Basement-
Lumbering
The exhibit dedicated to the area’s history of logging and lumber features images and artifacts. From the days when lumberjacks roamed the territory and transformed the natural landscape to the days when Raftsmen traversed the Wisconsin River, you’ll learn what life was like for these figures in the 19th Century.
Train Depot
Located at the bottom of the stairs into the basement, the exhibit is displayed to step back in time, waiting for the next train to arrive. The history of depots in Wisconsin Rapids (pre-1920 Grand Rapids), Nekoosa, and Port Edwards are on exhibit.
First Floor-
Witter Library
This room used to be the Gift Shop and the office of the Administrator. The renovation has restored it to its original purpose: the study of Isaac P. Witter. The original built-in bookcases are full of classic novels, stories, and books that the Witter family would have enjoyed and collected. The family history is outlined on top of the cases.
Brazeau Gallery
The room, formerly known as The Front Gallery, has been renamed in honor of the contributions of T.W., Cathryn, and Nicholas Brazeau Sr. in the founding of the SWCHC, the establishment of the Museum, and its continued success within the Community.
This room will feature different Traveling Exhibits during the exhibit seasons.
J. Marshall Buehler Gallery
Named after local historian and long-time Board member of the South Wood County Historical Museum, the gallery that holds our changing exhibit space features “Then & Now,” showcasing street scenes through our city’s history.
Charlotte’s Sunroom
Enjoy views of the Wisconsin River from one of Charlotte Witter’s favorite rooms, and step into Charlotte’s “Shadowlawn.”
Phil’s Den of Antiquity
A collection of local memorabilia belonging to Phil Brown. The exhibit includes souvenir items, postcard images that reflect the change from Grand Rapids to Wisconsin Rapids, and more.
Cranberry Exhibit
Our updated exhibit takes you through the different processes of picking cranberries, features some of the founders of our cranberry industry, and explains the history of Glacial Lake.
Second Floor-
Toy Room
In 2020, the Toy Room was renovated to reveal the original fireplace, previously blocked off for exhibit use. Enjoy hand-drawn nursery rhymes over the exposed fireplace and mantel. Other displays include toy trains, Tootsie Toy cars, and a Barbie display.
Alcove
Wisconsin Rapids High School graduate Myron H. “Grim” Natwick (1890 – 1990) is best known for animating the motion picture character “Betty Boop”. He also helped create “Snow White”, “Gulliver’s Travels”, “Woody Woodpecker”, and “Mr. Magoo”.
His other works include cartoon sketches, poetry, sheet music, and Consolidated News covers.
New for the 2024 season will be recently donated 1938 Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs oil cloth dolls produced by the Ideal Toy Company.
General Store/Country Kitchen
Step back in time with the general store and country kitchen. These displays were initially installed for the Museum’s first season in 1972. Over the years, items from local grocers, dairies, and banks have been included.
School Room
Reminiscent of the one-room schoolhouses that used to operate through the South Wood County area, our schoolroom features vintage student desks and mementos of primary school education from the past.
Military Display
Located in the School Room, our rotating Military display is assembled by our Military Historian, William Parker.
Doctor’s Office
The Doctor’s Office exhibit, located in a former bathroom, has been transformed to resemble a visit to a doctor’s office. On display are medical tools and equipment that doctors from the region used. The exhibit also highlights the history of local doctors.
