La Crosse Area Heritage Center

08/26/2026

Happy National Dog Day!

Come check out this advertisement! Friday-Sunday, 12:00-4:30 pm, last admission at 4:00 pm.

Happy Dog Day to all the good dogs, including those who might chew on shoes! 🐾

La Crosse artist Howard Colvin’s love for dogs is evident in his artwork, particularly in a drawing of a very guilty-looking beagle. Colvin originally created this image of the pup caught in the act of destroying its owner's shoe. The final version was an advertisement for La Crosse Breweries' Peerless Amber, featuring the line: "Sorry, Gee—I wish I could buy him a bottle of Peerless Amber."

The three images from our collection showcase the journey of the artwork, from Colvin’s preliminary sketch to a refined drawing, and finally to the completed advertisement.

You can see the final Peerless Amber advertisement on display now in "Drink in the Design: La Crosse Beer Advertising" at the La Crosse Area Heritage Center.

08/15/2026

Free fun and fireworks?! Hope to see you tonight at Hixon House!

Today’s the day!

We hope to see you tonight to Celebrate America's Birthday at Hixon House! Enjoy an evening of old-fashioned lawn games, free main-floor tours of Hixon House, and root beer floats featuring ice cream from The Pearl Ice Cream Parlor & Confectionery and root beer from Rudy's!

Then, at 9:00 pm, enjoy an authentic 1876-style fireworks demonstration presented by the La Crosse Skyrockers, Inc!

📍Hixon House, parking is available in WTC lots D & L
🕖 Tonight, 7:30–9:00 pm
🎆 Fireworks at 9:00 pm

The entire evening is free and open to all! Come celebrate 250 years of American history with us!

08/08/2026

We had some special visitors today! ❤️

07/31/2026

Come visit us this weekend!

🍺 King Gambrinus Raises a Toast to La Crosse's Brewing History!

This colorful postcard features the towering statue of King Gambrinus, the legendary "King of Beer," which welcomed visitors to the G. Heileman Brewing Company for decades.

Want to see more examples of eye-catching advertising and design? Visit our "Drink in the Design: La Crosse Beer Advertising" exhibit at the La Crosse Area Heritage Center.

📍 La Crosse Area Heritage Center
🕛 Open Friday-Sunday, 12:00–4:00 pm

07/04/2026

07/02/2026

Yesterday, we hosted a special learning session in the museum!

Yesterday we welcomed the Gateway Area Council, Scouting America to the La Crosse Area Heritage Center for a Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge session.

Thank you to the scouts, leaders, and families for spending part of your day with us.

06/19/2026

06/16/2026

Welcome to the team, Rob!

Welcome, Rob Grover!

The La Crosse County Historical Society is pleased to welcome Rob Grover as our new Executive Director.

A lifelong history enthusiast with deep roots in the region, Rob grew up near Galesville and earned a history degree from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse. He is passionate about preserving and sharing the stories that connect people to their community.

“I am honored to be part of this work and look forward to helping uncover, preserve, and share the stories that matter.”

Please join us in welcoming Rob to LCHS!

06/06/2026

The Bluff Arcade’s proprietor, John Blajeske, didn’t let Prohibition slow him down. During the 1920s he was arrested more than once for brewing on the sly. In September 1924, agents reportedly discovered 30 gallons of homebrew in the making, eight quarts chilling in the ice box, and even a half-pint of moonshine tucked into the pocket of an old coat hanging in the saloon.

A pre-Prohibition postcard view of Grandad Bluff and the Bluff Arcade, proudly advertising Gund’s Peerless Beer.

Want to learn more about La Crosse's brewing heritage? Come visit our special exhibit on La Crosse's brewing industry advertising at the La Crosse Area Heritage Center, 506 Main Street, Friday-Sunday, 12-4:30 pm, last admission at 4 pm.