Hutchinson House
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June, July and August: Open the Second Weekend (Saturdays and Sundays) and for special events, 1-4 p.m.
ADMISSION IS FREE, but donations are always appreciated!
The Hutchinson House, built in 1854 in Waupaca, is a well-preserved example of New-England-style architecture. The one-and-half story farmhouse was originally built on the corner of West Fulton and Franklin Streets by Chester and Susannah Hutchinson. The home was moved to South Park in 1956. The Hutchinson House is filled with vintage furniture and artifacts from the Victorian era, along with numerous objects from Waupaca's early settlers. The Waupaca Historical Society opened the home as a Museum in 1957 as part of Waupaca's Centennial celebration.
Tours of the Hutchinson House Museum take visitors into the Victorian home and its impressive display of household furnishings, clothing, glassware and textiles, with many of the artifacts having ties to early settlers of Waupaca County. The Hutchinson House welcomes visitors of all ages. Children ages 5 to 12 have the option to participate in activities such as a photo scavenger hunt for artifacts.
Located behind the Hutchinson House Museum, the King Cottage was moved to South Park in 1974 to preserve an example of early cottages on the Chain O'Lakes. Initially a research center, today the King Cottage showcases displays and artifacts that tell the stories of the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King and the Chain O'Lakes.
SPECIAL NOTE: If you would like to schedule a group or family tour of the Hutchinson House Museum outside of our open hours, please call
715-256-9980 at least two weeks in advance.
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The collections at the Waupaca Historical Society include many handmade objects, including this beautifully hand-stitched patchwork quilt (above).
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The Hutchinson House tells the story of the late 1800s to the early 1900s in Waupaca. The kitchen area of the home features numerous period artifacts.
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The Hutchinson House dining room tells the story of both Victorian-era living, but also life in Waupaca at the turn of the century.
The King Cottage, moved to South Park in 1974 to serve as a research center, now includes stories and artifacts that tell the history of the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King and the Chain O'Lakes. The cottage is open during open hours at the Hutchinson House Museum.
Thank you for donating to the Waupaca Historical Society and helping us preserve Waupaca and Chain O'Lakes history!
Come visit us 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!
(all programs are at the Holly History and Genealogy Center unless otherwise noted)
2025 HOLLY CENTER HOURS: Wednesday-Friday,
10 am-2 pm
- Thurs., February 20, 6 pm: "Cranberries: How Wisconsin Became Best" with Allison Jonjak (Badger Talks)
- Sun., March 2, 3-5 pm at the Waupaca Depot: Self-Guided Winter Hike (program with the City of Waupaca Parks & Rec and the Waupaca Area Public Library); stop at the Depot for a hot beverage and tour!
- Thurs., March 20, 6 pm: "Brownie the War Dog: Veterans' Best Friend" with author Kelly Nelson
- Mon., April 14, 6:30 pm at the Waupaca Area Public Library (a Winchester Academy program):"Waupaca’s Sesquicentennial: A Look Back at the City of Waupaca’s Early Years" with Tracy Behrendt
- Thurs., April 17, 6 pm: "Transportation History in Wisconsin" with Jim Willaert, Wade House Historic Site
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