History of the Historical Society & Museum
About Us
The Sheboygan County Museum, incorporated in 1923 as the Sheboygan County Historical Society, continues to “collect, preserve, and education about the history of Sheboygan County” today. As stewards of the area’s history, the Museum has grown into a thriving cultural institution that seeks to engage and inspire a deeper understanding of the County.
Through a variety of programming and educational opportunities, exhibitions, and extensive artifact collections, the Sheboygan County Museum presents a broad and vibrant picture of Sheboygan County culture, including economic, political, and social history. These reflect both distinctive local history and the ways Sheboygan County has contributed and connected to regional, national, and world history through the decades.
Significant Dates
Present
A year of celebrations commemorates the first 100 years of the organization as the Sheboygan County Museum prepares to launch into the next 100 years of sharing the stories of Sheboygan County.
2022
With grant funding from the IMLS, the museum begins work on the first complete collections inventory
2020-21
With support for the Melitta S. and Joan M. Pick Family Foundation, the museum undertakes a remodeling project in the Main Museum building to better utilize space for visitor and programming needs.
2014
Sheboygan County Historical Society renegotiates a 20 year lease agreement with Sheboygan County clarifying maintenance responsibilities for buildings and grounds
2013
Acquired “Elves of Santa Land” display, Bruce the Spruce, Santa’s chair, along with additional pieces of the historical mechanical animation of the H.C. Prange’s Department Store when Boston Store in downtown Sheboygan closed.
2010
The Kenneth E. Conger Educational Endowment is established to provide additional support for the Museum’s Full-Day Education Programs.
2009
The Calvin Wheeler Exhibit Restoration Center is dedicated, marking the first time in over twenty years that the Museum’s artifact collection is housed at one address
2004-06
Extensive exterior restoration is completed on the Taylor House, including restoring the front porch and east porch to their original appearance, reopening of bricked up doors, and repainting in original finishes.
2001
Full-Day Education Programs are launched to teach local history to regional elementary students
1999
Phase II of the Main Museum building (Kohler Addition & Carriage Barn) is dedicated in May
1998
The Museum establishes the General Endowment to support capital expenditures such as building maintenance, plant, and equipment
1997
Phase I of the new Main Museum building (underground portion) is dedicated in July
1991
First full-time Executive Director is hired
1990
The Museum introduces a holiday exhibition, “Christmas Memories,” inspired by the donation of a Schoenhut Santa figurine.
This annual event is soon renamed “Holiday Memories” and remains one of the most popular events today.
1988
The Bodenstab Cheese Factory (Howards Grove, 1867) is moved and dedicated on the Museum Campus
1984
The Schuchardt Barn (Sheboygan, 1890s) is moved and dedicated on the Museum Campus
1977-78
The Weinhold Log Cabin (Adell, 1864) is moved and dedicated on the Museum Campus
1976
The Taylor House is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
1973
The Historical Society, operating primarily as a volunteer organization, continues operations in the Taylor House, now utilizing the entire building for exhibition and artifact storage.
1972-73
Ted Mosch retires from his position as custodian of Taylor Park, the Taylor House, and the associated Museum
The County Board is briefly able to hire Edgar Aschenbach as caretaker, but finds it difficult to maintain a live-in custodian. Ultimately, the County Board decides the position is no longer needed.
1961
Theodore & Frieda Mosch become the Taylor Park and Museum Custodians.
1954
The Taylor House opens to the public on May 1, following extensive renovations to the building.
1952
With renovations nearing completion, William and Annette Erickson are named custodians. With living quarters in a portion of the Taylor House, the Erickson’s would serve as both caretakers of the park and the Museum.
1948
Sheboygan County Historical Society enters into 99-year lease agreement with Sheboygan County to use the Taylor House as a museum
1942-43
During WWII, Sheboygan County repurposes a portion of the Historical Society’s primary exhibit space in the Courthouse for the War Rationing Board
1932
Approximately 13 acres of Taylor’s original farm are dedicated as Judge David Taylor Park
The park designation was spearheaded by the Historical Society and its President, Charles Broughton, as part of a larger effort to recognize historical sites throughout the County.
1923 – 1942
Artifacts are displayed in various community locations, including at the Sheboygan Public Library, Jefferson School, Lincoln School and the Sheboygan County Courthouse
With the new Courthouse in 1934, the Historical Society had their first “permanent” home for exhibits and collections.
1923
Sheboygan County Historical Society incorporates with the State of Wisconsin
Follows several years of advocacy for some type of organization that would preserve both the area’s history and the lives of pioneers.
1905
Sheboygan County purchases the Taylor House and surrounding property
The house is used as a jail, workhouse, drunk tank, and park caretaker’s home.
1878
David Taylor is appointed to a judicial seat on the Wisconsin State Supreme Court
Taylor spent his remaining years living in Madison. Though he continued to own the Sheboygan property, he never returns to live in the area before dying in 1891.
1872
David Taylor and family move to Fond du Lac where he practices law in partnership with James Gillett
1869
David Taylor leases the home and surrounding farm property to C.H. Pape
1852-1854
The Taylor House is Constructed
The Taylor House is constructed for Judge David Taylor, on 320 acres he acquired in 1847.