About Us

 History of North Wood County Historical Society In a Nutshell

Established initially as the Marshfield Historical Society in 1952, the members voted in 1956 to change the name to the North Wood County Historical Society and widen its scope to the ‘collection and preservation of material pertaining to the history of Wisconsin and Wood County, and particularly of the Marshfield Area.’

The Society met in various venues throughout Marshfield and by 1960 had collected many local, historic artifacts. The Society recognized a need for a permanent ‘home’ for the collected historic material, which became more apparent when in Sept. 1965 approximately 40 artifacts owned by the Society, and stored in a vacant downtown room, were inadvertently auctioned off by another local organization.

June 11, 1972 the first Historical Museum, built in Praschak Park on the south end of Marshfield, was dedicated, opened, and quickly outgrown. Toward the end of 1975, with the help of community funding, the North Wood County Historical Society purchased the home of former Wisconsin Governor William H. Upham, and helped get it established on the National Registry of Historic Places. 

 Finally, Sunday, June 25, 1978, the building officially opened to the public as a house museum and now serves as the center for the North Wood County Historical Society exhibits, activities, and local history research

 Purpose

The North Wood County Historical Society, a not-for-profit, membership driven organization, is dedicated to preserving the history of North Wood County so that the past remains accessible for present and future generations.  Our vision is to connect people to the History of North Wood County through research, exhibits, and learning, to develop a connection to Marshfield and the surrounding area.