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Wednesday 10am - 2pm Thursday 10am - 2pm Friday 10am - 4pm

Waupaca Historical Society

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Waupaca Historical Society

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The Waupaca Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the history of Waupaca and Chain O'Lakes. Main Street.

The Waupaca Historical Society, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, is dedicated to preserving the history of the Waupaca area. The Waupaca Historical Society owns and operates the Holly History and Genealogy Center, located in the former library building at 321 S. It also operates the Hutchinson House Museum, located in South Park, and the Waupaca Depot at 525 Oak Street.

10/22/2026

Each month, we will be featuring one barn from our Waupaca County Farmstead and Barn Survey Project. This month, we are featuring the historic A.R. Potts Barn in Rural. This 1902 timber-frame dairy barn with attached brick silo is part of the Crystal River Inn and Cottages property. The property also contains another older gable barn as well as ruins of a former potato barn - and the original farmhouse that dates to 1853!

The Waupaca County Barn Survey is a project to document historic barns and farmsteads throughout Waupaca County. Our goal is to create a lasting record of our county’s rural landscape and iconic agricultural structures before they disappear.

We have documented 40 local barns since the project began last fall, and we would love to get to at least 50 barns by year-end. Participation is completely voluntary and free for property owners. A volunteer can document your barn in less than 15 minutes. Residents can submit a barn for inclusion by emailing [email protected] or calling 715-256-9980.

For additional information on this ongoing project, please visit the Waupaca Historical Society website at https://www.waupacahistoricalsociety.org/waupaca-county-barn-survey.

10/21/2026

Join us at Halloween on Main next Friday!

Make the Waupaca Historical Society part of your Halloween fun next Friday, October 30! Stop by our brat fry downtown from 4–6 p.m. to grab a brat, hamburger or hot dog!

We’d love to see you there! Thanks for supporting WHS and helping us preserve and share Waupaca’s history. ❤️

10/19/2026

Sweet news! Yuletide Trail Cookie Tins go on sale November 2!

One of Waupaca’s sweetest holiday traditions is back! Mark your calendar for Monday, November 2, when Yuletide Trail Cookie Tins go on sale.

Each tin includes a coupon book with special offers from local businesses, along with the map for the cookie walk on Saturday, December 5 during Waupaca's Yuletide Trail! This year's walk has 24 stops in downtown Waupaca and King.

Tins sold out last year, so don’t wait too long to get yours! Tins will be available at the Holly History and Genealogy Center, Community First Credit Union, Northern Home and the Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce.

And, every purchase supports the Waupaca Historical Society and helps us preserve and share the history of our community. Thank you to Community First Credit Union for sponsoring the tins and bags this year!

10/17/2026

TODAY’S THE DAY! Join us for our Hike Through History!

Come out this afternoon, Saturday, October 17, from 2–4 p.m. at Waupaca’s historic Lakeside Memorial Park for our annual Cemetery Walk!

Discover the stories of Waupaca veterans who served our country, from the War of 1812 through the Persian Gulf War. Informational signs throughout the cemetery will share their stories and honor their service as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.

Bring your family and friends, enjoy an afternoon outdoors, and connect with the history of our community.

📍 Lakeside Memorial Park, Waupaca
🕑 Today, 2–4 p.m.

We hope to see you there! ❤️🤍💙

Presented by the Waupaca Historical Society in partnership with the Waupaca Area Genealogical Society.

10/13/2026

Did you know that the oldest grave in Lakeside Cemetery is dated September 24, 1851, just two years after the first white settlers arrived in this area? Lucius Hibbard, who was born in Vermont, was just six years old when he died in 1851. His father, William B. Hibbard, was one of the first five white settlers that arrived in June 1849. He and his wife Philens did not stay long in Waupaca and likely returned to Vermont.

Join us for our Hike Through History at Lakeside Memorial Park this Saturday, October 17 from 2-4 pm. Learn more about the cemetery and our local veterans--along with enjoying a beautiful fall walk!

10/12/2026

Discover Waupaca’s history, one story at a time!

Join the Waupaca Historical Society for our annual Hike Through History Cemetery Walk on THIS Saturday, October 17, from 2–4 p.m. at historic Lakeside Memorial Park!

This year, as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, discover the stories of Waupaca veterans who served our country, from the War of 1812 through the Persian Gulf War. Informational signs throughout the cemetery will share their lives, service, and contributions to our community.

Take an afternoon to honor those who served and explore the local history that connects us all.

Hosted by the Waupaca Historical Society and Waupaca Area Genealogical Society.

10/07/2026

Join us for the Waupaca Historical Society's annual Hike Through History Cemetery Walk on Saturday, October 17, from 2–4 p.m. at historic Lakeside Memorial Park.

This year, discover the stories of notable Waupaca veterans whose service spans from the War of 1812 through the Persian Gulf War. Informational signs throughout the cemetery will share their military service, their lives, and the contributions they made to our community.

Pick up a booklet at the entrance and follow the roads through the cemetery at your own pace. Parking is available along High Street, and refreshments will be provided.

Come spend an afternoon discovering the stories of those who served—and the history they left behind. Co-hosted by the Waupaca Historical Society and Waupaca Area Genealogical Society.

Saturday, October 17, 2–4 p.m.
Lakeside Memorial Park, Waupaca

10/02/2026

Discover the stories of Waupaca’s veterans during the annual Hike Through History Cemetery Walk on Saturday, October 17, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Waupaca’s historic Lakeside Memorial Park.

This year’s walk will highlight the lives and service of notable Waupaca veterans, spanning from the War of 1812 through the Persian Gulf War. Informational signs placed throughout the cemetery will share their stories, military service, and contributions to the Waupaca community, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore local history through the experiences of those who served.

Guests may park along High Street and follow the paved roads through the cemetery. Booklets will be available at the entrance to guide visitors along the walk, and refreshments will be provided.

The event is co-hosted by the Waupaca Historical Society and the Waupaca Area Genealogical Society.

09/30/2026

Did you know the Waupaca Historical Society has a collection of historic railroad menus? These fascinating pieces of history offer a glimpse into what passengers enjoyed while traveling by train.

We're taking inspiration from these menus to create a special dining experience at our Depot Dinner on Friday, November 13! Join us at the Waupaca Railroad Depot for an evening of tastes of the past in a historic setting! Tickets are on sale now online through our website or in person at the Holly History and Genealogy Center!

09/24/2026

Check out our new Waupaca merchandise--just in time for Waupaca High School's Homecoming! These new Comet shirts feature the oldest Comets logo we have found in the collection (from 1942)! Shirts come in sizes small to 2XL ($25-$30) and are available at the Holly History and Genealogy Center during our open hours!

Address

321 S Main Street
Waupaca, WI
54981

Opening Hours

Wednesday	10am - 2pm
Thursday	10am - 2pm
Friday	10am - 4pm

Telephone

(715) 256-9980

Website

http://www.waupacahistoricalsociety.org/

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