Our Exhibit Season Has Concluded!
The South Wood County Historical Museum’s 2025 exhibit season has come to a close. 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.
From the Curator’s Desk
This month, we pause to remember and honor Paul Gross, a dedicated local historian and friend of the South Wood County Historical Museum. Through his many video productions and community history projects, Paul preserved countless stories of Wisconsin Rapids and the surrounding area. His passion for sharing local history ensured that future generations can better understand and appreciate our community’s past. We are deeply grateful for his contributions and extend our heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends.
As we look ahead, November also brings opportunities for reflection and gratitude — from the Wisconsin Rapids Historic Preservation Commission, to Veterans Day, when we honor all who have served, and a look ahead to America 250 and the Christmas Tree Walk.
We also want to thank everyone who stopped by the Museum during Halloween trick-or-treat — your visits help keep our history alive and vibrant!
Remembering Paul Gross
The South Wood County Historical Corporation and Museum are deeply saddened by the passing of Paul Gross, whose passion for preserving and sharing local history left a lasting mark on our community.
Paul had a gift for bringing history to life. Through his many video productions, he captured the people, places, and stories that shaped Wisconsin Rapids and the surrounding area. His work not only documented our shared past but also inspired others to look closer at the history woven into everyday life.
Paul was a true collaborator — generous with his time and his stories. His kindness and enthusiasm for storytelling were constants that brightened our efforts and reminded us why this work matters.
We will deeply miss Paul’s presence, but his contributions will continue to resonate through the films, memories, and friendships he created. His legacy ensures that the history of this community will be remembered — not only in records and archives, but in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know him.
Click the button below to watch and learn Wisconsin Rapids History by Paul Gross.
Wisconsin Rapids Historic Preservation Commission
Historic preservation is place-making through the identification, evaluation, and conservation of components in the built environment that convey historical significance for the enjoyment and education of the community now and in the future.
Wisconsin Rapids received grant funding for an intensive survey of the City to identify architectural, archaeological, and historical places important to local history. In this way, we can better understand what districts and individual properties may be good candidates for National or State nomination. These properties would then be eligible for historic tax credits.
📖 View the survey by clicking the button below!
Honoring Veterans: Remembering Service and Sacrifice
Each year on November 11, our nation pauses to honor the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Initially observed as Armistice Day, the holiday was established in 1919 to commemorate the end of World War I — when the fighting ceased on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. In 1954, following World War II and the Korean War, Congress renamed the observance Veterans Day to honor all who have served in defense of our country.
At the South Wood County Historical Museum, we are continually reminded of the local stories that connect our community to national service. From those who served overseas to those who supported the war effort at home, these personal histories preserve the local connection to global events.
Recently, the Museum received a generous donation of photographs from Gerald & Marilyn Hamel, Gerald's father helped build the Alcan (Alaska-Canada) Highway during World War II. Constructed in 1942 by U.S. Army engineers and civilian workers, the highway was a vital supply route that linked the continental United States to Alaska through rugged northern terrain. These images offer a remarkable glimpse into the lives and labor of those who served their country through endurance and determination.
As we observe Veterans Day, we express our gratitude to all who have served — in uniform or in support — and to the families who continue to preserve their stories for future generations.
Facts About the Alaska–Canada Highway (Alcan Highway)
Built During World War II (1942): The highway was constructed as a military supply route after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, to connect the contiguous United States to Alaska through Canada.
Length: The original route stretched 1,685 miles (2,700 km) from Dawson Creek, British Columbia, to Delta Junction, Alaska, near Fairbanks.
Construction Time: It was built in an astonishing eight months — from March to October 1942 — through rugged wilderness and extreme conditions.
Workers: Over 11,000 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers soldiers and 7,500 civilian workers took part, including about 4,000 African American troops, whose work was vital to the project’s success despite facing segregation and harsh conditions.
Conditions: Crews faced dense forests, swamps, mountains, permafrost, and temperatures ranging from freezing snowstorms to thick summer mud.
Cost: The highway cost about $140 million at the time (roughly $2.5 billion today).
Opened to the Public: After the war, the route was opened to civilians in 1948, becoming a vital link for trade, travel, and tourism.
Modern Name: It’s now officially called the Alaska Highway and is maintained by both the U.S. and Canadian governments.
Legacy: The highway is considered one of the greatest engineering feats of the 20th century — a symbol of cooperation, perseverance, and ingenuity under wartime urgency.
Trick-Or-Treat
Thank you to all the little ghosts, superheroes, and princesses who stopped by the South Wood County Historical Museum for Halloween trick-or-treating! 👻🧙♀️
We loved seeing all the creative costumes and sharing spooky fun in our historic halls. Events like this remind us how special our community is — past and present!
We hope everyone had a safe and happy Halloween! 🕸️🕷️
The South Wood County Historical Museum will once again be aglow for the Annual Christmas Tree Walk! Visitors can stroll through beautifully decorated rooms, be amazed by themed trees, enjoy festive displays, and experience the warmth and charm of the season. This year’s walk features dozens of trees and exhibits across the museum's main and second floors, entirely decorated by local organizations, volunteers, and community members.
Celebrate the holidays surrounded by history, creativity, and community spirit — a favorite tradition for families and friends alike!
Looking Ahead to America 250
As we close another successful exhibit season, we’re already looking ahead to America 250, the nationwide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. Next year’s exhibits will highlight the spirit of democracy, independence, and civic engagement through three thought-provoking displays: "Declaration 1776: The Big Band of Modern Democracy", "We Stand on Their Shoulders: A History of Wisconsin Women and Voting", and "Of Thee I Sing: Politics on Stage". Each explores how the ideals that shaped our nation have continued to evolve — and how they connect to our lives today.
If you’d like to get engaged with the anniversary early, tune in to PBS on November 16 for the premiere of Ken Burns’ The American Revolution — a stirring introduction to the ideas and individuals that launched a new nation.
Click the link button to learn more!
Time to Renew Your Membership!
Exciting things are ahead at the South Wood County Historical Museum — and we want you with us!
Starting in 2025, all memberships will run January 1–December 31. Your current membership ends December 31, 2025, so be sure to renew and stay connected.
Your membership keeps history alive and gives you access to Artifacts, members-only receptions, special event invitations, and more.
Renew now and be part of the story!