Kewaunee County Historical Society Museum | Green Bay

The Kewaunee County Historical Society Museum serves as a comprehensive guardian of Kewaunee County’s rich historical heritage through its well-curated collections, archival resources, and educational outreach. The Society operates two main facilities that together offer a thorough insight into the local history, culture, and early life of the region.

Kewaunee County Historical Society History Center

Located at 217 Ellis Street, Kewaunee, Wisconsin, the History Center functions as the primary research and archival repository for the county’s historical records. The Center is open to the public on Thursdays and Fridays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to noon, welcoming both casual visitors and serious researchers.

The museum houses an extensive and meticulously organized collection of more than 32,000 photographs, which document the county’s development, significant events, families, and businesses spanning over a century. These visual archives are invaluable for genealogists and historians alike.

Beyond photographs, the History Center maintains detailed collections of business and family histories, newspaper clippings, scrapbooks, and audio interviews capturing personal recollections and oral histories. This comprehensive documentation provides multifaceted perspectives on Kewaunee County’s cultural and social evolution.

The facility has undergone recent renovations to improve accessibility and visitor comfort, including the installation of a new awning and plans for a handicap-accessible entrance, underscoring the Society’s commitment to welcoming a diverse audience.

Kewaunee County Jail Museum

Situated at 613 Dodge Street, Kewaunee, Wisconsin, the Jail Museum offers a specialized glimpse into 19th-century law enforcement and daily life in Kewaunee County. Open seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day on Thursdays to Saturdays between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM, this historic building was designed by the notable Wisconsin architect William Waters and constructed in 1876.

The Jail Museum’s exhibits include authentically restored rooms that recreate the atmosphere of early 1800s interiors, featuring period furniture, artifacts, and architectural details that immerse visitors in the era’s lifestyle. It also houses an extensive collection of Native American artifacts, providing important cultural context to the region’s original inhabitants.

One of the highlights is the preserved jail cell complete with original furnishings, bars, and doors, offering a tangible connection to the county’s law enforcement history. Additionally, the museum showcases a unique wood carving depicting Custer’s Last Stand, symbolizing a pivotal event in American history, as well as a detailed model of the USS Pueblo, a naval vessel built in Kewaunee, highlighting the county’s shipbuilding heritage.

Educational and Community Role

The Kewaunee County Historical Society plays a vital educational role by offering tours, lectures, and special programs designed to engage the community and visitors with the region’s history. Tours of the museums are available year-round by appointment, allowing personalized and in-depth exploration of the collections.

The Society serves as a hub for genealogical research, historical preservation, and cultural awareness, collaborating with local schools, libraries, and civic organizations to foster appreciation for Kewaunee’s past.

Location and Nearby Attractions

Both museum sites are conveniently located within the city of Kewaunee, with the History Center adjacent to the Kewaunee County Courthouse. This central positioning makes the museums easily accessible to visitors exploring the city’s historic district. Nearby, visitors can also explore other cultural sites, parks, and the nearby shores of Lake Michigan.

Visitor Information Summary

Kewaunee County Historical Society History Center:

Address: 217 Ellis Street, Kewaunee, WI

Hours: Thu-Fri 10 AM – 4 PM, Sat 9 AM – 12 PM

Phone: (920) 388-0369

Kewaunee County Jail Museum:

Address: 613 Dodge Street, Kewaunee, WI

Seasonal Hours (Memorial Day to Labor Day): Thu-Sat 12 PM – 4 PM

Phone: (920) 388-3858

The Kewaunee County Historical Society Museum complex offers a rich, well-rounded journey through the county’s history-from everyday life and local industries to law enforcement and Native American heritage-making it essential for anyone interested in the deep cultural roots of this Wisconsin region.