From the Curator’s Desk
As we move into May, we’re excited to share a season filled with meaningful events, new exhibits, and stories that connect past and present. In this issue, we reflect on the success of our Spring Tea, highlight two engaging exhibits now on display, and share a small piece of local history tied to downtown located on Museum property. We also take a moment to recognize Mother’s Day and introduce a new way to support our work through Benevity. As always, thank you for being part of our community.
SPring Tea: Celebrating History & Bloom
Our inaugural Spring Tea was a delightful celebration of history, community, and tradition. Guests enjoyed an afternoon filled with elegant table settings, historic vignettes, and a chance to experience pieces from our collection in a new engaging way. Events like these not only bring history to life, but also help support the exhibits and programs we are able to offer throughout the year.
We extend our sincere thanks to all who attended and helped make the day so special. Your support truly makes a difference. For those who were unable to join us this time, we hope you'll stay tuned-as we plan on more exciting events and opportunities to connect with local history ahead at the Museum!
Thinking Big is What we do
We are pleased to welcome 'Thinking Big is What We do', an outdoor traveling exhibit from the Wisconsin Historical Society, now on display on our grounds through July 31. As part of the History Makers Tour, this exhibit features a series of ten larger-than-life "tall-tale postcards" that celebrate Wisconsin's spirit of creativity, innovation, and bold thinking. Designed to be both educational and fun, the exhibit invites visitors of all ages to explore these stories while enjoying the beautiful grounds of the Museum.
We Stand on Their Shoulders
We are also proud to present We Stand on Their Shoulders: A History of Wisconsin Women and Voting, a traveling exhibit that explores the long and often challenging journey toward women’s suffrage in our state. Through compelling stories and historical insights, the exhibit highlights the determination, resilience, and advocacy of the women who worked to secure the right to vote. From early efforts to organize and educate, to the broader national movement that led to the passage of the 19th Amendment, this exhibit connects Wisconsin's story to a pivotal moment in American history.
Hidden in Plain Sight: The Fleur-de-Lis
If you've ever wandered through our grounds, you can find a small but meaningful piece of local architectural history right in our gardens: the concrete fleur-de-lis! These decorative elements originally adorned the 1925 River Block building, located between 1st and 2nd Avenues. The building was constructed by Consolidated Papers Inc. and later rented to a variety of local businesses, including Kubisiak’s Plumbing, Otto Drugs, and Germann’s Jewelry. In 1980, Consolidated Papers Inc. built the current structure to serve as the company's headquarters. Over time, the building transitioned to public use and is now home to several Wood County departments. The fleur-de-lis were preserved from the original River Block building and can now be enjoyed here on our property—serving as a tangible reminder of the evolving landscape of our community and the layers of history that remain present in everyday spaces.
Supporting Your Local History
The South Wood County Historical Corporation and Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and receives no operating funding from the city, county, state, or federal governments. Every exhibit, preservation project, and educational program is made possible through private support. Donations allow us to preserve artifacts, photographs, and stories that define South Wood County’s heritage. As we look toward the future, we are seeking large gifts, endowments, and legacy or planned giving commitments to help ensure the long-term sustainability of the museum and the permanent care of our collections. If you are interested in learning more about supporting the museum through a significant gift or planned giving, we invite you to contact us for additional information. An investment in the museum is an investment in our community’s history—today and for generations to come.
To make a general donation today, click the link below!
We are pleased to share that the South Wood County Historical Corporation is now available on Benevity. This enables donors and employees at participating companies to easily support our mission to preserve and share South Wood County's history. Click the link below to learn more!
Photo: Boy Scouts Donald Lau, Jr., W.R. (left), and David Hastvedt, P.E., with their mothers, Mrs. Donald Lau. Sr., and Mrs. Harold Hostvedt. The mothers conferred the Eagle badges on the two honored Scouts, who in turn presented them with corsage bouquets.
SWCHC Collection: Donald Krohn