Discover the history of Neenah’s beloved community band. From its first concert on Memorial Day of 1966 to today, the City band has shared beautiful music with our community. This is the final “Making a Hometown” series of programs until fall.
Be sure to join us at the 2018 Neenah Historical Society Annual Meeting as we wrap up the year with dinner, and an overview of what's been happening! Our special guest for the evening is Anne Katz, the Executive Director of Arts Wisconsin. Arts and humanities organizations, like the Neenah Historical Society, are vitally important to the life of a community. Ms. Katz's presentation, The Arts, Culture, & Creativity: A Smart Investment for Neenah & Wisconsin, will help us understand the bigger picture when it comes to promoting and growing arts and humanities organizations such as ours.
The event will take place at the Best Western Bridgewood at 1000 Cameron Way, Neenah, with cocktails starting at 5:30 pm. Dinner will begin at 6:30 pm., followed by the business meeting and presentation starting at 7:15 pm. The cost for the evening is $30 per person. Please find meal choices on the invitation, viewable here.
Please print and complete the invitation, and mail it along with full payment to Neenah Historical Society, PO Box 343, Neenah WI 54957 by Monday, May 7, 2018.
Travel back in time for some historic fun! The Neenah Historical Society invites you to learn what life was like more than 100 years ago at three day camps (Fridays, June 15, 22, & 29) at different Neenah landmarks. Sign up for one day or, better yet, sign up for all three for the complete time traveler’s experience!
At Serving Up History, time-traveling campers will tour Doty Cabin and learn how different food preparation was for Neenah’s early residents. Campers will then walk to Whiting Boathouse to cook and sample some dishes that come from Neenah’s past.
Time Traveler's Camps are for students in grades 2-6 and are $15 each or $40 for all three. Campers will need to bring a sack lunch each day. Registration begins in April and can be taken care of through the City of Neenah Parks and Recreation Department office (920) 886-6060. Please check the City of Neenah website for exact registration dates and requirements.
Kick off the summer by exploring your hometown during this FREE event! The Neenah Historical Society and the Neenah Parks and Recreation Department invite you to the 200 block of Wisconsin Avenue for historically fun activities! Families can take a horse carriage ride, play historic games, make an industry inspired craft, and take part in a scavenger hunt walking tour through Neenah’s downtown.
Travel back in time for some historic fun! The Neenah Historical Society invites you to learn what life was like more than 100 years ago at three day camps (Fridays, June 15, 22, & 29) at different Neenah landmarks. Sign up for one day or, better yet, sign up for all three for the complete time traveler’s experience!
Work with Neenah Police Detectives during the second day camp to learn about how historians and police detectives work in similar ways in order to solve mysteries and learn the truth. Campers will then tour Neenah’s historic downtown to uncover clues to the past.
Time Traveler's Camps are for students in grades 2-6 and are $15 each or $40 for all three. Campers will need to bring a sack lunch each day. Registration begins in April and can be taken care of through the City of Neenah Parks and Recreation Department office (920) 886-6060. Please check the City of Neenah website for exact registration dates and requirements.
Travel back in time for some historic fun! The Neenah Historical Society invites you to learn what life was like more than 100 years ago at three day camps (Fridays, June 15, 22, & 29) at different Neenah landmarks. Sign up for one day or, better yet, sign up for all three for the complete time traveler’s experience!
Neenah is a city of makers! Campers will tour the Octagon House to learn about Neenah’s inventive past and make art inspired by our internationally known industries during Industry & Art at the Hiram Smith Octagon House.
Time Traveler's Camps are for students in grades 2-6 and are $15 each or $40 for all three. Campers will need to bring a sack lunch each day. Registration begins in April and can be taken care of through the City of Neenah Parks and Recreation Department office (920) 886-6060. Please check the City of Neenah website for exact registration dates and requirements.
Happy Independence Day! We will be in Riverside Park taking part of Neenah and Menasha's annual CommunityFest celebration. Come play historic games, take a walking tour of Neenah's historic homes, and celebrate our all American community!
CommunityFest is an Independence Day celebration co-sponsored by the Cities of Neenah and Menasha.
Costumed re-enactors will share the stories of some of Neenah’s amazing former residents at the Neenah Historical Society's annual Cemetery Walk. The walk begins at 6:30 p.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery. Refreshments will be served. Suggested donation of $5 per person or $10 per car load. Questions? Call the Neenah Historical Society @ 729-0244.
Join the Neenah and Menasha Historical Societies for our third annual Pow Wow at Shattuck Park. The Pow Wow will feature informational booths, Native American food, and tribal dancers from throughout the State of Wisconsin.
Join the Neenah Historical Society and the Neenah Library for a collaborative program on the history of city planning in our community. From its earliest days, Neenah looked to the future and planned accordingly. Discover that interesting history when Brad Schmidt, Deputy Director of Community Development for Neenah, presents this intriguing program as part of our “Making a Hometown” series of presentations.
It’s winter and time to plan a vacation get–away! Join us at the Neenah Library for a presentation on the fascinating history of early travel experiences of turn of the century Neenah residents as well as a look at current travel trends. Cindy Hendren of Neenah’s Bon Voyage Travel will present this look at travel journals, photos, and memorabilia of travel in the 1900s and will bring us up to date on the most popular travel destinations of today.
Join the us at the Neenah Library as the Neenah-Menasha Fire Rescue present a program on the history of fire fighting in our community. Interesting photos, artifacts, and stories will be part of this presentation. “The History of the Neenah Fire Department” is one of our “Making a Hometown” programs in our series on the history and stories of our great community. Our presentations are a collaborative effort with the Neenah Public Library.
Seasonal fun is around every corner in Neenah during this family holiday event! Come to the Hiram Smith Octagon house to enjoy warm drinks, historic crafts, and to visit one of Neenah's unique historic homes! More seasonal activities and treats can be found throughout Neenah at the Bergstrom Mahler Museum of Glass, the Neenah Public Library, Neenah City Hall, the Neenah-Menasha YMCA, and the Best Western Bridgewood Resort Hotel. FREE horse wagon rides will be available between City Hall and the Octagon House. For additional event details visit each venue’s website.
Join the Neenah Historical Society as we present a program in our “Making a Hometown” series on the interesting history of “mom and pop” grocery stores throughout Neenah. Many of us still have memories of small local grocers where we would buy penny candy on our way home from school, and a time when purchasing groceries on credit was still possible. Presented by Neenah Historical Society volunteers Becky Heidke-Kwiatkowski and JoEllen Wollangk, you’ll be amazed to find out just how many of these small grocers were scattered throughout neighborhoods in Neenah.
The History of the Tuesday Club is a special presentation by members of Neenah's Tuesday Club. Did you know that Neenah’s Tuesday Club women were discussing women’s suffrage and other important topics at their weekly meetings as early as the 1880s? In fact, this club of forward thinking Neenah women started in 1884. As part of the programming for our current exhibition Making a Hometown: Life in Neenah's Progressive Era, the current women of the Tuesday Club will intertwine their club’s history with local and national history in this very engaging presentation.
Even before the twin cities of Neenah and Menasha carried the names we know today, this area of Wisconsin was home to numerous Native American tribes. Come celebrate the rich history and culture of the Fox River Valley's first citizens at the Second Annual Neenah-Menasha Inter-Tribal Pow Wow. The event will be held in memory and honor of Alan J. Caldwell, and in addition to traditional music and dancing, it will include educational displays and food vendors. This event immediately follows Neenah Vintage Adventure which takes place in Neenah's Downtown Historical District from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Attend both events to spend the day exploring Neenah's diverse and exciting history!
Join the Neenah Historical Society for our 5th Annual Vintage Adventure event in downtown Neenah. Visit local merchants in our historic downtown district and discover the interesting stories of Neenah’s past. There’s much to be proud of in our community, and we want to share that Neenah pride and history with you! Following the downtown event, join us at Shattuck Park for our Second Annual Neenah Menasha Inter-Tribal Pow Wow from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Attend both events to spend the day exploring Neenah's diverse and exciting history!
Join the Neenah Historical Society in the Shattuck Room of the Neenah Public Library for this educational program by Mark Denning, Director of Southeast Tribal Services for the Oneida Nation. Denning will provide an overview of the meaning of a pow wow, of pow wow regalia, and etiquette for those attending a pow wow in advance of our 2nd Annual Neenah/Menasha Inter-Tribal Pow Wow which will take place in Shattuck Park on Saturday, September 23.
Costumed re-enactors will share the stories of some of Neenah’s amazing former residents at the Neenah Historical Society's annual Cemetery Walk. The walk begins at 6:30 p.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery. Refreshments will be served. Suggested donation of $5 per person or $10 per car load. Questions? Call the Neenah Historical Society @ 729-0244.
ATTENTION Gangsters, flappers, and anyone looking to have a historically wild night! The Neenah Historical Society invites you to our 2017 fundraising gala, Fall Back in Time!
Dance to live jazz music in Neenah's historic Equitable Reserve Association building ballroom while you wet your whistle at the cash bar. The 1920s themed evening also includes hors d'oeuvres, a silent auction, photo booth, and more! Dress in your flashiest Prohibition Era clothing, and join us for an unforgettable night!
Proceeds benefit the Neenah Historical Society.
You may purchase tickets by contacting us at neenahhistoricalsociety@gmail.com, (920)729-0244, or through our shop for $35.00 per guest. Additional tickets may be purchased at the door on the night of the event for $40.00.
Happy Independence Day! We will be in Riverside Park taking part of Neenah and Menasha's annual CommunityFest celebration. Come play historic games, take a walking tour of Neenah's historic homes, and celebrate our all American community!
CommunityFest is an Independence Day celebration co-sponsored by the Cities of Neenah and Menasha.
Travel back in time for some historic fun! The Neenah Historical Society invites you to learn what life was like more than 100 years ago at three day camps (Fridays, June 9, 16, & 23) at different Neenah landmarks. Sign up for one day or, better yet, sign up for all three for the complete time traveler’s experience!
Iron, paper, and wood – Oh my! At the third day camp, campers will learn about our city’s industrial history, and get their hands dirty making artworks inspired by the Neenah businesses that made their mark on the world!
Time Traveler's Camps are for students in grades 2-6 and are $15 each or $40 for all three. Campers will need to bring a sack lunch each day. Register through the City of Neenah Parks and Recreation Department (920) 886-6060. Registration begins for Neenah residents starting on April 5, 2017 and on April 19, 2017 for non-residents.
Travel back in time for some historic fun! The Neenah Historical Society invites you to learn what life was like more than 100 years ago at three day camps (Fridays, June 9, 16, & 23) at different Neenah landmarks. Sign up for one day or, better yet, sign up for all three for the complete time traveler’s experience!
Work with Neenah Police Detectives during the second day camp to learn about how historians and police detectives work in similar ways in order to solve mysteries and learn the truth. Campers will then tour Neenah’s historic downtown to uncover clues to the past.
Time Traveler's Camps are for students in grades 2-6 and are $15 each or $40 for all three. Campers will need to bring a sack lunch each day. Register through the City of Neenah Parks and Recreation Department (920) 886-6060. Registration begins for Neenah residents starting on April 5, 2017 and on April 19,2017 for non-residents.
Bring your family to Neenah’s Green Park, the city's oldest recreational space, for a free evening of old fashioned, unplugged fun! The Neenah Historical Society and the Neenah Parks & Recreation Department will provide toys and games that children have enjoyed for centuries and refreshments will be available. This evening is free and no registration is necessary!
Travel back in time for some historic fun! The Neenah Historical Society invites you to learn what life was like more than 100 years ago at three day camps (Fridays, June 9, 16, & 23) at different Neenah landmarks. Sign up for one day or, better yet, sign up for all three for the complete time traveler’s experience!
At A Pioneer's Life, time-traveling campers will learn about how the area's earliest residents worked and played through several hands-on activities at Neenah's historic Doty Cabin in Doty Park.
Time Traveler's Camps are for students in grades 2-6 and are $15 each or $40 for all three. Campers will need to bring a sack lunch each day. Register through the City of Neenah Parks and Recreation Department (920) 886-6060. Registration begins for Neenah residents starting on April 5, 2017 and on April 19,2017 for non-residents.
So much of what we still enjoy in our community today had its start during what is known as the Progressive Era. Join the Neenah Historical Society to discover, “Life in Neenah’s Progressive Era” presented by Professor Steven Sheehan. In early May, the Society will be opening its newest exhibit, Making a Hometown – Life in Neenah’s Progressive Era. This hands-on, interactive exhibition will feature the story of how Neenah’s industrial leaders in the late 19th and early 20th centuries worked together with community building organizations to create the hometown we still enjoy today. Professor Sheehan will give an overview of some of the amazing things we’ve discovered about Neenah’s story during this time period.
Our March 2017 history program at the Neenah Public Library will feature a combined presentation on the history of the Galloway Company presented by Mr. Tim Galloway and the history of Neenah's Dairy Queen presented by Mr. Jim Reiser. The unique and long-term business relationship between the Galloway Company and Neenah's Dairy Queen is a great example of the collaborative spirit in our community!
The first church established in Neenah was the First Presbyterian in December of 1848. Neenah was little more than a wilderness outpost at that time. Join the Neenah Historical Society on Thursday, February 16th at 7 p.m. at the Neenah Library when Presbyterian historian, Jack Speech, presents “The History of Neenah’s Presbyterian Church.” Over the many years of its existence, the First Presbyterian Church has provided a spiritual home to countless Neenah residents. This insightful presentation will link Neenah’s history with the Presbyterian Church history to give the audience a better understanding of our community’s story.
Many of Neenah’s young people hold Camp Onaway and the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade among their fondest memories of growing up in Neenah. In fact, over 8,000 adults are Brigade alumni! Join the Neenah Historical Society on Thursday, January 19th at 7 p.m. at the Neenah Library when the former Director of the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade, Tom Hoare, presents “The History of the Brigade.” The Brigade has been building leaders in Neenah since 1900, and we’ll be re-living some of the highlights of the Brigade experience at this special program.
Join our friends at the Menasha Historical Society for their annual Christmas Dinner and program!
To make your reservation, mail $22 per person to Menasha Historical Society, P.O. BOX 255, Menasha WI 54952. Meal options are (A) Honey & Thyme Grilled Pork Tenderloin, (B) Chicken Saltimbocca with Sherry Cream Sauce, or (C) Parmesan Crusted Baked Haddock. Include the dinner choice for each guest with your payment. For further questions about this event contact the Menasha Historical Society at menashahistorical@yahoo.com.
Menominee Tribal Member, Alan Caldwell, will present an overview of Menominee history and culture. Caldwell, a former faculty member of the College of Menominee Nation, is a leading expert in the state on the history and culture of the Menominee, and his program will provide great insight into the very early years of Neenah and Menasha.
Learn the simple and historic craft of punch needle in this workshop that supports the Neenah Historical Society. Taught by Neenah Historical Society volunteer, JoEllen Wollangk, participants will make a table rug or pillow top of the Neenah Clocktower. The kit includes everything you need to needle punch the rug or pillow top. Materials for making the pillow are not included. Kit includes pattern on background fabric attached to a frame, yarn, instructions, and punch needle. Only 10 kits are available. $80 for complete kit and class(es). Class is to be held on Monday November 1 from 6-9 pm. The punch needle and frame are yours to keep for future projects. Refreshments will be served.
Contact the Neenah Historical Society at (920)729-0244 or neenahhistoricalsociety@gmail.com to sign up for this fun workshop!
Join the Neenah Historical Society Executive Director, Jane Lang, and Neenah High School teachers, Ben Christian and Deb Gauthier as they present “If Neenah’s Walls Could Talk.” The interesting research of Neenah High School students and teachers who contributed to this innovative preservation project will be presented, and attendees will learn some of the fascinating history behind some of Neenah’s most iconic properties. Additionally, information on the Society’s “History Connects” workshop series will be presented. This workshop series offers participants a hands-on exploration Neenah's history in a way that connects them to our community today.
Join us in the downtown Neenah area for our 4th annual Vintage Adventure. From the Neenah Public Library, to the 200 block of West Wisconsin Avenue, we’ll have hands-on, exciting activities taking place. Don't miss the music and dance at a Menominee Powwow between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. at Shattuck Park! Re-live Neenah’s earliest days when you take a ride with the Northwest Fur Company on a giant voyageur canoe, visit with Neenah citizens of the past, listen to some great folk music, sample some recipes from a 1908 Neenah cookbook, and participate in a history scavenger hunt with prizes! Discover the amazing history of our great community at this free family event!
This event is sponsored in part by the City of Neenah Landmark's Commission.
Join the Neenah Historical Society at 7 pm at the Neenah Library as they present a program on the history of the Neenah Police Department. The Charter for the City of Neenah in 1873 included the position of a Chief of Police, and the department has been in place since that time. Captain Aaron Olson, of the NPD, has been working with a group of volunteers on a history book of the department. He’ll be presenting photos and information on the department’s interesting history over the past 143 years.
Costumed re-enactors will share the stories of some of Neenah’s amazing former residents at this year’s Cemetery Walk. The theme of this year’s walk will be “Hometown Builders” and will focus on the stories of those who contributed to making Neenah a great hometown in our early days. From the patriarch of the family who started the Neenah Foundry, to the first nurse of the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA), you'll be inspired with the stories of some of the ones who helped make Neenah a great place to live. The walk begins at 6:30 p.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery. Refreshments will be served. Suggested donation of $5 per person or $10 per car load. Questions? Call the Neenah Historical Society @ 729-0244.
Bring your family to Green Park for a free evening of old fashioned, unplugged fun! Green Park's history goes all the way back to 1846 when it was call the Village Green. The Neenah Historical Society and the Neenah Parks & Recreation Department will provide toys and games that children have enjoyed for centuries. From knock hockey to stilts, hoop rolling to ring toss, some of the best games require no battery! This is a free event with no registration required.
Horses, steamboats and trains, OH MY! Campers will meet some horses, explore Neenah’s rail history and discover other surprising ways Neenah residents traveled from place to place 100 years ago! Time Traveler's Camps are for students in grades 2-6 and are $15 each. Sign up through the City of Neenah Parks and Recreation Department (920) 886-6060.
