Genealogical Research
The Holly History and Genealogy Center has many resources to assist in genealogy research, from family files and binders to cemetery records and obituaries. We also now have past Waupaca newspapers on microfilm (through 1996), which are viewable at the Holly Center (no printing capabilities available).
The Waupaca Area Genealogical Society is happy to assist you with your genealogy research! The Waupaca Area Genealogical Society (WAGS) is a separate nonprofit organization dedicated to family and genealogical research. The Holly History & Genealogy Center (321 S. Main St., Waupaca) houses the collections of both the Waupaca Historical Society and the Waupaca Area Genealogical Society. Included in these collections are plat maps, family history files, cemetery records, obituaries, pre-1907 marriage indexes, naturalization indexes, Waupaca High School yearbooks, the Civil War Roster of Wisconsin Volunteers, and numerous other sources of information on early settlers to the Waupaca area and Waupaca County, Wisconsin.
NOTE: CURRENTLY, THE HOLLY CENTER IS ONLY STAFFED ON THURSDAYS AND FRIDAYS, 10-2, BY THE WAUPACA HISTORICAL SOCIETY DIRECTOR. THE DIRECTOR WILL ASSIST YOU WITH YOUR GENEALOGY REQUESTS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE OR REFER YOU TO WAGS VOLUNTEERS.
Volunteers and staff are here to give you an overview of the research area and help you as needed. The director of the Waupaca Historical Society staffs the building on Thursday and Friday afternoons. Volunteers from WAGS staff the building on Wednesdays (10 am to 2 pm) year-round and on Saturday mornings (9 a.m. to noon) during the months of June, July, and August. If you are new to family research or have not visited the Holly History & Genealogy Center before, we recommend that you arrange for assistance with one of the genealogy volunteers. Please contact us two weeks in advance of your visit to Waupaca.
There are also numerous resources available online on the "Waupaca County History and Genealogy Website" (www.wigenweb.org/waupaca), which is part of the statewide Wisconsin Genealogy Web Project.
Contact the Waupaca Area Genealogical Society by calling (715) 256-9980 or email director@waupacahistoricalsociety.org for assistance in setting up an appointment. All genealogy and family history inquiries that are received through the Waupaca Historical Society's website will be forwarded to the Waupaca Area Genealogical Society. For more information about the Holly History & Genealogy Center, including open hours, please click on "Our Historic Buildings" and "Holly Center" on our main menu on the left.
Thank you for donating to the Waupaca Historical Society and helping us preserve Waupaca and Chain O'Lakes history!
What's Happening at the Waupaca Historical Society!
(all programs are at the Holly History and Genealogy Center unless otherwise noted)
- Sun. February 5, 3-5 p.m.: Hike Under the "Snow" Full Moon--stop at the Depot after your hike to warm up with a hot drink and tour the Depot (525 Oak Street).
- Sat., February 11: Lost Arts Folk School--Broom-making class (at the Depot)
- Thurs., February 23, 6 p.m.: "Building a Legacy: The History of Waupaca Foundry" with Sara Timm, Waupaca Foundry
- Thurs., March 16: Lost Arts Folk School--Garden Basket
- Thurs., March 30, 6 p.m.: "A Creative Place: The History of Wisconsin Art" with Annemarie Sawkins
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 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
