in Platteville, WI.

Hoard Historical Museum

Reopening in October 2007, the museum features historical information about the 1832 Black Hawk War, exhibits about dairy farming and exhibits related to the history of this area of Wisconsin.  Location is 401 Whitewater Avenue at Fort Atkinson, WI.

Kenosha History Center

The campus of the Kenosha County Historical Society features an 1866 Light Station and the 1917 Kenosha Water Utility pumping station.  The museum offers historical artifacts and items related to the early history of the people and businesses in Kenosha, WI.  Located at 220 51st Place in Kenosha, WI.

Badger Mine and Museum

The museum features artifacts related to the history of Shullsburg and the impact of the mining industry on the area. The tour includes a real lead mine from the past.  Located at 279 W. Estey Street in Shullsburg, WI.

Wisconsin's First Capitol Historic Site

Located on County Highway G in Belmont, WI.

Shullsburg Water Street District

Langlade County Historical Museum

Operated by the Langlade County Historical Society, the museum is housed inside the 1905 Antigo Library building, the museum features logging and Indian artifacts along with agricultural and lumbering implements and tools.  A large collection of photos and scenes of early Langlade County and Antigo are held by the archives.  Located at 404 Superior Street in Antigo, WI.

Merrill Historical Brickyard School Museum

Manitiwoc County Heritage Center and Museum

Pinecrest Historical Village

Wisconsin Martime Museum

Learn about the maritime history of Wisconsin and the Great Lakes area.  Exhibits include the USS Cobia, a WWII Submarine.  Visit at 75 Maritime Drive in Manitowoc, WI.

Home to the research library and archives of the Marathon County Historical Society along with an educational exhibit area, the home was built in 1914 and is known today as the Woodson History Center.  Located at 410 McIndoe Street in Wausau, WI.

Yawkey House Museum

The beautiful Classical Revival style house was built in 1900 as a home for the Cyrus Yawkey family.  Operated by and home to the Marathon County Historical Society, the lower level is open for tours.  The home is surrounded by formal gardens.  Located at 403 McIndoe Street in Wausau, WI.  Also see the Downtown Wausau Walking Tour.

Marinette Co. Historical Society and Logging Museum

Preserving and promoting the history of the Marinette County area of Wisconsin.  Exhibits include Native American artifacts, the Evancheck log cabin, logging history, pioneer farm implements, tools and items for daily life of early inhabitants of Marinette County.   Located on Stephenson Island near downtown Marinette, WI.

Marinette Downtown Walking Tour

Menominee Indian Tribe Cultural Museum

[Brochure] (PDF)

Visitors will learn about the culture of the Menominee Indian Tribe through historical artifacts and exhibits.

Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin Logging Museum

Featuring the largest collection of logging artifacts in the world, there are seven log buildings to explore in this reproduction and restoration of a base logging camp typical of those found in the lake states between 1860 and 1910.  Located just off State Highway 47 on County Highway VV West, just north of Keshena, WI.

Kilbourntown House

This beautiful Greek Revival styled house was built in 1844 by Benjamin Church.  The original location was in Milwaukee but it was moved to Estabrook Park in 1938.  Tours are offered.  Located on Estabrook Drive inside Estabrook Park in Shorewood, WI.

Milwaukee County Historical Society  - Historic Center

Housed inside a 1913 neoclassical revival style building which was originally built for the Second Ward Savings Bank, the museum features historical items and artifacts related to the history of Milwaukee.  Located at 910 N. Old World 3rd Street in Milwaukee, WI.

Milwaukee Historic Homes

Milwaukee Public Museum

The museum features many varied collections among which is the "Streets of Old Milwaukee", a walk-through replica of a 19th century street scene in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Also featured are exhibits related to the history and lives of Wisconsin Indian tribes.  Located at 800 W. Wells Street in Milwaukee, WI.

The Pabst Mansion   [Photo Tour]

Wisconsin Black Historical Society & Museum

Devoted to the preservation of African American history from Ancient Egypt to Modern Milwaukee.  Located at 2620 W. Center Street in Milwaukee, WI.

Cranberry Discovery Center - History of cranberry production.

Housed in the historic Union Cranberry Warehouse, visitors to the center will learn about the cranberry industry in Wisconsin.  Located at 204 Main Street in Downtown Warrens, WI.

Copper Culture State Park and Museum

Grignon Mansion

Erected in 1837 by Charles A. Grignon, the stately home was once known as "The Mansion in the Woods".  Today, tours are led by costumed guides through rooms furnished in period style.  The home even offers an  historic apple orchard.  Located at 1313 Augustine Street in Kaukauna, WI.

Hearthstone - Illuminating our heritage

The History Museum at the Castle

Featuring an exhibit about the life and times of Harry Houdini, the museum offers records, photographs and documents related to the history of Outagamie County.  Location is 330 E. College Avenue in Appleton, WI.

Visitors will take a step back in time in this rural village which is comprised of a collection of over 20 historical buildings and structures from the 1840s through the early 1900s.  Historic buildings include the Cedarburg Railroad Depot, fully furnished homes, barns and more.  A research archives is available for researchers.  Operated by the Ozaukee County Historical Society, the village is located at 4880 County Hwy I in Saukville, WI.

Port Washington Historic Tours

Port Washington Lighthouse Museum

Polk County Museum

[Polk County History] 

[Polk County Archives Photos]

[Polk County Historical Society on Facebook]

Operated by the Polk County Historical Society, the Polk County Museum is housed inside the 1899 Polk County Courthouse.  The museum features three floors of galleries full of historical items related to the history of the Polk County region of Wisconsin.  Located at120 West Main Street in Balsam Lake, WI.

Rural Life Museum

The Rural Life Museum is operated by the Polk County Historical Society and features an old country school, general store and railroad depot filled with historical artifacts of rural pioneer families and the telegraph station and iron road used for communication with the world.  Located one block west of the Polk County Museum in Balsam Lake, WI.

Beth Israel Congregation, Stevens Point

Constructed in 1905, it served as the house of worship for the Jewish Community of Stevens Point.  Today it houses an exhibit about the Stevens Point Jewish history and religious practices.  The synagogue is located at 1475 Water Street in Stevens Point, WI.

Heritage Park

A collection of historical buildings including the Plover Methodist Church and the Franklin / Calkins House.  The park is focused on the history of community life in Plover, WI.  Located between Madison Street and Washington Street in Plover, Wisconsin.

Rising Star Mill, Nelsonville

Built in 1868, the Rising Star Flouring Mill operated in varying capacities until 1984.  Today the mill is operated by the Portage County Historical Society and hosts music concerts, art shows and other special events throughout the year.  Available for rental.  Located in Nelsonville, WI.

Rosholt Pioneer Museum

The museum is comprised of a one-room schoolhouse, a granary, a sawmill and two log cabins which are located on the Rosholt Fairgrounds.  Featuring historical artifacts and items used by early pioneers of the Portage County area, the museum is focused on the pioneer household, farms and logging industry.

[Old Town Hall History]

Housed inside the historical Fifield Old Town Hall, the museum is operated and maintained by the Price County Historical Society.  Built in 1894, the Fifield Town Hall was used as a government building until 1967.  Used for many town events, the Old Town Hall has seen a lot of history.  Today, the building has been restored and serves as a museum which is focused on the early history of Price County.  Exhibits include "The Opera House" which still features the stage, logging artifacts and tools, railroad memorabilia, Victorian period rooms, and other historical artifacts relevant to Price County History.  Located at the intersection of Highway 13 and Pine in Fifield, WI.

Burlington Historical Society and Museum  (dead link Sept 2012)

Richland Center Visitor Center

Housed inside the 1909 Train Depot, the Richland Center Visitor Center provides visitors and residents with information about travel and events.  The Train Depot served the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul passenger line until the 1950s and freight train service until the 1980s.  In 1998, the city of Richland Center acquired the Train Depot.  It has been restored and opened as the Richland Center Visitor Center in 2001.  Located next to the caboose at 397 W. Seminary in Richland Center, WI.

Milton House Historic Museum

This National Historical Landmark was erected in 1844 and is known as the oldest poured concrete structure in the U.S.  Built of local grout, the house is hexagonal and has been restored by the Milton Historical Society.  Located at 18 S. Janesville Street in Milton, WI.

Rusk County Historical Society Museum  

[Photos]  [Rusk County Museum on Facebook]

The Rusk County Historical Society Museum actually features ten buildings displaying thousands of historical artifacts and items donated by Rusk County citizens along with many historical documents and burial records for cemeteries in the Rusk County area.  Visitors are welcomed in the Henry Golat building where they will find documents and materials for historical research as well as a gift shop and the museum guest book.  Located at the Rusk County Fairgrounds in Ladysmith, WI.

Buildings include:

• Henry Gloat Building (Welcome building for the museum)
• 1900 Little Red Schoolhouse (originally located in True, WI)
• The Flambeau Mine Visitors Center
• 1902 Gates County Courthouse
• 1915 Teachers Cabin
• Replica Pioneer Log Cabin
• Logging and Farm Equipment Building
• Jones LeCount Building (holds military items)
• Exhibition Building
• Henry Golat Building
• Farm Equipment Shed

Jacob Van Orden Mansion

[Van Orden Mansion History]

[Mansion Tour]

The Sauk County Historical Society Museum is housed inside the historical Van Orden Mansion which was built for Jacob Van Orden (a Baraboo banker).  Today, the house has been restored and preserved and features original woodwork, flooring, wall treatments, fireplaces, and beautiful appointments.  Many rooms of the house contain historical artifacts and memorabilia related to the Sauk County and it's early inhabitants.  Visitors will also find a local history research library housing thousands of files, photos, documents and other historical items.  Located at 531 Fourth Avenue in Baraboo, WI.

Sawyer County Historical Society and Museum

[Photo Gallery]

Operated by the Sawyer County Historical Society, the museum is focused on the history of the Sawyer County area of Wisconsin.  The museum is housed inside the 1928 DNR Ranger Station and features historical artifacts, photos and items related to Sawyer County history.  Exhibits include Ojibwe Culture, Logging, homesteading and early pioneers, Victorian lifestyle and more.  Learn about the past of Hayward and Sawyer County.  Located on County Highway B in Hayward, WI.

Doc's Classic Car & Cycle Museum

Features 60s muscle cars along with classic cars and motorcycles and a complete 1938 Standard Gas Station.  Located at W. 2709 St. Hwy 29 in Bonduel, WI inside Doc's Harley Davidson, Inc.

Arvid E. Miller Memorial Library-Museum for the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians

[Mohican History]  [Photo Galleries]

The museum features a large collection of both cultural and historical artifacts of the Mohican Nation, Stockbridge-Munsee Band and is the repository for the public records of the Tribe.  Along with the museum and research library, there is a shop where Indian arts and crafts may be purchased.  Located at N8510 Moh-He-Con-Nuck Road in Bowler, WI.

Sheboygan County Research Center

[History]  [Archival Holdings]  [Images]

Built in 1837, the Mill House was originally used as a boarding house for the Rochester Lumber Company.  Today, the building houses the Sheboygan county Historical Research Center which is a private, non-profit archive and family history center.  Located at 518 Water Street in Sheboygan Falls, WI. 

Sheboygan County Historical Museum

This complex of historical structures includes the 1864 Weinbold Home, an 1890s barn, the 1867 Bodenstab Cheese Factory.  Exhibits includes historical artifacts, an early days classroom, a circus exhibit, Indian relics and more.  Located at 3110 Erie Avenue in Sheboygan, WI.

New Richmond Heritage Center and Museum

Featuring a collection of historic buildings in a lovely park setting, visitors will find an 1887 log cabin, 1891 church, a log blacksmith shop, the 1902 Camp 9 School and others.  Located at 1100 Heritage Drive in New Richmond, WI.

The Octagon House Museum

The Museum complex is operated and maintained by the St. Croix County Historical Society and features The Octagon House which has been restored with Victorian furnishings.  The house was built in 1854 for Judge John Shaw Moffat and his wife Nancy Bennet Moffatt and was occupied by the  Moffat-Hughes family for over 100 years.  Other buildings include a blacksmith shop, a general store, and a Carriage House.  A Research Center is located in the upstairs of the Carriage House for those interested in local or family history.  Located at 1004 Third Street in Hudson, WI.

Housed inside the St. Louis County Heritage Depot, the museum features many local history items and information about railroading in Minnesota.  Located inside the same building is the St. Louis County Historical Society which offers many artifacts and information about the history of St. Louis County.  Located at 506 W. Michigan Street in Duluth, MN.

Maintained by the Taylor County Historical Society, the main museum features a dairy display, farm and household exhibit, and a large exhibit of mounted animals.  Other buildings on the property are a one room schoolhouse which is furnished with antique school materials and a log cabin with historical artifacts related to early Taylor County.  Located at 845A East Broadway Street in Medford, WI.

Arcadia Area Historical Society Museum and Art Center

Housed inside an 1875 building which has served as a blacksmith shop and wagon factory, a grocery store and rented for various purposes for many years, the society features historical artifacts, documents and items related to the history of the Arcadia area.  The museum will be moving to a new home soon.  Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, rectory, convent and school from the Diocese of LaCrosse has been acquired and is being restored.  Currently located at 401 S. Washington Street in Arcadia, WI.

Beach Corner Arts Studios

The unique art studio of Nancy Horton and Ron Reimer is housed inside a historical one room schoolhouse and features a sales gallery for local artisans.  Visitors will find woven hooked and braided rugs, basketry, paintings, jewelry, rosemaling, pottery and wood turning.  Located at W14234 County Road C in Ettrick, WI.

Eastside Farm

The Alexander A. Arnold house was built in 1874.  The estate originally was 400 acres with the beautiful 15 room house and a New York style barn situated on it.  The A. A. Arnold farmstead is still being restored by The Garden of Eden Preservation Society.  The house is open to the public at various times throughout the year and may be rented for weddings and events.  Located at 19408 Silver Creek Road in Galesville, WI.

Elk Creek Lutheran Church

[History]

Church services have been held for over 134 years by the Norwegian congregation of the Elk Creek Lutheran Church of hale but the current church building was built in 1916 after a fire destroyed the original.  Located at W16316 County Road OO in Hale, WI.

Old Main Historical & Community Arts Center

[Gale College Timeline]

Originally the main building for Gale College, it was built in 1862.Old Main is a community arts center and is opened for special events.  It may be rented for special occasions.  Located at 12th Street and College Avenue in Galesville.

Phoneco Inc.

This vintage phone business restores antique phones as a business but also features a museum of old telephone and parts.  Featured items include a telegraph display, a candlestick phone display which visitors can actually experience using, and wood wall phones.  Located at 19813 E. Mill Road in Galesville, WI.

Old St. Mary's Church Museum

Built in 1908, the historical St. Mary's Catholic Church is a lovely little white church which has been restored and is being used today for weddings, baptisms and a meeting place for the Vernon County Historical Society.  Tours are offered by appointment.  Located at 606 W. Broadway Street in Viroqua, WI.

The Sherry-Butt House

Built in 1890, the Federal style house is one of the oldest homes in Viroqua.  Originally, the house was home to the Lt. Colonel Cyrus M. Butt family.  In 1947, the house was purchased by Orbic Sherry and remained in the family until acquisition by the Vernon County Historical Society.  Today, the home contains many of the original furnishings and Lt. Colonel's Civil War artifacts are on display.  Open to the public seasonally and by appointment.  Located at 795 N. Main Street in Viroqua, WI.

The Thoreson House

Built in 1892 by Theodore Thoreson, the house is being preserved by the Westby Historical Society.  The Society has displays of historical artifacts and antique furniture along with a library of historical materials.  Located at 101 Black River Avenue in Westby, WI.

Vernon County Historical Museum 

Housed in the 1918 Vernon County Normal School, the museum features exhibits and artifacts which tell the story of earlier times in Vernon County.  The first floor boasts a genealogy room which includes research materials for those who are researching their family history.  Located at 410 S. Center Avenue in Viroqua, WI.

Vilas County Historical Museum  [Tour]

Focus is on the history of Vilas County.  Historical artifacts and exhibits related to the pioneer days of the late 1800s in Northern Wisconsin are featured.

Geneva Lake Museum

[Geneva Lake Historical Timeline & Map]

Housed inside the 1929 Wisconsin Power & Light building, the museum features historical artifacts, and items of daily living which are related to the early history of Lake Geneva.  Visitors will walk the brick pavement of "Main Street" where they will see turn of the century architecture, a log cabin with Potawatomi tools and arrowhead collection, a blacksmith shop, a fire engine house with an 1890 hose wagon, antique farm implements and tools, a spring house for cooling milk, a telephone switchboard, a 1920s dental work station, a general store, and an 1890s school.  Learn about the boats and yachts of Geneva Lake, the Chicago & North Western Railway, the mansions of Geneva Lake and more fascinating history of this area.  Located at 255 Mill Street in Geneva Lake, WI.

The museum houses a hand carved replica of an entire logging camp operation at the turn of the century.  Visitors will view many logging camp artifacts and taped interviews of early settlers.  Located on Main Street in Birchwood, WI.

Howard Morey Homestead

Built in 1901, the Morey house is open to visitors seasonally.  Located on Park Avenue in Birchwood, WI.

Museum of Woodcarving

Featuring 15 years of wood carving of religious scenes in ponderosa and sugar pine 2x4s laminated together.  It is known as the largest collection of woodcarvings in the world created by one man.  Located at 536 Highway 63 in Shell Lake, WI.

Railroad Memories Museum

[Virtual Tour]

Housed inside the historical Chicago Northwestern Depot, Visitors will find a collection of historical documents, photos, railroad equipment and memorabilia related to the history of railroading.  Located at 424 Front Street in Spooner, WI.

Washburn County Historical Museum - Shell Lake

With focus on the last 150 years of Washburn County history, the museum includes the 1888 St. John's Lutheran Church, the former parsonage, Beaver Brook School and the Sky Watch Hut used during WWII.  Visitors will find historical photos, artifacts and memorabilia.  Located at 102 W. 2nd Avenue in Shell Lake, WI.

Washburn County Historical Museum-Springbrook

Originally the 1906 St. Magdalene Catholic Church, the historical building has been restored and serves as a church museum as well as a local history museum.  Filled with local historical artifacts, photos, farm and medical equipment and more.  Located at N8582 Andrews Road in Springbrook, WI.

The old Washington County courthouse was erected in 1889 in the Romanesque Revival style and was used until 1962.  Today it is used as a museum by the Washington County Historical Society for the preservation and display of the history of Washington County, WI.

Old Jailhouse Museum

Saxiona House

Built in 1855, the house is located on County Highway H, in Farmington, WI.  It is currently being restored.

St. Agnes Convent

Black Point Estate  [Photo Gallery]

This beautiful 1888 Queen Anne Victorian mansion was owned by the beer baron, Conrad Seipp, whose family occupied it for four generations.  Visitors will receive a 45 minute docent escorted tour of the mansion bringing history alive.  Located on the shore of Lake Geneva in Wisconsin, tours arrive daily by boat May through October.

Old World Wisconsin

[Interactive Map]

A place to relive the "Spirit of America's Heartland".

Take a step back in time to the late 19th century of Wisconsin when many immigrants were building a better life in a new place.  Experience living history on historic farms, at the one-room schoolhouse and see 1870s craftsmen and artisans creating their old world crafts in this village focused on the early immigration and settlement of the Germans, Fins, Danes and African Americans to Wisconsin.  Located 1 1/2 miles south of Eagle on Highway 67 in Waukesha County, WI.

Ten Chimneys

The National Historical Landmark home of Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fotanne offers visitors a docent-guided, walking tour of the home which contains original furnishings of the 1930s and 1940s.  Visitors will hear stories about the lives of the Broadway legends Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne.  Located at S43 W313575 Depot Road in Genesee Depot, WI.

Waukesha County Museum

Operated by the Waukesha County Historical Society and located in the former county offices of the 1893 courthouse building, this museum focuses on regional history and occasionally brings in featured exhibits on other subjects.  Located at 101 W. Main Street in Waukesha, WI.

[History of Waupaca]

This repository for local history documents, books, historical photographs, family histories and other items related to the history of the Waupaca area is housed inside the former public library building.  The center is the headquarters for the Waupaca Historical Society.  Located at 321 South Main Street in Waupaca, WI.

Heritage Historical Village

Featuring six historical buildings and a garage which has been moved to this location to create a village.  Visitors can browse a school, church, log cabin, octagon house and a train depot which are furnished with original and period furnishings.  Located at 900 Montgomery Street in New London, WI.  Buildings in the Heritage Historical Village include:

1. Triangle School - Built in 1857 in the town of Hortonia, it's original name was Elms School but later became known as Triangle School.

2. Log Cabin - Built ca 1850 by the McLaughlin Family, the cabin was removed from a farm in Lebanon Township.

3. Octagon House - Built in New London prior to 1867, the eight sided house was originally on N. Shawano Street.  It is furnished today with a collection of antique furnishings.

4. The Village Chapel - A beautiful little white church which had it's first worship services in 1949.  Known as "the little white church on McKinley Street",  Originally the building was Three Pines School in the town of Liberty before becoming the Evangelical United Brethren Church on McKinley Street.  Furnished as a non-denominational chapel for worship and personal meditation, the Village Chapel is available for weddings.

5. A garage from the former Edison/Simmons facility once owned by Thomas Alva Edison has been added to Heritage Village.

6. The C&NW Train Depot is the former passenger train depot from East Beacon Avenue.  Built in 1923, it was used by passenger trains until 1954 and for freight trains until 1982.  Today it has been moved to Heritage Village and holds displays of railroad artifacts and memorabilia.

Hutchinson House Museum

Built in 1854, the Hutchinson House is a prime example of a well preserved New England style home during the mid 1850s and Victorian era.  Originally built by Chester Hutchinson as a farm house on the corner of West Fulton and Franklin Streets in Waupaca, the Victorian home today is maintained by the Waupaca Historical Society as a museum.  Visitors to the museum will find antique furniture and historical artifacts, many of which were donated by residents of Waupaca County.  At times, visitors will enjoy docent tour guides and demonstrations of early crafts.  Open seasonally on weekends and by special appointment.  Located inside South Park in Waupaca, WI.

Iola Historic Village

Operated and maintained by the Iola Historical Society, the Iola Historic Village gives visitors a chance to take a step back in time to an earlier day and simpler times.  The village features three historical structures and two reproductions.  Located at 205 Depot Street in Iola, WI.  Buildings include:

1. Helvetia Town Hall - Built in 1919, the structure was moved from it's original location on Hwy. GG to the Iola Historic Village.  Renovated, the structure looks much as it did in the early days when it served as the Town Hall, even including the outhouse which was also brought along in the move.

2. Townsend School - The one room schoolhouse was built in 1897 and originally located in Farmington Township.  The school served the school district for 59 years.  In 1996, this reproduction was built.  The schoolhouse bell on top of this structure was brought from the Twin Grove School in Helvetia.

3. The log cabin was moved from the Town of Harrison along the Little Wolf River.  It's origins are uncertain.  Inside are historical artifacts and furniture dating from the late 1800s and early 1900s.

4. Iola & Northern Depot - The train depot was built in 1894 and served Iola for 64 years.  The exterior has been resotred and railroad tracks laid alongside where you can now see a Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range Railroad Caboose.

5. Iola Firehouse - The authentic replica of the 1901 brick firehouse holds historical firefighting equipment including: a horse drawn 1912 Waterous Pumper, a 1924 Ford Model T hose truck and a 1938 Reo based pumper and hose truck combo.  The original firehouse is still standing at 175 East State Street.

Iola Historical Society and Museum

The Iola Historical Society features a small historical museum and research center.  Located at 210 Depot Street in Iola, WI.

Railroad Depot

[Photos]

Built in 1907 as a replacement of the original Wisconsin Central Depot in Waupaca, the historical landmark stands as a reminder of days gone by.  Located on the grounds is a car barn and a baggage car form the early 1900s trolley line in Waupaca.  Located at 525 Oak Street in Waupaca, WI.

Housed in the old Waushara County Jail, the museum is open on Wednesday afternoons.  The museum has a genealogy department with obits, court cases, photos, school records, and newspapers.  They try to help everyone searching for ancestry in the county.  Located at 212 S. St. Marie Street in Wautoma, WI.

secretary - Lori McCloud
president - Marvin Wagner

contact: wausharamuseum@yahoo.com

Whistler Mounds Park

The historical site has two rows of conical Indian mounds with earthen enclosures with a trail leading around the site.  The mounds were mapped by archaeologists in 1916 and are believed to be constructed by the Woodland Indians between 650 and 1200 A.D.  Located on Fish Lake at the intersection of N4140 6th Avenue just east of Hancock, WI..

Wild Rose Pioneer Museum   [History and Photos]

Operated by the Wild Rose Historical Society, the museum offers a glimpse of the past heritage of Wild Rose, Wisconsin.  Focused on the early immigrants from Wales, Norway and England, who built the town.  Located on State Hwy 22 in Wild Rose, WI.

[Virtual Museum Tour]

Considered to be one of the most extensive aviation attractions in the world, the museum holds a collection of over 200 historic airplanes.  Adventurous visitors can even take a ride in a vintage airplane at the Pioneer Airport.  Other attractions include the Eagle hangar filled with WWII aviation exhibits and the KidVenture Gallery where kids can get hands on experience with exciting aviation exhibits.  Located at 3000 Poberezny Road in Oshkosh, WI.

Bergstrom-Mahler Museum

[Museum History]

This regional art museum features the world's most representative collection of antique and contemporary glass paperweights along with many other types of glass exhibits.  Collections include Germanic drinking vessels dating from 1573, a collection of Victorian-Era glass baskets and a growing collection of contemporary glass.  Located at 165 N. Park Avenue in Neenah, WI.

The Morgan House

Built in 1884 for John Rodgers Morgan, a founder Morgan Brothers (a lumber company in Oshkosh), the beautiful Queen Anne style home is being restored by the Winnebago County Historical and Archaeological Society.  The house features original woodwork, six fireplaces, gas light fixtures and original wall coverings.  Visitors will delight in the authentic Victorian gardens which surround the home.  To schedule a tour, call 920-232-0260.  Located at 234 Church Avenue in Oshkosh, WI.

Oshkosh Public Museum

[Online Exhibits]

Focused on the preservation of the heritage of Oshkosh and the Lake Winnebago region of Wisconsin, the Oshkosh Public Museum features over 10,000 square feet of exhibits, documents, photographs, and historical artifacts.  Founded in 1924, the museum is the second oldest public museum in the state of Wisconsin.  Located at 1331 Algoma Blvd. in Oshkosh, WI.

The Paine Art Center and Gardens

[History of the Paine]

The Tudor mansion was built in 1930 for the Nathan Paine family.  The house was never completed inside and it was halted due to the Great Depression.  The Paines never moved into the house.  In 1946, Nathan and Jessie Paine established the estate as a museum for the public.  Today, The Paine Art Center and Gardens is focused on the preservation of the historical house, gardens, art collections, and exhibitions.  Rentals of the estate is also available for weddings and events.  Located at 1410 Algmoa Blvd. in Oshkosh, WI.

The Smith Octagon House Museum

Built in the 1850s soon after the first settlers arrived in Neenah, the house was occupied by Edward Smith (a prosperous flour mill owner).  The house remained in the Smith family until 1923 when purchased by the Quinn family and converted into apartment units.  Today, the house is maintained by the Neenah Historical Society as a museum and may be toured.  Call 920-729-0244 for appointment.  Located at 347 Smith Street in Neenah, WI.

Velte History Room

Exhibits and historical artifacts of Neenah's people are on display in exhibits which include the Olen Indian Collection.  Learn about the Native Americans, the 19th century European explorers and early settlers of Neenah.  Located at the City Hall in Neenah, WI.

The Ward House

The Ward house was built ca1912 and remains virtually unaltered.  Today, the Neenah Historical Society is headquartered in the house and provides a research library for local history.  Located at 343 Smith Street in Neenah, WI.

South Wood County Historical Museum

[Virtual Tour]   [Museum History]

Housed in an 1907 Home, the South Wood Co. Historical Society offers exhibits relating to the history of the area along with a collection of research materials.  Located at 540 Third Street in Wisconsin Rapids, WI.

Upham Mansion

Upham Mansion was built in 1880 and was home to the former governor of Wisconsin, William Henry Upham.  Listed on the National Register of historic Places, it houses the North Wood County Historical Society.  Upham Mansion is filled with Victorian furnishings some of which are original.  Tours are offered.  Located at 212 West 3rd Street in Marshfield, WI.

Museum Index for Other States

Wisconsin Census Records