Florence County Historical Society & Museum 201 Florence Ave Florence WI

Florence County Historical Society & Museum 201 Florence Ave Florence WI In 2007, the Florence County Historical Society officially opened the historical museum at 201 Florence Avenue, Florence.

Many exhibits and several newly designed exhibits are featured each season. A special area has been set aside to honor our veterans. A vast picture collection from the county's eight townships can be viewed at the museum. New exhibits are developed over the winter months. Permanent displays of logging, mining and the Fisher family tell of our early history. Information and artifacts pertaining to the schools and farms are on display. The Society's artifacts displayed are ones we possess.

This wooden bridge was built over the channel between Middle and West Lake in Spread Eagle. There is not a date for this...
06/13/2026

This wooden bridge was built over the channel between Middle and West Lake in Spread Eagle. There is not a date for this photo. The bridge was built by Mark Dunn and used for trips to get drinking water from a spring located at the base of the hill on the south shore of West Lake. Each summer residents would hold a work bee to dig the channel deeper to present launches from scraping bottom or becoming stranded. If you can date this photo please let the Historical Society know.

Florence County Historical Society is hosting a Veterans Recognition Day event.
06/13/2026

Florence County Historical Society is hosting a Veterans Recognition Day event.

"Play Ball", the umpire said as Harold "Red" Johnson wound up and hurled a fast ball toward home plate to open the 1986...
06/01/2026

"Play Ball", the umpire said as Harold "Red" Johnson wound up and hurled a fast ball toward home plate to open the 1986-87 home baseball season. Red, who worked tirelessly, had the park named after him by the Florence School Board. He was invited to throw the first pitch at the newly named park. The picture appeared in the Florence Mining News on April 23,1986. As a youngster, Red used to hang around the court yard which was just down the street. He told the Historical Society a man in the former jail taught him to play ball and love the game.

The Historical Society took time today to show the 4th grade students the Old Historical Jail and most of the government...
05/29/2026

The Historical Society took time today to show the 4th grade students the Old Historical Jail and most of the governmental offices.

Our two Veteran Organizations, the VFW and American Legion, have served Florence County since early 1930's. This 1949 ph...
05/26/2026

Our two Veteran Organizations, the VFW and American Legion, have served Florence County since early 1930's. This 1949 photo shows the VFW building purchased in 1937 to serve as a meeting place. Renovations of both floors allowed for the main floor rented to a number of businesses, the second floor served as a meeting area. By 1955 the building was free of a mortgage. The museum at 201 Florence Avenue will once again honor all area veterans and their families with its opening on Saturday June 13th from 10-12. Come and view the history of these veterans organization, the additions to the exhibits and new women's display.

Each year on Memorial Day, Veterans participate in reading names of deceased comrades in all area cemeteries around the ...
05/16/2026

Each year on Memorial Day, Veterans participate in reading names of deceased comrades in all area cemeteries around the county. This weeks veterans picture shows Lloyd Cleveland reading the names in the Commonwealth Cemetery. Lloyd served in both Marine Corps during WWI and the Army Corps during WWII. He belonged to both Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion holding in each for 75 years. Individuals are welcomed to attend the programs at all cemeteries' on Memorial Day Math 25th.

Our County has two organizations in which veterans can belong - the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Du...
05/10/2026

Our County has two organizations in which veterans can belong - the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. During the 1980 Florence County "Centennial Daze" celebration, the organizations joined forces with the Historical Society to dedicate a veterans plaque int he Courthouse square. VFW and American Legion members attending were. Robert Gehlhoff, Jim Brolin, Duane Sader, Lloyd Peterson, John Lepine, Vernon Conn, John Fleming and to the far right Robert Muench. Bob was County Veterans Service Officer at the time of the dedication. Several individuals were not identified..

With Memorial Day approaching, it’s time to honor our veterans. This photo is of Florence native Cecilia Kosiba. She was...
05/01/2026

With Memorial Day approaching, it’s time to honor our veterans. This photo is of Florence native Cecilia Kosiba. She was a graduate of FHS. Upon graduation, she entered the service and retired from the Women's Army Corp in 1965. Cecilia was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery, on May 28, 2003 with full military honors. Her remains overlook the Pentagon where she worked in the 1960s. She was one of the participants in the procession for JFK'S funeral. Her uniform and military honors are on display at the Florence County Museum.

The Florence County Library was established in 1987, Being the last county in Wisconsin to have a public library. It was...
04/27/2026

The Florence County Library was established in 1987, Being the last county in Wisconsin to have a public library. It was located in the MS/HS building with an entrance through the school. In 1999 with the financial help of Florence County Board, the School Board and community donations, a new addition was added to the building. The construction added a public entrance, more library space, restrooms and a meeting room. With the added space, the library has grown in services offering a variety of media for all ages, Programming, Computer availability, a large children's area and a place to sei and relax with streaming services.

This photo was the original gymnasium for the Florence Schools. The construction was nearing an end in March 1929 when t...
04/18/2026

This photo was the original gymnasium for the Florence Schools. The construction was nearing an end in March 1929 when the original High School burned to the ground. Minimal damage was sustained to the building and it was ready for use by graduation. The gym featured a stage area, full basketball court, men's and women’s locker rooms, and a balcony for spectators. When the new elementary school was built in 1958, it was attached to the gym as seen on the left side of the picture. The original gym was demolished in 1974 when a new gym was added.

Address

201 Florence Avenue
Florence, WI
54121

Opening Hours

12am - 2pm

Telephone

+17155283597

Website

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