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Past & Present

South Wood County Historical Museum | December 2025

Step Into the Magic of the Season at Our Ninth Annual Christmas Tree Walk!

Sneak Preview of some of this year's displays!

Join us December 6–14 for one of our most beloved traditions. Stroll through beautifully decorated floors where trees, rooms, collections, and more will enthrall you! Each is uniquely themed and created by community members, organizations, and local volunteers.

New this year, the tree walk will be open daily from 12–6 PM, offering a cozy and festive atmosphere perfect for families, friends, and holiday visitors. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing the wonder of the season!

Christmas Tree Walk and Story Time Weekends at the Museum

Bring the young and the young at heart every Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. for our new Story Time, featuring a different holiday tale each day. Gather in the sunroom on the main floor for a cozy, family-friendly experience that adds a little extra magic to your Christmas Tree Walk.

From the Curator’s Desk

As we welcome December, the museum is filled with the glow, color, and spirit of the holidays. Our ever-dedicated volunteers have been busy preparing for the Christmas Tree Walk, one of our favorite opportunities to welcome the community together in celebration and tradition. This time of year always reminds us why we do what we do—preserving stories, creating connections, and offering moments of joy.

We look forward to sharing the season with you, and thank you for being part of the SWCHM family.

Bridging the Past, Building for the Future: Adapting a Historical Museum for All

Just in time for the Christmas Tree Walk, we’re excited to share meaningful progress through our grant, funded by the Legacy Foundation of Central Wisconsin. Two major accessibility projects have now been completed: a new ramp entrance at the west side of the building and updated stairs leading to the lower level of the property.

Looking ahead to the new year, we will continue this vital work by converting the main-level bathroom into a fully ADA-compliant restroom and restoring a second-floor restroom to working order.

To further improve accessibility during the Christmas Tree Walk, we will also feature a slideshow in the sunroom showcasing the second-floor displays for visitors who cannot traverse to the upper level.

We extend our sincere thanks to the Legacy Foundation of Central Wisconsin and Altmann Construction Company, Inc., for their dedication and partnership in helping us achieve these important improvements. Their support allows us to create a more welcoming and inclusive museum experience for all.

Digitization Efforts in the Community

Thanks to our ongoing digitization efforts, the John Edwards High School Ecology Club was able to access scanned editions of their past yearbooks, Papyrus, for use in their annual Harvest Meal celebration, held in the historic Dorothy Alexander Auditorium.

Images from these historic volumes were printed and displayed, helping connect today’s students with the legacy of those who came before them. We’re honored to support projects like this that keep local history alive and meaningful for new generations.

Giving Tuesday — Double Your Impact!

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the South Wood County Historical Museum relies on support from donors like you to maintain its exhibits, buildings, and grounds, preserve local history, and host educational programs and events. Your donations are tax-deductible as permitted by law and are greatly appreciated! This Giving Tuesday, your support for the South Wood County Historical Museum goes even further! Thanks to a generous matching grant of up to $25,000, every donation you make will be matched dollar-for-dollar, doubling the impact of your gift. Help us continue preserving local history, expanding access, and offering meaningful programs for our community!

Donations can be made online by clicking the box below. We also gratefully accept cash or check contributions.

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!

We also accept cash or check payments for memberships!