Marshfield Clinic Museum | Milwaukee

The Marshfield Heritage Museum, located in Marshfield, Wisconsin, serves as a central repository and showcase of the city’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Housed in the lower level of the Second Street Community Center, this museum offers an in-depth exploration of Marshfield’s evolution from its early settlement days to its growth into a vibrant community. It is dedicated to preserving the stories, artifacts, and memories that define the local identity.

Historical Scope and Exhibits

The museum’s exhibits cover a broad spectrum of topics significant to Marshfield’s past and present. One of the key displays traces the city’s development, featuring photographs, documents, and artifacts that highlight pivotal events such as the Great Marshfield Fire of 1887, which dramatically reshaped the town’s landscape and spurred rebuilding efforts.

Military history is prominently featured through the “Lest We Forget” exhibit, which honors local veterans and explores military conflicts from the Civil War through contemporary engagements like Afghanistan. This section includes dioramas, personal stories, uniforms, and memorabilia that give visitors a personal connection to the sacrifices made by service members from the region.

Cultural and Social History

Marshfield’s industrial and social heritage is also showcased, including a collection of period clothing known as the Roddis Clothing Collection. This exhibit reveals insights into the fashion trends and textile production that once played a key role in the city’s economy.

Nursing and healthcare history receive attention through displays about St. Joseph’s School of Nursing, including an iron lung and medical equipment that illustrate advances and challenges in local healthcare.

Additionally, the museum explores agricultural history and the performing arts, reflecting the community’s deep ties to farming and cultural life. The agricultural exhibits emphasize the importance of farming to the area’s economy and lifestyle, while theater history showcases Marshfield’s commitment to the arts.

Unique and Educational Displays

One particularly unique exhibit focuses on the life of hobos during the Great Depression, providing a glimpse into the hardships and resilience of transient workers who traveled the country seeking employment. This display features personal stories, photographs, and artifacts that bring this often-overlooked segment of history to life.

The museum also highlights notable local landmarks and personalities, weaving together narratives that connect residents past and present.

Visitor Experience and Practical Information

Open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., the Marshfield Heritage Museum offers free admission, making it an accessible resource for residents, tourists, students, and history buffs. The museum is staffed by knowledgeable volunteers who provide context and enrich the visitor experience.

Its location within the community center allows easy access and is complemented by nearby attractions such as the Upham Mansion-a historic governor’s residence-Wildwood Zoo, and Jurustic Park, an outdoor sculpture museum. These additional sites make Marshfield a well-rounded destination for cultural and recreational exploration.

Significance

The Marshfield Heritage Museum plays a vital role in preserving the city’s collective memory and fostering an appreciation for the diverse elements that have shaped its character. By combining historical, cultural, and social exhibits, it provides a comprehensive portrait of Marshfield’s past, encouraging visitors to understand and value the local heritage within the broader context of Wisconsin’s history.

Location and Contact

Address: Second Street Community Center, 211 E. 2nd Street, Marshfield, WI

Hours: Wednesdays and Saturdays, 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM

Admission: Free

Phone: 715-384-5867

The museum’s modest size belies its richness in content, making it an essential stop for anyone interested in the story of Marshfield and the surrounding region.