Pierce County Historical Association, Pierce County Wisconsin

09/02/2026

Love this photo of people waiting to get into Crystal Cave!

Crystal Cave looked a little different in the 1950s, but the sense of adventure has stayed the same. 💚

Maybe your first visit was a school field trip, a family vacation, or a special summer outing. However you first found your way to Crystal Cave in Spring Valley, we’d love to know—how old were you on your first visit? 👇

Image: Crystal Cave, ca. 1950s

09/01/2026

In addition to our special events, we have regular weekly office hours at both our Bay City and Elmwood locations. Stop in to research, view displays, inquire about volunteering, sign up to be a supporting member, donate, or just come to chat local history.

Bay City - Every Tuesday (year round) 10-3
Elmwood - Every Thursday (year round) 12-4

There is so much going on behind the scenes relating to various area communities, if you love local history and want to get involved, please do ask at one of our offices.

08/30/2026

Join Us in September!

The return of the special exhibit on Spring Valley's big flood of 1942 for Dam Days, new this year several photos of the dam construction as well as some previously never seen before photos from 1903/04 from early SV photographer, John Krueth.

*Photo: Flood damage from Spring Valley's flood in September of 1942. Come read in her own words the harrowing story of how this house was lifted from its foundation by flood waters by the woman who was inside it.

08/29/2026

Save the date...Thursday, November 5th ~ Rock Elm Old Settlers Annual Meeting. This event is open to all, you don't have to be a member.

If interested in helping to plan or volunteer at the meeting, you are welcome to join us at our initial planning meeting to be Thursday, September 3rd (this coming Thursday) at 4pm at our History Center in Elmwood.

(Image is the 1920 plat map for Rock Elm Township)

08/17/2026

The fair is not official until Dale Freier visits us at his grade school alma mater, Freier School! We've thoroughly enjoyed hearing his stories of attending this schoolhouse over the years.

Thank you to everyone that volunteered and visited! We had 1,700 visitors this year! We gave out all of our postcards. Plan your visit next year to get the 6th special edition postcard. See you next year!

08/16/2026

Open today at the Fair!

08/16/2026

Today is the last day of the fair! It's been a great one this year! Stop by and see our updated display on Freier School and local depots in the entryway and come in to learn about Pierce County's country schools.