Waupaca Historical Society

06/22/2026

Join us at the Waupaca High School tonight with Wi******er Academy for this great program!

06/18/2026

Join us for a special program exploring the story behind the National Native American Veterans Memorial at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C.

Rachelle B. Pablo (Diné), Museum Specialist at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, will share the journey of the memorial from concept to creation and discuss the enduring legacy of Indigenous military service in every branch of the U.S. military.

The National Native American Veterans Memorial honors generations of Native Americans who have served our nation with distinction. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the history, meaning, and impact of this important national tribute.

This program is sponsored by Linda & Rex Pope and presented in collaboration with the Waupaca Historical Society, the Wisconsin Veterans Museum, and the Smithsonian.

We hope you'll join us!

06/17/2026

This postcard of Beasley Creek, which connects the upper and lower Chain O'Lakes, is part of the Waupaca Historical Society collection.

And, as many residents know that have enjoyed kayaking or canoeing on Beasley Creek, it definitely can be both shallow enough to stand in the waters and deep enough in the middle to just barely get your canoe or kayak through without getting out!

06/16/2026

Stop by and see the Waupaca Historical Society during Strawberry Fest! 🍓

Visit us near and inside the Bandstand with fun children's activities, sweet treats, and a variety of gift shop items for sale—including some strawberry-themed merchandise. We'll also have candy and bottled water available for purchase while you enjoy all the festivities.

Whether you're looking for a family activity, a unique gift, or just a refreshing bottle of water, we'd love to visit with you. Be sure to stop by and say hello during Strawberry Fest!

06/12/2026

Step inside one of the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King's most iconic historic buildings this summer!

Following each Chain Skiers show, the Waupaca Historical Society will open the historic Commandant's House for free public tours. Built in 1888 and designed by noted architect William Waters, the Commandant's House served as the residence of the Veterans Home's Commandant for more than 120 years and remains the only large frame structure from the Home's historic period.

Explore the beautiful Queen Anne architecture, learn about the history of the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King, and discover the stories of this remarkable place.

Tours begin immediately following the Chain Skiers performances, from about 7-8 pm. We hope you'll make a visit to the Commandant's House part of your summer!

06/11/2026

The Waupaca Historical Society is excited to take over the Bandstand during Strawberry Fest!

We'll also have fun children's activities throughout the day in the Bandstand and gift shop items available for purchase! You can also check out the new exhibit around the outside of the Bandstand while you are there!

Be sure to add the Bandstand to your Strawberry Fest plans—we can't wait to see you there! 🍓

06/09/2026

Each month, we will be featuring one barn from our Waupaca County Farmstead and Barn Survey Project. This month, we are featuring a beautiful barn in the Town of Dayton. This Dutch gambrel dairy barn sits on the shore of Stratton Lake. It was originally part of the Johanknecht farm and was built in 1927. Farming stopped 10 years later because the soil was too sandy for crops, and farmland was later subdivided. The current owners first purchased land containing the barn and then later purchased the adjacent plot with the farmhouse. The lower level of the barn was beautifully restored and updated for entertaining.

We want to hear about all our county’s barns--active or preserved--and the stories you have about to tell about them! If you are passionate about local history and would like to volunteer, or if you own a historic barn and would like it to be included in the survey, please contact the Waupaca Historical Society at [email protected] or 715-256-9980.

And, for additional information on this ongoing project, visit the Waupaca Historical Society website at https://www.waupacahistoricalsociety.org/waupaca-county-barn-survey.

06/05/2026

Great segment last night about our plans to preserve the Commandant's House at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King!

The historic Commandant's House at the Veterans Home in King is getting a facelift.

06/04/2026

Did you miss our May program on Waupaca's Lost Indigenous Mounds? Check it out online, thanks to the City of Waupaca! You can watch Zachary Bishop's program here: https://youtu.be/ESXe66v5OU4?si=wIpE0Ni5eiy2UM3s.

Our past programs are also available online on our website at https://www.waupacahistoricalsociety.org/videos. Check them out!

06/03/2026

Check out the new exhibit at the Bandstand in downtown Waupaca!

In honor of America's 250th anniversary, the Waupaca Historical Society Waupaca has partnered with the Waupaca Area Public Library on the exhibit, "Waupaca Serves:
A Story of Waupaca's Veterans and the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King." The exhibit is on display around the Bandstand now and will be up all summer! Learn more about how Waupaca served our country through the years and how the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King has served these veterans for almost 140 years!