Burlington Historical Society Museum

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Burlington Historical Society Museum The Burlington Historical Society of Burlington, Wisconsin, was established in 1928 to collect and preserve historical records and artifacts.

Our mission is to preserve the history of Burlington for future generations. Annual membership dues and donations go towards maintaining the Historical Society owned buildings and sites in the Burlington area. These properties include the Historical Society Museum (built in 1883), the Whitman School (built in 1840), the Pioneer Log Cabin (located in Wehmhoff Square), and several others. The Society also contributes to historical restoration projects around the Burlington area, such as the refurbishment of our one-of-a-kind Abraham Lincoln Statue, located at the intersection of Kane Street and State Street.

One of the most photographed corners in the history of Burlington's downtown area is the intersection of N. Pine St. and...
10/25/2026

One of the most photographed corners in the history of Burlington's downtown area is the intersection of N. Pine St. and E. Chestnut St.

This vintage (restored) photo shows the Wien Clothing Store building in a photo taken about 1905.

That building, built by T.W. Buell in 1888, is presently occupied by The Coffee House.

Later occupants of the building include Waterman's Variety Store, Kessler's 5 cent to $1.00 Store and Rogan's Shoe Store.

Need A Ride?If you needed a taxi in Burlington years ago, you would call Boulden's Taxi Service.Harold Boulden had his s...
10/24/2026

Need A Ride?

If you needed a taxi in Burlington years ago, you would call Boulden's Taxi Service.

Harold Boulden had his service from his house on the corner of Kane St. and Washington St.

That house, along with the Zwiebel house next to it were later razed to expand the parking lot for the First Banking Center.

Are you ready for a new automobile?For only a few hundred bucks, you had yourself new "wheels" to drive home.
10/23/2026

Are you ready for a new automobile?

For only a few hundred bucks, you had yourself new "wheels" to drive home.

With another Veterans Day fast approaching, I thought I would start to post some of the many photo in our archives perta...
10/23/2026

With another Veterans Day fast approaching, I thought I would start to post some of the many photo in our archives pertaining to the history of Burlington's Veterans.

1st photo shows a ceremony in Echo Park in 1954.

2nd photo is an Americn Legion float in a 1953 Burlington parade on Milwaukee Ave.

3rd photo shows the American Legion bowling team having a party at the Palace Lanes in 1954.

Burlington has had its share of devastating fires over the years.This group of news photos shows scenes of the large fir...
10/22/2026

Burlington has had its share of devastating fires over the years.

This group of news photos shows scenes of the large fire that destroyed the White Oaks Restaurant on a winter night in February of 1985.

The restaurant was rebuilt and remodeled just after the fire and has since changed owners and names many times in the past years.

Cyclone rips through Burlington -Back in July of 1954, Burlington suffered heavy wind damage as shown in these Burlingto...
10/21/2026

Cyclone rips through Burlington -

Back in July of 1954, Burlington suffered heavy wind damage as shown in these Burlington Free Press newspaper photos.

You may recognize some of the photo locations.

You may enjoy these two "Then and Now" views along W. Chestnut St.The first photo shows a parade heading south taken alo...
10/20/2026

You may enjoy these two "Then and Now" views along W. Chestnut St.

The first photo shows a parade heading south taken along Chestnut St. in 1918. The photo caption says it was the "Fireman's Parade".

In that northwesterly view along the westerly side of the street, the large building left of center was Zwiebel and Bernert Plumbing witch was later occupied by the Brass Door tavern and presently Therapy Bar.

At upper right, that 2 story brick building was destroyed by a fire in 1924 and replaced by another brick building that had occupants which included the Arcade Bowling Alleys, Firestone Store and St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop.

The second photo is a present day view of that same area of downtown.

Visitors here may know some of these members in this "BHS Class of 1959" photo that was taken at their 50th reunion in 2...
10/19/2026

Visitors here may know some of these members in this "BHS Class of 1959" photo that was taken at their 50th reunion in 2009.

Bob Cerwin had his Firestone operation and Cer-Tex Petroleum facility on Milwaukee Ave. near the present day Culver's an...
10/18/2026

Bob Cerwin had his Firestone operation and Cer-Tex Petroleum facility on Milwaukee Ave. near the present day Culver's and Kwik-Trip.

This photo from about 1970 or so, shows Bob (third from left) with some staff members. I am sure some viewers here will be able to add the names of the other 3 men in the photo.

Address

232 N Perkins Boulevard
Burlington, WI
53105

Opening Hours

9am - 12pm

Telephone

(262) 767-2884

Website

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