Past & Present South Wood County Historical Museum | April 2025

Exhibit Season Opening at the SWCHM

Tuesday, April 1st, marks the opening of our fifty-third exhibit season at the South Wood County Historical Museum! Stay tuned for future newsletters for updates on exhibits, events, and more at the SWCHM.

Our permanent displays, along with the WI Prairie Chicken Festival Display in the J. Marshall Buehler Gallery, are ready for the season! Continue reading below for more information!

Exhibit Hours at the South Wood County Historical Museum

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

In April, the SWCHM will feature Frances Hamerstrom, the Praire Chicken Festival, and Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Frances Hamerstrom and the Prairie CHicken Festival

April 1–30 | J. MArshall Buehler Gallery

To kick off the exhibit season, the Prairie Chicken Festival has a display featuring the history of its Festival and American writer, naturalist, and ornithologist Frances Hamerstrom. Stop in to learn more and see how to get involved with the group! Click on the button below for up-to-date information on this year's Festival, which will take place April 7-12.

Shipping Delay Announcement Concerning the Laura Ingalls Wilder Display

We regret to inform our SWCHM friends and followers that the shipping of the Laura Ingalls Wilder traveling exhibit is delayed. We are working diligently to resolve the issue and will provide updates as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding and patience!

Traveling Exhibit: Laura Ingalls Wilder

Brazeau Gallery

Step back in time and experience the world of Laura Ingalls Wilder, one of America's most beloved authors. From April 1 to 30, the South Wood County Historical Museum proudly hosts a special exhibit dedicated to Wilder's life and legacy. The exhibit will showcase the journey of this pioneering writer, who captured the essence of frontier life in her Little House series. The Laura Ingalls Wilder House and Museum in Mansfield, Missouri, provides this display.

Sunday, APRIL 27, at 2 pm

Lynn Urban Presentation

Lynn Urban is a long-time researcher and presenter on Laura Ingalls Wilder. She is known for her programs on Laura's life and writings and loves the Laura Ingalls Wilder Days event in Pepin, Wisconsin.

Preserving Fashion: Cataloging and Displaying Our Clothing Collection

We are excited to announce a significant step in preserving and sharing our community's rich history: our ongoing project to catalog and showcase select items from our clothing collection. Clothing is more than just fabric and thread; it tells the story of the people, culture, and events that shaped our past.

A Journey Through Time

Over the past couple of months, volunteers Mary Kay Schmidt and Cathy Meils have assisted museum staff in cataloging our collection of historical garments, from everyday to formal attire. These items offer a unique glimpse into the bygone eras' fashion trends, materials, and craftsmanship. By documenting each piece with detailed descriptions, photographs, and history, we ensure that these garments are preserved for future generations while providing valuable insight into the evolution of clothing.

Curating the Past

As part of this project, we’ve carefully selected several pieces to be displayed throughout the SWCM. These garments represent the diverse experiences and lifestyles of our community members. These items are a unique link to the past.

Exclusive Opening March 27th

We invite you to explore this collection, which will open on March 27th and be available for viewing until the end of our exhibit season. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a fashion lover, or simply curious about the past, this exhibit provides a chance to appreciate the artistry and history woven into each garment.

The cataloging project is ongoing, and we look forward to sharing more pieces with you throughout the exhibit season and beyond. Your support helps ensure these historical treasures are cared for and accessible for years.

Pictured: Hildegard Dahlke

Museum SPOTLIGHT

Members Opening Reception

We were thrilled to welcome our members to the exclusive opening reception on Thursday, March 27th, at the SWCHM. The evening celebrated history and community as guests enjoyed an early preview of the exhibits, mingled with Museum staff, volunteers, and the Board of Directors, and immersed themselves in captivating displays. With wine, hors d'oeuvres, and lively conversation, the event perfectly blended culture and stewardshilp. We are grateful to all who attended and look forward to continuing to share these unforgettable experiences with our dedicated members.

Interested in becoming a member of the SWCHM? Click the Link below!

Support the South Wood County Historical Museum and help preserve our rich local heritage! Your generous donations contribute to the museum’s mission of educating the public, preserving artifacts, and sharing the history of our community. Your gift is tax-deductible as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Join us in keeping history alive for future generations! Click the button above to help support our mission!