Polk County Museum

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THE POLK COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

POST OFFICE BOX 41- 120 MAIN STREET

BALSAM LAKE, WISCONSIN 54810

715-485-9269

[email protected]

WELCOMES YOU TO VISIT

THE POLK COUNTY MUSEUM

Preserving the past for future generations by collecting a unique and enduring collection of Polk County History shared with the public through programs, exhibits, and research.

MUSEUM SEASON- MEMORIAL WEEKEND - LABOR DAY WEEKEND

OPEN MONDAY SEPTEMBER 2ND

REGULAR HOURS THURSDAY - MONDAY 12 NOON TO 4:00 PM

No fee for admission. Your good will offering supports programs and events.

THE 2019 MUSEUM SEASON

AUGUST 15TH THE POLK COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY HOSTED A

SUPPER CLUB FUNDRAISING EVENT

CELEBRATING WISCONSIN'S SUPPER CLUB HISTORY

FEATURED GUESTS

HOLLY DE RUYTER FILM; OLD FASHIONED THE STORY OF THE WI SUPPER CLUB

AND MARY BERGIN AUTHOR WI SUPPER CLUB COOK BOOK

OVER 120 GUESTS ENJOYED THE PROGRAMS, SILENT AND LIVE AUCTION, THE BROW TINE'S FISH FRY, THE POLK COUNTY MUSEUM'S SUPPER CLUB EXHIBIT(FEATURING MANY OF POLK COUNTY'S PAST AND PRESENT SUPPER CLUBS) AND DINNER MUSIC.

JULY 2019

On loan from the PALY Foundation, Scottsdale, Arizonia

Traveling Exhibit AMERICA'S WOLVES discover America’s wolves – the Red Wolf, the Gray Wolf, the Mexican Wolf and the Eastern Wolf. The exhibit features content that is educational and thought-provoking.

July, Bob Ebsen, Edcational Director from the

Wildlife Science Center in Stacy, MN presented a

program on gray wolves

The Wildlife Science Center (WSC) was founded, in order to

observe and document the physiology and behavior of a captive

population of gray wolves.

Bob presented a program about the Centers mission and work; observing,

learning and caring for the gray wolf population, along with

educating visitors about the wolf culture and our relationship with

wolves. The program engaged visitors with facts and an

overview of the present and future of the gray wolf.

Root Beer Floats on the patio followed the program.

The mission of WSC is to serve as an educational resource for all ages; by: providing exposure to wild animals and the body of knowledge generated for their conservation;to advance understanding of wild animal biology through long-term, humane scientific studies on captive populations, thus contributing to technical training for wildlife agencies, educational institutions and conservation agencies.

2019 Pioneer School at the Lanesdale One Room Schoolhouse, Balsam Lake,

two sessions, August 6,7,8 and August 13,14,15.

To make this unique program successful, we are suggesting the children, ages 6-14 are interested in experiencing reading, writing, and arithmetic lessons as taught 100 years ago. Our goal is to provide children with an understanding of the history of education in an authentic one room school house and to have fun. There will be lots of old fashioned games, stories and music.

Students are asked to dress as children did in the 1900’s; for girls, long dresses and bonnets; for boys, bib- overalls, knickers, and suspenders, if available. Costume’s available at school.

Open House at the Polk County Museum

JOIN HANDS EVENT was a fun event, visitors enjoyed delicious chili, heard a poem from Sara DeLuca and met Scout Chase Kern who produced the wonderful stand up picture cutouts. Visitors also previewed our newest Train Depot Exhibit.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

The Old Courthouse Museum, built in 1899, after the county seat was moved by popular vote from Osceola to Balsam Lake, is celebrating a milestone birthday, listed in The National Register of Historic Places, now 120 years young.

Visit a building dedicated to the people of Polk County.

2019 giveBIG St. Croix Valley Event

The Polk County Historical Society thanks everyone who made our Community day of giving a great success.

https://www.givebigscv.org/organization/Polk-County-Historical-Society

THE POLK COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY HOSTED A

TOUR OF MINGLEWOOD ROBOT MILKING BARN

In 1894 Belmer and Delia Solum bought a farm in Black Brook township; they then had two sons Gary Solum and Duane (Bill) Solum. Duane was born April 1931; at the age of 19 Duane became the operator of the family farm. In January 2008 Duane (Bill) passed away and his son Kevin fully operates the farm with 1200 dairy cows with 480 of those cows now in the new robot milking barn. Over twenty guests enjoyed a wonderful tour of the farm.

SHARE IN OUR HISTORY

The Polk County Historical Society was established in 1937 by a group of Polk County residents to manage the preservation of the rich history of Polk County and the housing of artifacts. The Society is a nonprofit organization with a Board of Directors and Membership.

The Old Courthouse, built in 1899 is a beautiful Romanesque, three story building, located in the heart of beautiful Balsam Lake.

In 1975 the Polk County Courthouse was relocated and the County invited the Historical Society to relocate their one room museum to the Old Courthouse. The Courthouse is listed on The National Register of Historic Places.

Three floors of Museum, offering a myriad of exhibits fits almost any interest; it is a priority of the Society to not only display items of local history, but to educate visitors of the history of the area. (About tab, top of page, features the many displays).

History lays the groundwork for strong, resilient communities. No place really becomes a community until it is wrapped in human memory: family stories, tribal traditions, civic commemorations. No place is a community until it has awareness of its history, strengthened when we share stories and experiences.

Visit our museum store featuring; local artists, books, t-shirts, hats and other fun items.