Sebald building, circa 1876, creating exhibit space on the first floor and lower level. Our mission, to educate, preserve, advance and disseminate knowledge of the history of Plymouth, is accomplished through, exhibits, events, publications, and educational offerings. We gather information related to Plymouth and the immediate area for our archives. Exhibits change throughout the year. The society
is a non-profit corporation 501c(3) and is affiliated with the Wisconsin State Historical Society. The Historical Society is operated by a volunteer board of directors. There are no paid staff. The board establishes yearly goals, develops and monitors a budget, while operating the museum in a professional manner. Volunteers greet visitors, assist with computer entry, fund raising events, cleaning, organizing, baking, and so much more. The Museum
Building History Our current home, built in 1876, was owned by William Sebald, and built of cream city brick. In its early beginnings Sebald sold root beer and ale’s on the east side while raising his family and living on the second floor. In the lower level was a cistern which was utilized to keep the beverages cool as well as a summer kitchen and dining room. Gus Knauer operated a meat market on the west side (pictured above). Over the years other businesses have included the Plymouth Reporter, a podiatrist office, dress shop, cookie store, and a barber shop. In 2006, the society purchased the Sebald building and undertook extensive renovations. Today the first floor, which is handicapped accessible, is home to many changing exhibits of local interest. The lower level is home to the Plank Road Trail and Vintage Kitchen exhibit while the upper floor is utilized by museum staff and the Jim Stahlman Library. Plank Road Trail
In the lower level we have created the Plank Road Trail, a street scene of downtown Plymouth. In 1869, a photographer had mind to take a photograph from the east bank of the Mullet River, looking into the settlement of Ta Quit Qui Oc, an Indian name for ‘crooked river.’
Local artist Allan Pape created a historical birds-eye-rendering by painting a mural in the lower level of the historical society museum, preserving this look in time. A livery stable, carriage shop, grocery & tavern, sawmill, flour mill, churches, schools, railroad and stagecoach line, once dotted the community and may be found within the mural. A few of these buildings still stand today! Construction of the Plank Road began in 1851 and was completed in 1852. This allowed settlers to travel from Sheboygan to Fond du Lac on a somewhat paved roadway. Tolls were 2-cents per mile for every vehicle drawn by 2-animals; 1-cent for every horse and rider; one-half cent for every animal driven loose. There was no toll for anyone going to or from a religious meeting, funeral or military gathering. Oak planks, as would have been present on the original Plank Road, begin your journey visiting shops and storefronts of downtown Plymouth. A millinery, pharmacy and general store, familiar to Mill street, have been recreated with furniture, fixtures and local artifacts. The 20th century section features Dr. Spiegels optometrist office, toy store, furniture shop, a church display with stained-glass windows salvaged from St. John the Baptist Catholic church, a pump organ, and a barber shop, with a local barber chair and a colorful barber pole.
