From the Curator’s Desk
As the days grow longer and we patiently await the first signs of spring, the museum is getting ready to open another exciting exhibit season. This year is especially meaningful as we begin programming for America’s 250th anniversary, which we are exploring through our season theme: “Rights, Rhythm & Revolution.” Over the coming months, our exhibits will focus on the people, ideas, and cultural traditions that have shaped our nation over the past two and a half centuries. We are excited to kick off the season with the traveling exhibit “Declaration 1776.” This exhibit highlights the moment when the thirteen colonies declared independence and the powerful ideas of liberty and self-governance that followed. It offers a great starting point for our America 250 theme and encourages visitors to consider how those early ideals continue to influence our lives today. Alongside this national story, we are also celebrating an important piece of our local history. A temporary exhibit marking WFHR Radio's anniversary will explore the station’s long-standing role in connecting our community through news, music, and storytelling. Local radio has been a constant voice for generations, and we are excited to welcome our community partner to share pieces of that history with our visitors. Another highlight this season will be a beautiful quilt display created by the Material Girls Quilting Club of Wisconsin Rapids. Quilting has long been part of American life—combining artistry, craftsmanship, and community. Their quilts will help illustrate how everyday traditions and creative expression are woven into the larger story of our country. This spring, we will introduce something new for the museum—our first ticketed event, a Spring Tea. We are excited to launch this new program to bring visitors together for a special seasonal gathering while supporting the museum’s efforts. Members will get the first chance to buy tickets starting March 16, before they are available to the public. As always, thank you for your ongoing support of the museum. Your enthusiasm, participation, and generosity help us preserve and share the stories that connect our past to the present. I look forward to seeing many of you this upcoming season.
Kicking Off Our America 250 Theme
This year marks the beginning of a nationwide commemoration leading up to the 250th anniversary of the United States in July, and we are excited to begin exploring that milestone through our exhibit theme, “Rights, Rhythm & Revolution.”
We are proud to begin this exploration with the traveling exhibit “Declaration 1776,” which examines the historic moment when thirteen colonies declared independence and the bold ideas that helped form a new nation. As the first exhibit in our America 250 season, it sets the stage for a year of programs and displays that will connect national history with the stories and traditions of our own community.
We invite you to join us as we begin this journey through 250 years of American history!
Celebrating a Local Broadcasting Legacy
We are also pleased to present a special exhibit celebrating the anniversary of WFHR Radio, an important voice in our community’s history. For decades, the station has connected residents through news, music, and local programming. This display will explore the history of broadcasting in the area and highlight the role WFHR has played in shaping local culture and communication.
Photo: George Frechette and Red Blanchard at WFHR. SWCHC Collection: Donald Krohn
Quilts on Display
Visitors this season will also enjoy a beautiful display of quilts created by the Material Girls quilting group. The collection showcases a range of patterns and styles that reflect the long tradition of quilting in America. Quilting has served not only as a practical craft but also as an artistic and social tradition passed down through generations, making it a perfect complement to our America 250 theme.
We are excited to introduce a new event at the museum this spring—our first-ever Spring Tea. This special gathering will offer guests an elegant afternoon of tea, traditional tea refreshments, and conversation in a charming historic setting. Guests are encouraged to dress as fancy as they like and enjoy a relaxed afternoon celebrating the season. As part of the afternoon, guests will also be able to enjoy several special displays. An outdoor traveling exhibit from the Wisconsin Historical Society will be on view on the museum grounds, while inside the museum, visitors can admire quilts from the Material Girls of Wisconsin Rapids quilting group, as well as historic clothing from the SWCHC collection. We will also be holding a raffle for beautiful hanging flower baskets, a perfect way to welcome the spring season. Because this is our first ticketed event of this kind, seating will be limited. Members of the SWCHC are receiving advance notice and will have the first opportunity to purchase tickets from March 16-30 before they become available to the public. Tickets may be purchased online by following the ticket link box below, or in person with cash or check at the South Wood County Historical Museum on Tuesday through Thursday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. We hope you will join us as we begin what we hope will become a new spring tradition at the museum.
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!