Winnebago County Historical Society

10/22/2026

Hey, Winnebago County! Let’s help our neighbors to the north!

Menasha High School needs our support, and a quick daily vote could make a BIG difference!

Menasha has been named one of just 40 finalists nationwide in T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights competition and one of only 10 schools representing the Midwest. Just by making it this far, Menasha has already secured $25,000!

Now, there’s a chance to win even more.

The top school in its division could receive $250,000, with the opportunity to compete for the $1 MILLION grand prize to upgrade its home field. After what Calder Stadium and Menasha experienced following the July tornado, this would be an incredible opportunity for the Bluejays!

Here’s how you can help:

Vote once every day through October 25.

Come back tomorrow to vote again.

Share this post with friends and family!

Let’s show our neighbors some support and help the Bluejays make the most of this incredible opportunity!

Vote here:
https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/friday-night-5g-lights

Friday Night 5G Lights is back! Don’t miss the chance to upgrade your school's home field with a $1 million grand prize package.

10/22/2026

The Paranormal Investigations are THIS WEEKEND at the Morgan House!
Are you ready to explore the unexplained? Join us October 23rd or 24th for a paranormal investigation inside the historic 1884 John Rodgers Morgan House! There’s still time to grab your tickets for the remaining sessions.
Here’s the latest availability:
Friday, October 23
- 6:00 PM Investigation: Tickets still available! Doors open at 5:30 PM.
- 9:00 PM VIP Experience: SOLD OUT! Doors open at 8:30 PM.
Saturday, October 24
- 6:00 PM Investigation: SOLD OUT! Doors open at 5:30 PM.
- 9:00 PM Investigation: Tickets still available! Doors open at 8:30 PM.
With two sessions already sold out, don't wait too long if you're hoping to join us!
Come experience an evening of history, mystery, and paranormal investigation at one of Winnebago County's historic landmarks.
Best of all, proceeds from this event help us preserve the Morgan House and continue sharing the stories of Winnebago County.
We hope to see you there! Are you brave enough to join us?
Get your tickets before the remaining sessions sell out!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paranormal-investigation-at-the-morgan-house-tickets-1998833950152?aff=oddtdtcreator

10/20/2026

Greta K. Kelly, Author’s new book, The Throw Aways, is out tomorrow, October 20! She’ll be at the Morgan House on 11/1 during her book tour, and you won’t want to miss it!

Get more details in our event: Author Talk with Greta Kelly and buy tickets here before they’re gone! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/author-talk-with-greta-kelly-tickets-1988086314685

Thank you to our event partner and sponsor, Lunar & Lake Book Market.

10/19/2026

WEEK 3: WHO AM I?

We've learned about my childhood, my education, my marriage, my children, and one of the more difficult chapters of my life.

But after my marriage ended, my life continued—and in many ways, became even more full.

I was very active in the women's suffrage movement.

I believed that equality for women was not something to be shunned or discouraged.

The importance of women using their abilities, positions, and resources to help their communities had been instilled in me from an early age.

In the early 1920s, just after women gained the right to vote, I became president of the Wisconsin League of Women Voters.

I also became the state regent for the Daughters of the American Revolution.

I became the first woman alderman in Neenah and also served on the Neenah school board.

Education and young people were especially important to me.

I helped get a band started at Neenah High School, paying the first year's salary, providing a house for the first band director, and donating band uniforms.

Every year, I was touched when the band sent me a dozen red roses in appreciation of my efforts.

I was also willing to make waves when I believed something was important.

When the future of a beautifal local point of land was threatened, I fought to preserve it for public use--including making sure the public drive remained open so that it could never be closed to the public.

And I didn't always follow tradition.

I drove myself around in an electric car rather than depending on a chauffeur.

I was widely read, well-informed about local and national affairs, intelligent, thoughtful, and known for having a delightful sense of humor.

In 1935, I brought a famous aviator to Neenah to speak at the local armory.

Amelia Earhart came to Neenah—and it was the only Wisconsin stop on that tour.

Now, we're getting close...

Do you know who I am?

Make your final guess before next week's reveal!

10/18/2026

A few days of learning, connecting, and bringing home new ideas for WCHS!

October 14–16, we headed to Milwaukee for a conference with historical societies from across Wisconsin, and what a great experience it was!

We had the opportunity to network with others who share our passion for preserving local history, exchange ideas, and learn valuable information that we’re excited to bring back to our Board of Directors.

We’re looking forward to exploring new ideas and improvements that will help the Winnebago County Historical Society continue to grow, better serve our community, and share the stories that make our county special.

We’re excited about what’s ahead for WCHS! Stay tuned as we put what we learned into action.

10/17/2026

ONE WEEK AWAY… Are you ready to step into the unknown?

The Historic Paranormal Investigations at the Morgan House are just ONE WEEK away! On October 23 & 24, join us at our historic 1884 home for an evening of eerie history, unexplained activity, and mysteries waiting to be explored!

Here's the latest update!
Friday, October 23: 6 PM Limited tickets available, but going fast!
Friday, October 23: The 9 PM VIP Experience is SOLD OUT!

Saturday, October 24: The 6 PM investigation is SOLD OUT!
Saturday, October 24: 9 PM Limited tickets available!

With two investigation time slots already full and tickets for the remaining investigations becoming limited, these evenings are filling up fast!

If you've been thinking about joining us, now's the time! Come experience the Morgan House after dark and discover a side of local history you won't find on an ordinary tour.

Every ticket helps make a difference! The funds raised through this event and our other programs help us continue preserving the Morgan House and sharing the stories that make Winnebago County's history so special. When you join us, you're not just taking part in a memorable evening—you're helping keep our local history alive for future generations!

Will you be joining us for a night of mystery at the Morgan House?

Get your tickets before the remaining spots are gone!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paranormal-investigation-at-the-morgan-house-tickets-1998833950152?aff=oddtdtcreator

10/15/2026

FYI: Our regularly scheduled bookclub meeting is canceled tonight 10/14 due to the Milwaukee Brewers game!
Go Brewers

10/14/2026

Calling all Wisconsin book lovers! The fabulous Greta Kelly 📚 fantasy author will be at the WinnebagoCoHistoricalSociety in Oshkosh on 11/1 to discuss her newest book, The Throw Aways.

✨We are giving away 2 tickets and all you have to do is like and share this post! Get a bonus entry for tagging the friend you’d bring with you to the event.✨

Author Talk Details:
📖 Moderated talk with Molly - Booked in Wisco 📚
📷 Photos with the author
✍️ Book signing
🎉 Fun giveaways
🛍️ Snag some bookish goodies from bookseller, Lunar & Lake Book Market

🎟️ Tickets can also be purchased at the link in WinnebagoCoHistoricalSociety’s bio. All ticket sales support WinnebagoCoHistoricalSociety mission of preserving local history.

A huge thank you to our event partner and sponsor, Lunar & Lake Book Market.

One winner will be randomly selected on 10/23. Winner will be contacted via DM and will have 24 hours to respond to claim their two tickets, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

10/12/2026

DID YOU KNOW?

The city of Oshkosh was named after a Menominee leader.

Today, on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we are highlighting Chief Oshkosh, a respected leader of the Menominee people and an important part of Wisconsin history.

Born around 1795, Chief Oshkosh lived during a time of tremendous change for Indigenous communities. He advocated for his people and worked to protect their interests as they faced increasing pressure over their lands.

Oshkosh was named in his honor.

But how much do we know about the man behind the name?

Chief Oshkosh’s story is one part of the larger Indigenous history of Wisconsin. That history reaches back long before the communities and landmarks we recognize today.

Take a moment to learn more about Chief Oshkosh, the Menominee people, and the Indigenous history of our region.

Local history is more than buildings and dates. It is about the people whose stories helped shape the place we call home.

What does the name “Oshkosh” mean to you?