Oshkosh Public Museum

Oshkosh Public Museum OPM preserves + promotes the history, art + culture of Oshkosh. Housed in the Sawyer Home since 1924.

We house more than 200,000 collection pieces and historical documents that represent the history, culture, and heritage of the Oshkosh and Lake Winnebago regions. Experience the rich history of our region by visiting our exhibits and attending our schedule of educational experiences and events. Additional information about Oshkosh Public Museum may be found on our website - www.oshkoshmuseum.org


Admission:
Adult: $8
Senior (62+): $6
Student (with ID): $6
Child (6-17): $4
Children under 6: Free! Museum Members: Free

Our mission is to preserve and promote history, art, and culture for Oshkosh residents and visitors by stewarding collections, creating educational experiences, and providing access to the unique heritage of the Lake Winnebago Region. Purpose

The OPM enhances civic vitality, community identity, and quality of life by providing opportunities to experience Oshkosh through an ecosystem of history, arts, and culture. Vision

To create a community of culture within the City of Oshkosh.

As we wrap up Dairy Month, take a moment to be grateful that you no longer have to illegally smuggle yellow margarine in...
06/25/2026

As we wrap up Dairy Month, take a moment to be grateful that you no longer have to illegally smuggle yellow margarine into the Dairy State! From 1895 to 1967, the State of Wisconsin banned the manufacture and sale of yellow margarine (oleomargarine) within state lines as a way to protect the dairy industry. And thus, an oleomargarine black market was born. Not only did roadside oleo stands in border states start popping up to provide for those smuggling back home to Wisconsin, but so did “oleo speakeasies” where you could get your fix from a local hook-up. While the ban has since been reversed, it is still prohibited for restaurants to serve margarine as a substitute for butter (unless specifically requested by the customer) or to serve it to students, patients, or inmates of state institutions.

Join us every Thursday in July from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for a fun and relaxing summer outing at the Museum!No regis...
06/22/2026

Join us every Thursday in July from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for a fun and relaxing summer outing at the Museum!

No registration is needed; the program is free with regular Museum admission. Pack snacks or bring your lunch and enjoy a picnic on the historic home’s covered porch while listening to kid-friendly historic storybooks.

Suggested for ages 5–10.

Questions? Please call us at 920-236-5799.

Happy Father’s Day! Not only is today the first official day of Summer, but it is also a chance to recognize and appreci...
06/21/2026

Happy Father’s Day! Not only is today the first official day of Summer, but it is also a chance to recognize and appreciate dads of all sorts. Whether it's fishing, grilling, golfing, or any other favorite hobby, we hope you get the chance to enjoy some quality time with dad, grandad, uncle, or any other father figure you’d like to celebrate today!

Image Descriptions:
1. Candid outdoor view of Alvin Bartlett Medberry and his first grandchild, Louise M. Barber, 1895. OPM # FP2002.5.68.
2. Edgar Sawyer holding his great-grandson, Edgar Sawyer Meredith, on his lap. Edgar Meredith was the son of Roy B. Meredith and Jewell Chase Meredith (Edgar's granddaughter), c. 1919. Gift of Edgar Meredith. OPM # P6053.249.
3. Ambrotype of an unidentified man and his daughter, most likely Mathias M. Kitz and his daughter Johanna, 1861. Gift of Christine Lund Prokos, Kitz Family descendant. OPM # P2014.55.1.
4. Candid outdoor image of Lieutenant Harry Meeleus. He is wearing his officer's winter service coat with officer's infantry insignia on his lapels and service hat. His father, Edward Meemeus, is standing with him and is pointing at a sundial on the lawn. Taken in August 1942 after he graduated from OCS and was home on leave. Gift of Mary Grundy. OPM # P2001.84.53.
5. Studio portrait of the Nels P. Peterson Family, 1894. OPM # P2010.102.1.

Today the nation observes Juneteenth, which commemorates the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation at the e...
06/19/2026

Today the nation observes Juneteenth, which commemorates the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation at the end of the Civil War, finally ending the enslavement of Black Americans. It became a federal holiday in 2021. Thank you to Winnebago County Historical Society for this nice overview of its history.

We are loving the summer weather! One way folks past and present beat the heat is by swimming. Swimming has always been ...
06/18/2026

We are loving the summer weather! One way folks past and present beat the heat is by swimming. Swimming has always been a favorite summer pastime of Oshkosh residents who have used the beaches on the lakes. As you take a dip in Lake Butte des Morts or Lake Winnebago’s Menominee Park Beach, think about the many people before you who enjoyed these cool, refreshing waters of Oshkosh. (Before you take a dip, check the water quality! Learn more here: https://www.winnebagocountywi.gov/348/Beach-Lake-Monitoring)

"Just in" new arrivals to the Oshkosh Public Museum Store, many of the items will make a perfect Father's Day gift! The ...
06/17/2026

"Just in" new arrivals to the Oshkosh Public Museum Store, many of the items will make a perfect Father's Day gift! The store is open to the public during Museum hours (Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am to 4:30 pm). The Museum store has many unique items that celebrate the incredible history of Oshkosh. If you are just visiting the store, there is no admission fee!

Discover the beauty, joy, and culture of Crowned in Tradition: Quinceañeras in Wisconsin. This vibrant exhibition showca...
06/16/2026

Discover the beauty, joy, and culture of Crowned in Tradition: Quinceañeras in Wisconsin. This vibrant exhibition showcases 15 dazzling quinceañera dresses, each sharing a story of family, pride, and community across Wisconsin. Don't miss this moving, community-curated experience honoring the traditions of Wisconsin's Latinx families!

Special thanks to the contributors and sponsors who helped make this exhibition possible: Chicana/o & Latinx Studies UWO Women's Fund of the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation

Visit us this summer to experience a world of color, music, and tradition! https://www.oshkoshmuseum.org/exhibitions/crowned-in-tradition-quinceaneras-in-wisconsin/

06/12/2026

Faire on the Fox is one month away! We're so excited to take on the former Faire on the Green by Paine Art Center and Gardens, and help it grow in a new location. Holding the event at the Leach Amphitheater allows for future expansion while providing ample parking and ADA accessibility.

Join us at the Leach Amphitheater on Sunday, July 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a fantastic day with 130+ vendors! Shop jewelry, glasswork, soaps, ceramics, paintings, and so much more while enjoying craft beer, food trucks, and live music.

Today marks the end of International Archives Week. Around the world, professionals work to promote the value of archivi...
06/12/2026

Today marks the end of International Archives Week. Around the world, professionals work to promote the value of archivists and archival work in preserving and stewarding history, memories, and heritage through collections.

The Oshkosh Public Museum’s archives maintain hundreds of thousands of historical paper-based and 2D materials, including manuscripts, organizational records, photographs, scrapbooks, diaries, maps, posters, books, slides, small collection items, and more. The collection represents countless individuals, families, businesses, government entities, social groups, and organizations. From students and historians to hobbyists, journalists, and other professionals, our collections support the work of a wide variety of individuals.

To learn more about our collections and how we can assist in your research efforts, you can visit our website, search our online photo database, or connect with Museum staff.

Summer means sailing time! If you’re around town, you’re likely to spot a sailboat on Lake Winnebago. For over a century...
06/11/2026

Summer means sailing time! If you’re around town, you’re likely to spot a sailboat on Lake Winnebago. For over a century, Oshkosh has given locals and visitors the chance to enjoy sailing. Generations have spent countless hours with loved ones on the water, enjoying breezy days or competing in historic regattas. Today, groups like the Oshkosh Yacht Club promote sailing across generations and encourage learners to enjoy the sport safely.

Address

1331 Algoma Boulevard
Oshkosh, WI
54901

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 10am - 4:30pm
Thursday 10am - 4:30pm
Friday 10am - 4:30pm
Saturday 10am - 4:30pm

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