Our Exhibit Season Has Concluded!
The South Wood County Historical Museum’s 2025 exhibit season wrapped up following Labor Day weekend. Thank you to everyone who visited, explored our displays, and supported local history this year! We look forward to welcoming you back when exhibits reopen in April next year.
Reflections on the ’25 Season and Diving into the Off-Season
As we wrap up the 2025 exhibit season, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the highlights and memories it brought. This month, we’ll also turn our attention to the off-season— reflecting on "back to school" season, sharing upcoming events, and offering a sneak peek at the exciting lineup for our 2026 exhibit season.
Off-Season Office Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10 A.M. to 3 p.m.
Do you have a history question, an item you'd like to donate, or a general inquiry? We are open at the times listed above!
The images above look back at some of the exhibits and events hosted by the South Wood County Historical Museum this summer! From our traveling exhibits to speaker events, the Third Street Walking Tour, and Humke Elementary School tours, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Thank You for Helping Us Bring History to Life
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Rustic Redefined and the Wisconsin Rapids Community Theatre for generously loaning body forms during our 2025 exhibit season. These forms allowed us to beautifully showcase unique pieces from our clothing collection, helping visitors connect with the stories behind the garments.
Looking ahead, we are seeking gently used or new body forms to expand our display capabilities. If you have a body form you’d like to donate—or if you’d like to purchase one for the Museum—you can find them online at:
Your support helps us preserve and share our community’s history in engaging and inspiring ways!
September: Back-to-School Season
September signals the transition from summer's long days to autumn routines, and for generations in our community, returning to school has been a key part of that change.
At the SWCHM, we are surrounded by reminders of how education has shaped our community. From vintage class photos and report cards to desks, yearbooks, and schoolbooks, our collection narrates the story of students, teachers, and schools over the years. While clothing styles, classroom technology, and teaching methods have evolved, the excitement (and sometimes nervousness) of the first day of school has stayed the same.
This time of year encourages us to explore our archives more deeply, uncovering additional stories about local schools—whether it's the one-room schoolhouses or the busy hallways of more modern high schools. As families settle into the school year, you can't help but think of the generations before—walking to class with lunch pails in hand, learning their ABCs, and dreaming about their future.
Do you have school memories or photos from the Wisconsin Rapids area? We’d love to hear your stories! Your memories help preserve our community's rich educational history for future generations.
"Is Good Investment" Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune (May 29, 1931)
Mayor George W. Mead
All roads once led to Rome, and all roads here lead to our new high school which is a good investment-nowhere have we so magnificent an investment as in this high school which we are dedicating. In years to come we will have a greater dedication, a greater hallowing, by the devoted service of teachers, the earnest labors of learners, and the manifold uses of all our people. Now, as mayor of the city and on behalf of the common council, the school board, and the people of the community, I hereby solemnly dedicate this high school and fieldhouse to the mental and moral and physical development of our children and to the cause of a nobler and higher civilization in this city of Wisconsin Rapids.
Lincoln High School
311 Lincoln Street, Wisconsin Rapids
1931-1979
The "New Lincoln" high school was dedicated in 1931, replacing the 1903 "Old Lincoln" to accommodate more students. A "vocational addition" in 1958 connected Lincoln School with the Witter Vocational School, expanding space for the high school department. It continued as a high school until 1979 when the 16th Street campus was built. From 1931 to 2018, it served as East Junior High and now houses Central Oaks academy and the WRPS Enrollment Center.
John Edwards High School
801 Second Street, Port Edwards
1932-Present
Before 1932, the village offered education for lower grades, while higher education was accessible in Nekoosa or Wisconsin Rapids. The school was named in honor of John Edwards Jr. and was constructed next to the Port Edwards auditorium, built in 1920. In 1970, the Port Edwards Elementary school was established for students from kindergarten to fourth grade. Presently, the John Edwards Middle School shares the building.
Rudolph High School
1495 Main Street, Rudolph
1915-1962
The building initially housed young students on the ground floor and sophomore classes were later added, with the first graduation in 1926. An expansion in 1935 included an auditorium, gymnasium, library, and two classrooms. After district consolidation in 1962, the school closed. The building's foundation has now been repurposed for apartments.
Assumption High School
445 Chestnut Street, Wisconsin Rapids
1954-Present
Assumption High School was founded as the second location of a parochial school catering to the seven Catholic parishes in the surrounding communities. It took the place of the school situated on the second floor of Our Lady Queen of Heaven. The name Assumption was selected in reference to the belief in the assumption of Mary, the Mother of God, into heaven as an article of faith. At present, Assumption Middle School shares the building with the high school.
Alexander High School
310 First Street, Nekoosa
1913-1970
The building, named after Lewis Alexander, originally served as the high school until 1970. From 1970 to 1996, it functioned as Alexander Middle School. In 1996, a new Alexander Middle School was built, and the old building was renovated for office and retail use. It is now home to Northern Lights Food Processing, where oils are extracted from various fruits for products like soaps, lotions, and balms.
2025 Season - Volunteer Appreciation Reception
On August 21st we were delighted to host our Volunteer Appreciation Reception—a small way to say a big “thank you” to the incredible people who make the South Wood County Historical Museum thrive. From our dedicated gardeners who keep the grounds beautiful, to our archives and collections volunteers who preserve our history, to our welcoming docents who greet and guide visitors, and the many others who give their time and talents—we are so grateful. Your hard work and passion ensure our community’s history is preserved, shared, and celebrated.