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Waupaca Historical Society
Waupaca Historical Society
321 S. Main St., Waupaca, WI 54981

Holly History & Genealogy Center


 The Holly History & Genealogy Center at 321 S. Main Street was built as the Waupaca Public Library. Thanks to the support and financial support of the women of Waupaca, the local community and a Carnegie grant, the library opened on July 1, 1914. It served as the library until 1993. In 2001, the Waupaca Historical Society purchased the building to house its offices, collections and, later, the genealogical materials of the Waupaca Area Genealogical Society.

The Holly Center today is a depository for artifacts, local history books, documents, photos, maps, family histories, manuscripts, and other items relating to Waupaca and the surrounding area. The upper level of the Holly Center features exhibits related to Waupaca and Chain O'Lakes history. The lower level offers a meeting room for programming and rentals.

We have new open hours! Come visit us at the Holly Center:

Wednesday-Friday, 10 am to 2 pm
*Please note that the Waupaca Area Genealogical Society staffs the building on Wednesdays. This is a great time to stop in with any family history research questions!

Summer Hours:
We are also open on the second Saturdays of June, July and August from 10 am to 2 pm. The Waupaca Area Genealogical Society staffs the building during these hours as well!


The Holly Center can also open by special appointment at other times if arranged ahead of your visit. If you are traveling to Waupaca from out of town, we recommend that you call at least two weeks before your visit to set up an appointment.

The lower-level Cynthia Holly Meeting Room is also available for rental for your business meeting, program or family gathering. Please contact us for rates and availability at (715) 256-9980 or email at director@waupacahistoricalsociety.org.






Several rotating and permanent displays at the Holly Center offer a look at the Waupaca Historical Society's collections and Waupaca's history.





















The Holly Center has a large library of genealogical and historical research materials.  These are available for research during open hours.










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Thank you for donating to the Waupaca Historical Society and helping us preserve Waupaca and Chain O'Lakes history!

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Come visit us year-round at the Holly Center at 321 S. Main Street during our open hours on

Wednesday through Friday, 

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.!

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What's Happening at the Waupaca Historical Society


  • ON SALE NOW: 2025 Yuletide Trail cookie tins ($25 each) on sale at the Holly Center, Community First Credit Union, Northern Home and Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Saturday, December 13 & 14, 12-5 pm: DEPOT OPEN
  • Saturday, December 20 & 21, 12-5 pm: DEPOT OPEN
  • Holly Center CLOSED from December 24 through January 2
  • 2026: Holly Center now open until 4 pm on Fridays and the second Saturday of each month, 11:30 am to 2 pm

Looking for other events taking place in Waupaca? Check out the Waupaca Chain O'Lakes Community Calendar here!
Check us out on Facebook!

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 

director@waupacahistoricalsociety.org.