Bringing history to life for over 100 years

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(920) 458-1103

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3110 Erie Ave
Sheboygan, WI 53081

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History

Dedicated to Sheboygan County history for over 100 years

Established 1923

The idea of an organization dedicated to the preservation of Sheboygan County history emerged in the early 1920s as community members banded together to commemorate early pioneer settlers. The Sheboygan County Historical Society was officially chartered by the Wisconsin Department of State in 1923, and for the next decade, the organization presented exhibits in various locations, began collecting objects, and worked on formally recognizing historical sites throughout the county, including the former homestead of Judge David Taylor.

With the completion of a new Sheboygan County Courthouse in 1933, the Historical Society operations centralized in a small space allocated within the building. In 1948, the Sheboygan County Board of Supervisors granted the Historical Society a 99 year lease on the Taylor Home for the purpose of the County Museum. Following several years of fund raising and remodeling efforts, six semi trucks transported the artifact collection and exhibit materials to their new home. The formal opening of the Museum occurred July 24, 1954, cementing a strong public/ private partnership that continues to this day.

Through the following decades, the Museum thrived, growing the collection, diversifying programming, and expanding the campus footprint. In the decade following the American Bicentennial, the organization relocated three additional historic buildings to the grounds, including the 1864 Weinhold Log Cabin, 1867 Bodenstab Cheese Factory, and 1890s Schuchardt Barn. Programming also engaged new audiences from school children to avid collectors.

1990's through today

The 1990s brought many firsts for the organization, including the first full-time executive director, the debut of the annual Holiday Memories event, and a significant expansion with the building of the Main Museum Building. That addition exponentially increased the Museum’s space for exhibitions and programming, along with providing improved space for collection storage.

For the last twenty years, the Sheboygan County Museum has strived to share the area’s rich history with both area residents and visitors. A wide range of public programming is offered regularly, appealing to a variety of ages. The Museum is particularly proud of our award-winning educational programs for K-12 students, along with our community-oriented offerings. Each year brings two to three temporary exhibits, including renowned traveling exhibitions, and the annual Holiday Memories program.