06/02/2026
June 2 marks the anniversary of one of the most devastating events in OPM’s history: the fire.
During maintenance on the Sawyer Home’s roof, a soldering tool accidentally ignited a fire. Flames spread quickly, destroying the roof, attic, and third floor. Thanks to the swift response of the Oshkosh Fire Department, along with support from neighboring crews, the historic building was saved.
Tragically, several thousand artifacts were lost, including toys, dolls, folk art, swords, and fi****ms. Thousands more were salvaged through the dedicated efforts of staff and volunteers.
We remain deeply grateful for the support of the City of Oshkosh and the community, who rallied around the museum with financial contributions and volunteer help during disaster relief, clean-up, and rebuilding. The restoration of the museum and its exhibits took more than four years.
Today, we remember the fire as a defining moment in OPM’s history — proving we can overcome the greatest of challenges.
Image Descriptions:
1. Joe Sienkiewicz took this aerial view of the fire from a small airplane, June 2nd 1994, Photograph, Photo courtesy of Joe Sienkiewicz.
2. The Oshkosh Fire Department fighting the flames on the museum roof, June 2nd, 1994, Photograph, OPM # Neg. 12698-34.
3. The Oshkosh Fire Department fighting the flames on the museum roof, June 2nd, 1994, Photograph, OPM # Neg. 12698-34.
4. The Museum’s third floor after the flames were extinguished, June 1994, Photographs OPM # Neg. 12702-5.
5. Burned artifacts in the museum collection, June 1994, Photograph, OPM # Neg. 12701-2.
6. Staff cleaning up water from the fire in the Sawyer Home Dining room, cover in the image is the Apostles clock, June 1994, Photograph, OPM # Neg. 12703-10.
7. Deb Daubert and other volunteers clearing the rubble on the 3rd floor. She is holding a painting from the collection that she found, June 1994, Photograph, OPM # Neg. 12704-16.
