Chippewa Area History Center

06/04/2026

68 years ago today families throughout Chippewa and neighboring counties were assessing the damage caused by the tornado of June 4, 1958. Below is the story of how the Joe & Gladys Swartz and Leonard & Beatrice Swartz farm was affected. This is a re-post of the Week 38 Time Capsule.

06/04/2026

68 years ago today (June 4, 1958), a devastating tornado made it's through Chippewa and neighboring counties. What memories do you or your family have of the tornado and it's aftermath?

What memories do you or your family have of the tornado that went through Chippewa County on this night 62 years ago?

Time Capsule, Week 136: The Tornado of June 4, 1958

This photo shows the extreme damage done to the north side of Chippewa falls when a tornado touched down on the evening of June 4, 1958. Clearly visible are the downed trees in Irvine Park, the Ice Plant buildings were irreparably damaged, the Glen Loch Motel had its roof torn off, damage was done to the building that is currently the Glen Loch Saloon, and trailers were taken off their foundations. Many other areas throughout the county suffered similar damage to property and also loss of life.
Each Saturday, the Chippewa Area History Center showcases a piece of local history in the Herald. The Area History Center at 123 Allen Street, Chippewa Falls has multiple rooms of displays about Chippewa County history and genealogy. Visit www.ChippewaAreaHistoryCenter.org to learn more about the future Chippewa Area History Center and how you can help support local history preservation and education.

06/02/2026

We had the BEST time over Memorial Day weekend, thanks to our reenactors from the 117th Infantry Regiment and 105th Engineer Combat Battalion. Thank you guys for sharing your knowledge, gear, and passion!

First is members of the 117th Infantry Regiment. Left to right: Tim Farrell, Mike Anderson, Warren Klein, Jim Campbell, Don Nelson. Second is members of the 105th Engineer Combat Battalion. Front row left to right: Andrew Fasching, Steve Briola, Conner Titus. Back row left to right: Ross Hedin, Mike Ohrt, Nash Paulson, Ken Fasching.

06/01/2026

Did you know we have a 1915 Ford Model T?

You can find this restored vehicle on our 1st floor near the Chippewa County WI Genealogical Society Library.

05/29/2026

Join us Wednesday for the Lunch and Learn: The Wisconsin Fur Trade Frontier. Local historian and fur trade reenactor Jim Swanson presents the fascinating history of Wisconsin and the fur trade. Why was the trade centered in Wisconsin? And how did develop? Admission includes chips, a sandwich, a cookie, and a drink.

The program is supported by Old Dutch Foods and the Community Foundation of Chippewa County.

05/27/2026

New addition to the St. Joseph's hospital display. Two stained glass windows that were at the Pearl Street hospital. They had been boxed up and in storage since. Volunteers Ross and Mike framed them. Putting up the windows were Jarrod, Ross, Scott, Gary, Elizabeth, Skip, Kat, and Jim.

05/26/2026

A new display was put up, any guesses?

05/25/2026

Did you know that our building was designed to look like the Chippewa Lumber and Boom Company's saw mill?
This is why we have our diamond windows! You can learn more in the 1st floor entrance to the History Center.

05/24/2026

Day 2 of A Call to Arms. Stop down and visit with our wonderful reenactors who are here for the day!

The museum will be open at 11am-5pm
Chippewa County WI Genealogical Society library is open 12-4pm and is free to visit.