Dr. Kate Museum & Historical Society

06/02/2026

Have you seen the World's Largest Penny? It is located in Woodruff WI. We need your help. We need to raise $30,000 to build a Pavillion over the Penny to preserve it for many years. Send donations to Dr Kate Museum PO Box 851, Woodruff, WI 54568.

06/02/2026

It is up! Our beautiful mural is waiting for you.
We also have a wonderful display of 250 years.
Please stop by and view our new displays!

06/02/2026

Today is the day! Unveiling of our new outside mural! Open House starts at 4pm until 7pm. Please stop if you can!

05/23/2026

Are you hungry for a brat or hot dog? We are grilling at Ace Hardware in Woodruff today! Stop and see us from 10-2pm.

04/24/2026

We are incredibly honored to have been nominated for the 2026 Wisconsin Governor’s Tourism Award for Arts, Culture & Heritage. On March 17, we had the opportunity to celebrate this meaningful recognition alongside so many inspiring organizations from across the state.

While we did not take home the award, we are truly grateful to be recognized for sharing the story of Dr. Kate — the “Angel on Snowshoes” — and preserving this special piece of Northwoods history.

From the legacy of the Million Penny Parade to welcoming visitors from near and far, our mission has always been to keep this story alive and continue building a place where history, community, and compassion come together. This nomination is a reflection of the support from our volunteers, donors, and community who make this work possible every day.

Thank you for being part of our story. 💙

04/16/2026

Kate Pelham was born July 26, 1885 in Wellington, Kansas. Her mother Kate Callahan and her father, Thomas Pelham were school teachers. Kate was four years old when her mother died during childbirth.

04/11/2026

This display stands in front of the Dr Kate Museum. Dr Kate was a pioneer in her time in the northwoods.

04/09/2026

On your next visit, consider taking a piece of history home with you!
📖: Snowshoe Kate and the Hospital Built for Pennies by Margi Preus, Illustrated by Jamie Zollars
📖: Million Penny Magic by Gertrude Puelicher
📖: Dr. Kate Angel on Snowshoes by Rebecca Wojahn
📖: Dr. Kate Angel on Snowshoes by Adele Comandini

04/08/2026

Thank you, PBS Wisconsin, for this amazing video showcasing Dr. Kate's story!

"As a woman in the early 1900s, Kate Pelham Newcomb fought to achieve her dream of becoming a doctor. As a physician in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, she sometimes had to fight to reach her patients, traveling by snowshoes and canoe. She is known for her contributions to public health in rural Wisconsin, including delivering over 4,000 babies and building a hospital."

As a woman in the early 1900s, Kate Pelham Newcomb fought for her dream of being a doctor.