About

The Shawano County Historical Society is a private, not-for-profit organization that was founded and incorporated in 1941.

The mission of the Shawano County Historical Society is to “preserve the culture and history of Shawano County by creating a vibrant learning experience and serving as a repository for current and future generation.

We envision a future where we “enrich people’s lives through history.”

Established at Shawano County’s Heritage Park, The Shawano County Historical Society is situated in an inviting park setting of historic buildings and gardens located at the site of the first European settlement in Shawano County, overlooking the beautiful Wolf River.

A footbridge leads to Sunset Island, a perfect spot for picnics and fishing.

The park museums include the John Kast House built on site in 1871 exhibiting furnishings and displays, one room schoolhouse built in 1895, reconstructed 1800’s log cabin, agriculture museum at the “Oil House”, 1930’s limestone building, replica of the 1906 C&NW Zachow depot with a diorama of Zachow circa 1949, and a restored 1891 elegant and charming country church.

We are operated by volunteers and funded by membership dues, donations, bequests, and grants.

The Society continually benefits from synergistic relationships with the Wolf River Builder’s Association, the Shawano Women’s Club, the Master Gardeners, the Shawano County Chamber of Commerce, and other civic-minded organizations and persons.

Conveniently located across the street from Heritage Park, the Shawano County Historical Society operates the Sikora Family Archive and Reception Center.

The Sikora Archive serves as the administrative and archiving hub of the Shawano County Historical Society.

Volunteers at the archive preserves a collection of historic maps, atlases, photographs, newspaper clippings, documents, books, business and family files from Shawano County.

• Jesse Borlen, President, Curator & Archive Director
• Mike Rindt, Vice President
• Mike Eidahl, Secretary
• Lana Buelow, Treasurer
• Brian Carroll, Gresham Depot
• Pat and Jim Kasten, Newsletter
• Priscilla King, Museum tours
• Mike Oberle, Website & Facebook
• Dean Proper, Zachow Historic Committee
• Mike Rindt, Buildings and grounds
• Priscilla King, Church rental
• Tom Aumann
• Ron Schumacher

• Alexian Brothers Novitiate
• Bonduel Community Archives
• Bowler Area Historical Society Facebook Page
• Bowler Area Historical Society
• Gresham Historical Society
• Greater Mattoon Area Historical Society
• Marion Area Historical Society
• Menominee Tribe of Wisconsin
• Oconto County Historical Society
• Pulaski History
• Recollection Wisconsin
• Seymour History
• Shawano County Cemetery Project
• Shawano County Chamber
• Sun Drop Museum
• Tigerton Area Historical Society
• Walls of Wittenberg
• Zachow History