Past & Present South Wood County Historical Museum | August 2025

Last Chance to Experience Our 2025 Exhibits

August marks the last month to experience our current displays before we close for the season after Labor Day weekend. Whether you’ve been with us all season or are planning a first visit, don’t miss your chance to immerse yourself in the history of South Wood County!

In this month’s newsletter, we’re highlighting upcoming events, sharing exciting new additions to our collections, and offering a look back at some memorable moments from July.

Exhibit Hours at the South Wood County Historical Museum

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 1-4 p.m.

WoodTrust Bank History| J. MArshall Buehler Gallery

Fascinating pieces of local banking history are now on display at the SWCHM on behalf of WoodTrust Bank.

Since its inception, the bank’s continuous success and independence have been rooted in customer loyalty, community support, and the dedication of its employees. This reaffirms its commitment to providing exceptional financial services. Visit us to discover more about the people associated with the bank's history in our community and check out some vintage pieces of banking history!

Traveling Exhibit: Working Warriors: Military Life Beyond combat

Brazeau Gallery

We've also included Items from our collections donated by Ruth F. Krause, who served in the U.S. Navy Waves in both the Korean War and World War II, and Nancy Nash's Red Cross uniform from WWII.

The Working Warriors: Military Life Beyond Combat traveling exhibit highlights that nearly 75% of military work is categorized as non-combat. These roles seldom make headlines, yet they are vital to every military operation. It examines the non-combat roles of military personnel, including work as beauticians, military police, dentists, mechanics, and photographers. This exhibit showcases an often-overlooked but highly relatable aspect of military life.

This display is made by the Wisconsin Veterans Museum

Wakely Letters Journey Home

Sydne and Matthew Bruno: the Wakely descendants with their family's collection of Civil War Era letters.

We are honored to announce a recent and deeply meaningful addition to our digital archives: The Wakely Letters, generously donated by Sydne Bruno and her family in New Mexico.

This treasured collection features heartfelt correspondence primarily exchanged between Henry and Martha Snyder during the Civil War era. It offers a rare glimpse into the daily lives, hopes, and hardships of a Wisconsin family divided by war. Many letters were written to and from Point Basse, WI, a significant historical community along the Wisconsin River.

The Bruno family's donation not only preserves the words of the past but also captures the emotions of a nation at war and the enduring bond of a family across distances and uncertainties. Thanks to their generosity, these letters are now available in digital form for scholars, students, and history enthusiasts to explore and learn from.

Please join us in extending our heartfelt thanks to Sydne Bruno and her family for preserving and sharing this remarkable window into our past.

📸 Scenes from Civil War Days at Historic Point Basse — July 26–27, 2025 Historic Point Basse hosted a memorable weekend with engaging reenactments, living history, and a glimpse into local history. The South Wood County Historical Museum was honored to display items from our collection. Photos courtesy of William Parker and Historic Point Basse.
On July 25th, members of the Lincoln High School class of 1959 and representatives of the SWCHM were on hand to unveil the newly added History Wall at Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids. LHS Principal Rod Watson discussed the history of primary education in our area beginning in 1850, and the importance of today's students learning about their local history.

Deaccession: officially remove (an item) from the listed holdings of a library, museum, or art gallery.

To view our collections policy, click the link below!

Back by popular demand!

Historic Third Street Walking Tour

Please call us at 715-423-1580 to reserve your spot!

Timeless Tales: Story Time

August 14 at 1 PM

Join us for a special reading of Anne of Green Gables, the beloved story of an imaginative, red-headed orphan who captures the hearts of everyone around her. Whether it's your first time hearing Anne’s adventures or you’ve already fallen in love with her spirit, this event will transport you through time and is perfect for young and young at heart!

Interested in becoming a member of the SWCHM? Or renewing your membership? Click the Link below!

If you are interested in previous issues of "Artifacts," the Museum has scoured our building and collected excess copies, which are available for free! Stop by and take home a piece of history!

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the South Wood County Historical Museum depends on support from donors like you to maintain our exhibits, buildings, grounds, protect local history, and host educational programs and events. Your donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law and greatly appreciated! Click the link below to make your donation today!