Waupaca Historical Society

Waupaca Historical Society 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.

It’s official!On Thursday, May 28, the Waupaca Historical Society signed an agreement with the Wisconsin Department of V...
05/29/2026

It’s official!

On Thursday, May 28, the Waupaca Historical Society signed an agreement with the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs to oversee the preservation and public access of the historic Commandant’s House at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King.

Built in 1888 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Commandant’s House is an important part of our area’s history. The Historical Society will work to preserve and restore the building while sharing the stories of the veterans and community connected to it.

Interested in visiting? The Commandant’s House will be open following the Chain Skiers water ski shows this summer, with more events and open houses planned in the future. We hope to see you there!

A new chapter in local history begins this Thursday (tomorrow!) at King!Join us on Thursday, May 28 at 4 PM at the Comma...
05/27/2026

A new chapter in local history begins this Thursday (tomorrow!) at King!

Join us on Thursday, May 28 at 4 PM at the Commandant's House at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King for the official signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Waupaca Historical Society and the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, marking the transition of the historic Commandant House into a public site for tours and education.

As part of this partnership, the Waupaca Historical Society will work to preserve and restore the historic Commandant’s House so future generations can continue to learn from and enjoy this important landmark.

Following the ceremony on Thursday, Wisconsin Veterans Museum Director Chris Kolakowski will present at the Marden Center on the history of King and Wisconsin’s role in America250. Refreshments will be served.

We’re honored to be part of preserving and sharing this important piece of Wisconsin history with the community. Be sure to join us!

05/25/2026

Thanks, Barb, for all of your help at the Hutchinson House! The gardens look wonderful!

Step into Waupaca’s past this weekend!The Hutchinson House Museum and Waupaca Depot are open for the summer season! Expl...
05/22/2026

Step into Waupaca’s past this weekend!

The Hutchinson House Museum and Waupaca Depot are open for the summer season! Explore local history, discover fascinating stories from Waupaca’s early days, and experience two of the community’s historic landmarks.

📍 Hutchinson House Museum in South Park, open 1-4 pm
📍 Waupaca Depot on Oak Street, open 12-5 pm

Whether you’re a longtime resident or visiting for the weekend, we invite you to stop by and see history come to life!

We are opening a little late today at the Holly Center as we give our local 4th graders tours at the Hutchinson House Mu...
05/22/2026

We are opening a little late today at the Holly Center as we give our local 4th graders tours at the Hutchinson House Museum! We will be open from 11am until 4 pm today. See you then!

Join us TONIGHT!Learn about the history and significance of the Indigenous mounds once found around the Chain O'Lakes an...
05/21/2026

Join us TONIGHT!

Learn about the history and significance of the Indigenous mounds once found around the Chain O'Lakes and the people who built them during tonight’s program at the Holly History and Genealogy Center--"Waupaca's Lost Indigenous Mounds" with Zachary Bishop.

📍 Holly History and Genealogy Center
🕕 Tonight at 6:00 PM

We hope to see you there!

05/20/2026

🌟 Waupaca Chamber Partner Spotlight 🌟

This week, we’re proud to feature the Waupaca Historical Society as our Partner of the Week! 🏛️📚✨

The Waupaca Historical Society is dedicated to preserving, sharing, and celebrating the rich history of the Waupaca area and the Chain O’Lakes. Through exhibits, research, and educational programming, they connect residents and visitors to the stories, people, and landscapes that have shaped our community over generations.

From maintaining historic buildings to offering engaging programs year round, the Historical Society plays a vital role in keeping Waupaca’s past alive while helping inform and inspire future generations. Their work fosters a deeper appreciation for local history and the cultural heritage of the region.

One of the many ways they bring history to life is through unique community events, including an opportunity happening this week:

🌙 “Waupaca’s Lost Indigenous Mounds” – This Thursday at 6:00 PM
Join the Historical Society for an evening presentation by author Zachary Bishop, exploring the history and significance of Indigenous effigy mounds once found in the Waupaca area. This program offers a meaningful look into the region’s earliest inhabitants and the lasting cultural impact of these sacred landscape features.

📍 Location: Holly History and Genealogy Center, 321 S Main St, Waupaca

Join us in celebrating the Waupaca Historical Society for their dedication to preserving our shared history, honoring Indigenous heritage, and strengthening our community through education and storytelling! 👏

Join the Waupaca Historical Society this Thursday for our free program, "Waupaca’s Lost Indigenous Mounds," a fascinatin...
05/18/2026

Join the Waupaca Historical Society this Thursday for our free program, "Waupaca’s Lost Indigenous Mounds," a fascinating program with author Zachary Bishop exploring the Indigenous mounds that once existed throughout the Chain O’Lakes area.

Learn about the history, meaning, and disappearance of these sacred earthworks — and why remembering them is important today.

📍 Holly History and Genealogy Center
📅 Thursday, May 21
🕕 6:00 PM

Free and open to the public!

Thank you to everyone that helped at the Hutchinson House for Volunteer Waupaca day!
05/17/2026

Thank you to everyone that helped at the Hutchinson House for Volunteer Waupaca day!

Address

321 S Main Street
Waupaca, WI
54981

Opening Hours

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

Telephone

(715) 256-9980

Website

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