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Monday 10am - 2pm Tuesday 10am - 2pm Thursday 10am - 2pm Friday 10am - 2pm

Neenah Historical Society

Name: Neenah Historical Society
Address: 343 Smith Street, Neenah, WI, 54956, US
Telephone: +19207290244

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Neenah Historical Society

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Collecting, preserving and sharing the history of our community. The Neenah Historical Society was formed in January 1948 at the home of Helen Kimberly Stuart.

Our mission is to collect and obtain information about the history of Neenah, compile and preserve it in a suitable and permanent form, and to share our history with interested persons. Today, we have two buildings dedicated to serving our mission. The Hiram Smith Octagon House is our museum and archive space. The Ward House is our office, research library, and classroom. Please give us a call at 920-729-0244, message the page on Facebook, or email us at [email protected] if you have any questions. Additional information is also on our website: neenahhistoricalsociety.com

10/29/2026

In the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, the Neenah Police Department sponsored Halloween parties for the young people of Neenah. These celebrations were usually held at Shattuck High School.

The first photograph shows the 1953 Halloween party sponsored by the Neenah Police Department. Dewey Breaker, Charles Harding, Lawrence Malouf, and Vern Wollerman are preparing to greet the guests.

The other three photographs show the Neenah Police Department's annual Halloween party in the Shattuck High School gymnasium, circa 1960.

Feel free to share your favorite Halloween memories from years past!

Happy Halloween!

10/27/2026

SEE IT BEFORE ITS GONE!

The current exhibit at the Neenah Historical "Growing Up Neenah: An All-American Childhood" takes a unique look at what makes the childhood experience of growing up in Neenah special. This exhibit will close in early December.

Childhood is not simply a stage of life. It is an adventure in which we all embark on. While the concept of childhood has changed over time, the experiences of those lucky enough to have grown up in Neenah have largely stayed the same.

Unique to our city is the Rocket Slide at Riverside Park, Brigade and Camp Onaway, the Santa Float, the Neenah Pool, Parks and Recreation programs, fishing in waterways and so on. Growing Up Neenah means indeed having, an All-American Childhood. The exhibit features unique stories from our History Harvest outreach.

The History Harvest was born out of the idea to capture the everyday stories of Neenah residents. This project has allowed us to broaden our archives and knowledge of the history of Neenah. Through a combination of online form responses, handwritten memories, and oral histories we have collected over 30 perspectives from individuals born and raised in Neenah.

Come see the exhibit before it closes in early December!

10/22/2026

This date in Neenah History!

On October 22, 1863, the initial run of the Island City Times newspaper was published. This local newspaper covered early life in Neenah and Menasha.

In 1870, it transitioned into the Winnebago Country Press. This paper was short lived and was succeeded by the Neenah Gazette, which was published until 1882.

Following this, the Neenah Daily News had a decade long run and was run out of the same location as the Neenah Gazette at 135 West Wisconsin Avenue in Neenah. By 1919, the Neenah Daily News merged with the Neenah Daily Times to create the The Daily News and Times. The image is from April 20, 1926 publication.

10/20/2026

Under this Roof: The Tenant Timeline of Neenah Buildings. Today we will look at the history of 134 West Wisconsin Avenue in downtown Neenah.

This historic building has served many roles in our downtown community, starting in the 1850's. This buildings is the oldest commercial building in downtown Neenah and has witnessed a rich transformation from a 19-th century saloon, to a long-time hardware store, to a modern-day pub.

Here is a timeline of the various businesses that have been in this location:

*1856–1920s: Thompson's Columbian Sample Rooms. The initial tenant was a local sampling room (saloon) that operated for many decades.

*1920's – 1965: The Neenah Hardware Company had a long run as it transitioned the space from a saloon to storefront which served Neenah for over forty years.

*1965 – 1975: Storage space for the Kimberly-Clark Corporation.

*1976 – 1978: Granny's Restaurant – a short-lived eatery returned this space to the food and beverage business.

*1978 – 2004: Caliban's Restaurant – a very popular and memorable establishment held this space for over twenty-five years.

*2004 – 2007: Chatterbox – a new restaurant took over this for several years.

*2007 – 2008: Cornerstone Pub – held this location as another bar/restaurant.

*2009 – 2012: Five Generations Sports Bar and Grill – after significant renovations, the 5 G's Sports bar was a popular downtown location.

*2012 – Current: Greene's Pour House - The oldest commercial building in Neenah is now home to Greene's Pour House. This thriving bar and grill has expanded to include a banquet room on the second floor.

10/15/2026

Beginning in 1866, William Kellett operated a dry goods business in downtown Neenah. Although the business occupied several locations over the years, this photograph shows the store around 1887 at the corner of Wisconsin Avenue and Cedar Street. Cedar Street was later renamed Commercial Street in the late 1890s.

In 1888, Kellett partnered with Edward Jandrey and moved the business to 120 W. Wisconsin Avenue. Following the deaths of William and Mrs. Kellett, Jandrey purchased the business from the Kellett estate, and it became known as Jandrey's. The store expanded over the years but remained on W. Wisconsin Avenue, serving the community until its closure in 1983.

10/13/2026

COME SEE IT BEFORE ITS GONE!

The current exhibit at the Neenah Historical "Growing Up Neenah: An All-American Childhood" takes a unique look at what makes the childhood experience of growing up in Neenah special. This exhibit will close in early December.

Childhood is not simply a stage of life. It is an adventure in which we all embark on. While the concept of childhood has changed over time, the experiences of those lucky enough to have grown up in Neenah have largely stayed the same.

Unique to our city is the Rocket Slide at Riverside Park, Brigade and Camp Onaway, the Santa Float, the Neenah Pool, Parks and Recreation programs, fishing in waterways and so on. Growing Up Neenah means indeed having, an All-American Childhood. The exhibit features unique stories from our History Harvest outreach.

The History Harvest was born out of the idea to capture the everyday stories of Neenah residents. This project has allowed us to broaden our archives and knowledge of the history of Neenah. Through a combination of online form responses, handwritten memories, and oral histories we have collected over 30 perspectives from individuals born and raised in Neenah.

Come see the exhibit before it closes in early December!

10/08/2026

Join us for some entertaining and educational sessions!
The Neenah Historical Society has the following events for all to enjoy!

*Upcoming Library Talks -
Join us at the Neenah Public Library for a series of presentations exploring the people, places, and stories that shaped our community.

October 15, 6:30 p.m. - Fame in Neenah
Discover notable individuals with connections to Neenah and explore their contributions and accomplishments.

November 19, 6:30 p.m. - Neenah Neighborhoods: Talk of the Town
Ever wondered what Bridgerton would sound like in Neenah? Join local Realtor and history enthusiast, Sara Laabs as she explores Neenah’s neighborhood gossip.

*Stumbling Through History –
Our last Show for the year will be October 19 at 6:00pm. The Lion's Tail Brewing Company in Neenah will again be our host.

History and refreshments make a great combination! Join the Neenah Historical Society at Lion's Tail Brewing Company for an evening of lighthearted local history while enjoying some of Lion's Tail's finest beverages. The theme for our final session will be Naughty Neenah.

*Step Into History: Wisconsin Winter Fun -
The Neenah Historical Society is excited to host a stop on the Wisconsin Historical Society's History Makers Tour with the Wisconsin Winter Fun Photo Opportunity.

This free, interactive exhibit features a large-scale historic photograph from the Wisconsin Historical Society's archives, allowing visitors to step into the scene and become part of history. Visitors are encouraged to stop by and take photos with the display.

The exhibit is open to the public during regular museum hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

The display will remain on view through the end of the Growing Up Neenah exhibit.

For more information about these and other programs, please visit the Neenah Historical Society Website: Neenah Historical Society Programs & Events

10/07/2026

The Community Foundation of the Fox Valley celebrated 40 years of serving the area by awarding grants to 40 different non-profits. The Neenah Historical Society is honored to be one of the selected organizations. The grant will go a long way towards continuing to update our buildings and grounds to preserve them for years to come.

10/06/2026

ON THIS DATE IN NEENAH HISTORY!

On October 6. 1913, Frank J. Sensenbrenner, legendary executive who later became president of the Kimberly Clark Corporation, sold 11 ½ acres of land for just $1 to the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

This transaction established the St. Margaret’s Cemetery. This was located just off of Oakridge Road and adjacent to Oak Hill Cemetery.

Under the terms of the transaction, there was a strict condition that “the name of the cemetery shall forever remain St. Margaret’s.”

This cemetery is Jointly managed by St. Patrick, St. Margaret Mary, and St. Gabriel parishes.

Address

343 Smith Street
Neenah, WI
54956

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 2pm
Tuesday	10am - 2pm
Thursday	10am - 2pm
Friday	10am - 2pm

Telephone

+19207290244

Website

http://www.neenahhistoricalsociety.com/

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