Reflecting on 2025 & Looking Ahead to the Off-Season
As we welcome a new year, we want to take a moment to reflect on the close of 2025—a year filled with meaningful connections, community support, and memorable moments at the South Wood County Historical Museum. Thank you for being part of our story.
From the Curator’s Desk
As we close the door on 2025, I find myself reflecting on the many ways the museum continues to serve as a gathering place for our community—whether through exhibits, events, or the shared stories that connect us to the past. This past year brought meaningful progress behind the scenes, including continued work on adapting our historical building for all visitors and thoughtful planning for future exhibits. It also reminded us how important seasonal traditions have become, especially our Christmas Tree Walk, which once again filled the museum with warmth, creativity, and community spirit. The off-season offers us a chance to slow the pace and focus on the important work that happens away from public view—caring for collections, organizing archives, and preparing for what’s ahead. These quieter months are essential to ensuring that when our doors are fully open again, we are ready to share South Wood County’s history in engaging and thoughtful ways. Thank you for your continued support and belief in the value of preserving our local history. I look forward to the year ahead and to welcoming you back to the museum soon.
Looking Back on 2025
In 2025, the museum welcomed visitors through rotating exhibits that covered Laura Ingalls Wilder, Becoming the United States: Colonial America to Reconstruction, and Working Warriors: Military Life Beyond Combat. Educational programs, and special events highlighted the people, industries, and stories that shaped South Wood County. We were especially encouraged by continued community engagement—from returning members and longtime supporters to new visitors discovering the museum for the first time. Each program and conversation reaffirmed the importance of local history as a living, shared experience.
Beyond what visitors saw in our galleries, 2025 was a year of steady progress behind the scenes. Staff and volunteers dedicated countless hours to collections care, research, and planning, while also laying groundwork for future improvements through grant development and long-range planning. These efforts ensure that the museum remains a trusted steward of our community’s history for generations to come.
None of our 2025 accomplishments would have been possible without the generosity of our members, donors, sponsors, and volunteers. Your support allowed us not only to maintain our operations, but to grow thoughtfully and with purpose. As we reflect on the year, we do so with gratitude—and with excitement for what lies ahead.
A Successful Christmas Tree Walk
Our Ninth Annual Christmas Tree Walk once again transformed the Museum into a festive, welcoming space. With beautifully decorated trees, creative displays, and strong attendance throughout the event, it was a wonderful way to close out the year. We are deeply grateful to our decorators, sponsors, volunteers, and everyone who attended—this event would not be possible without your generosity and enthusiasm.
Were you unable to attend? Click the button below to check out the slideshows from the annual event!
Bridging the Past, Building for the Future Update
2025 marked a significant step forward in improving accessibility and visitor experience through our grant initiative, made possible by the Legacy Foundation of Central Wisconsin.
With the exterior portions of the projects largely completed (keep an eye out for finished handrailings in the Spring!) and the Christmas Tree Walk wrapped up, work begins on the interior projects.
Pictured is a before shot of the former restroom, previously used as storage, on the second-floor Toy Room, which is being renovated to working order!
The original tub will serve as a decorative piece, while the original sink will be functional again and paired with a new toilet. We're finalizing details to prepare this facility for public use! Stay tuned!
The South Wood County Historical Corporation mourns the passing of former Board Member Nicholas Brazeau Sr. Nick served on the Board from 1988–2021, including roles as Director, Vice President, and Treasurer. We recognize his many years of service and extend our condolences to his family and loved ones. Nick and the Brazeau family were previously featured in an issue of "Artifacts", including an interview with Nick reflecting on his life in Wisconsin Rapids. To read his own words, click the link below.
Off-Season at the MuseuM
As we enter our off-season, the museum remains busy. While public hours are limited, staff and volunteers are focused on collections care, exhibit planning, research, and archival projects. This quieter time allows us to prepare for the year ahead and ensure that future exhibits and programs continue to meet our mission of preserving and celebrating local history. Thank you for your continued support of the South Wood County Historical Corporation. We look forward to welcoming you back in the months ahead and sharing another year of history with our community.
South Wood County Historical Museum Off-Season Hours
Have a local history or research question? Looking for more membership information? Stop in during our current office hours!
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 10 AM-3 PM
Give the Gift of Membership
Looking for a meaningful gift that lasts all year? A membership to the South Wood County Historical Museum is a thoughtful way to share local history with friends and family. Memberships provide our historical magazine "Artifacts" mailed to your door, invitations to special events, and the satisfaction of supporting the preservation of our community’s stories. Museum memberships make wonderful gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, or “just because.” They’re a gift that gives back year-round.
We also accept cash or check payments for memberships!