Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Waupaca Historical Society do?
The Waupaca Historical Society preserves, advances and disseminates knowledge of the history of the Waupaca area. We do this through our exhibits at our four historic buildings, through our availability of research materials and services at the Holly History and Genealogy Center, and through our various educational and entertaining programs throughout the year. We also actively collect objects, archival materials and photographs directly related to the history of the Waupaca area. If you've never visited us, please stop into any of our buildings during our open hours or schedule a tour today at 715-256-9980 or director@waupacahistoricalsociety.org.
I'm looking for information on my family or home in the Waupaca area. How can the Waupaca Historical Society help me?
The Waupaca Historical Society's Holly History and Genealogy Center houses a variety of books, maps, papers and photographs pertaining to families, homes, businesses and many other topics in the Waupaca area. It is also home to the Waupaca Area Genealogical Society's collections. The organization's website has a list of some of its materials in its collections. If you would like assistance in your research, please contact the Waupaca Historical Society or, if related to genealogy, the Waupaca Area Genealogical Society here.
What are your open hours?
The Holly History and Genealogy Center is open Wednesdays and Fridays 12-3 p.m. and Thursdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m.. In the summer (June through August), we are open Wednesdays and Fridays 12-4 p.m., Thursdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
The Hutchinson House is open weekends during the summer (Memorial Day through Labor Day) on Saturdays, Sundays and summer holidays from 1-4 p.m. The King Cottage is open these same hours, as it is located directly behind the Hutchinson House.
The Depot is open Saturdays in the summer (June through August) from 12-5 p.m. It is also open Saturdays, 12-5, in December.
If you are in town during the week and would like to schedule a tour of one of the buildings, please contact the Waupaca Historical Society. The Holly Center and Depot are also available for rental for parties, receptions, meetings, etc.
Thank you for donating to the Waupaca Historical Society and helping us preserve Waupaca and Chain O'Lakes history!
Upcoming Programs at the Waupaca Historical Society!
(all programs at the Holly History and Genealogy Center unless otherwise noted)
- Sat., September 17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Hutchinson House Museum Open in South Park during Fall-O-Rama
- Thurs., October 13, 5:30 p.m.: "Waupaca's Granite Quarry" with Mike Kirk; enjoy a walk around the quarry (Shambeau Park) at 5:30 (meet at the Depot) and then return for a program on the Granite Quarry's history!
Sponsored by Greg and Betsy Russell, Tom Shambeau (in memory of Dave and Emilene Shambeau), Waupaca Foundry and Beiser Realty. - Fri., October 28, 4-6 p.m.: Brat fry for Halloween on Main in downtown Waupaca
- Thurs., November 10, 6 p.m.: "How to Be An Indian in the 21st Century" with Louis Clark
Sponsored by Trudi Hahn Pickett (in memory of Mr. Jesse Owen, Dakota elder) and Beiser Realty. - Sat., December 3, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Waupaca's Yuletide Trail
Purchase your cookie tin and participate in the cookie walk! Tins are $20 and support the Waupaca Historical Society.
Sponsored by Community First Credit Union.
WHS COVID POLICY
Masks are not required in our buildings at this time. We encourage visitors to wear masks if they feel more comfortable. We also encourage all visitors to maintain a 6-foot distance from others and remain at home if exposed to COVID-19 or feeling unwell.
Appointments outside of open hours at any WHS buildings can be made at least two weeks in advance by calling the Holly History and Genealogy Center at (715) 256-9980 or emailing
Tracy Behrendt at
