Folk Life La Crosse
Jul
9
11:00 am11:00

Folk Life La Crosse

  • Historic Hixon House

Visit with local craft and tradesmen that practice old time crafts and skills! We have demonstrations and hands on activities with an antique printing press, beading, kitting, quilting, woodworking, and more to come too!

Held on the lawn of Historic Hixon House you will find something for everyone of all ages! Tickets are available online at the LCHS website go to shop- event tickets!

For more information call (608) 782-1980 or email admin@LCHShistory.org

 

Vendor and Craft applications are still being accepted! Please contacts us for more information!

Jul
11
12:00 pm12:00

History in a Bag- Riverside Museum

Daniel Green, lecturer at UW-La Crosse, will present a talk on “The

Over-Consumption of Native American Imagery and the Ongoing Results.” Dan’s

Ho-Chunk heritage has given him particular insight into this topic. His talk should

offer a truer perspective into Native American heritage than is presented and packaged

by the media, dispelling stereotypes and sharing a culture that is both ancient and

modern.

Jul
18
12:00 pm12:00

History in a Bag- Riverside Museum

Carol Mullen will talk on “Beyond Beer and Lederhosen: The Germans

in the La Crosse area”. She comes from a local German American family, is a retired

public librarian, and volunteers for La Crosse County Historical Society. She’ll briefly

outline the history of Germans in La Crosse County; touch on some differences

between Germans and German Americans, and how German stereotypes and realities

are two different things; plus share a few photos/stories of her German family

members and their life here, with thoughts on what that heritage has meant to her.

Culver's Fundraiser
Jul
18
5:00 pm17:00

Culver's Fundraiser

Visit the South Side La Crosse, Mormon Coulee Rd, Culver's location on Tuesday July 18th from 5-7pm and a percentage of all sales from that time will be donated back to LCHS!

Discover the Silent City
Sep
16
11:00 am11:00

Discover the Silent City

2017 will be the 16th Annual Discover the Silent City cemetery tour.

Join us Saturday September 16th at Historic Oak Grove Cemetery for Leaving A Mark: Artists of La Crosse.

 

More information and tickets will be available soon.

Jun
27
12:00 pm12:00

History in a Bag- Riverside Museum

Maysee Yang Herr, an associate professor of Education at UW-Stevens

Point and speaker for the Wisconsin Humanities Council, will offer an interesting

perspective on Hmong culture from a personal viewpoint. Her talk, “Being a Female

Hmong Professional,” includes stories and reflections on how she has been challenged

by social and cultural expectations and has learned to overcome them. She explains

how she has navigated conflict while retaining her dignity as well as that of the

Hmong community. The presentation allows time for questions and discussion after

the talk.

Jun
20
12:00 pm12:00

History in a Bag- Riverside Museum

Donna Finn will present historical and present day information on the

Irish in the La Crosse area. She is of local Irish-American descent, and volunteers as a

Hixon House guide and secretary of La Crosse County Historical Society. She will

talk about the Irish in Wisconsin and her family heritage, as well as dispel some

stereotypes, offering a picture of what it’s like to have an Irish background here.

Annual Member Meeting
Jun
15
6:00 pm18:00

Annual Member Meeting

LCHS is a non-profit membership corporation, founded in 1925 (and merging with another organization by the same name, founded in 1898). The organization incorporated in 1939. Its early constituents called for the collection of historical materials of all kinds and the use of these in encouraging "the spread of knowledge about the history of La Crosse County". This original mission is still a part of what we do today, but we believe there is more to achieve.

 

The 2017 Annual Member Meeting will take place on the Hixon House lawn. 

 

More information will be available soon.

Jun
13
12:00 pm12:00

History in a Bag- Riverside Museum

Cecil Adams, co-founder and executive director of La Crosse’s African

American Mutual Assistance Network (AAMAN), will talk about the heritage of

African Americans in the area, and contemporary programs directed by his

organization to assist with education and employment. His talk is entitled “African

Americans in the La Crosse Area – The Process”. Touching on past and present

challenges, he will also highlight La Crosse’s annual Juneteenth Celebration,

explaining its historical and cultural significance.

Night at the Museum
Apr
28
5:00 pm17:00

Night at the Museum

Night at the Museum
Friday April 28th 5-7 PM

Join us at Riverside Museum- in Riverside Park- for an interactive and entertaining Night at the Museum!

Admission to Night at the Museum is FREE Thanks to Gundersen Health System! 

Have you wondered how early settlers in the La Crosse area made pottery? Have you ever wondered what the symbols mean in a Native American beading? Would you like to hear a storytelling of the War Eagle sinking? Have you ever wanted to dig for treasure or pretend you are a palentologist for a day?

Find these things and SO much more at Night at the Museum!

Thanks to Viterbo Service Learning VUSM 300 for partnering with LCHS for this night! 
Activities and fun designed for pre school and elementary aged children and their families!

Dino Bone Dig (these aren't real bones, no worries there!)
War Eagle
Storytelling
Crafts
Games
Visitor exhibits from local organizations!

More information coming soon!

Burrachos Onalaska Fundraiser Night
Mar
27
4:00 pm16:00

Burrachos Onalaska Fundraiser Night

Visit Burrachos in Onalaska (Near Target and Best Buy) on Monday March 27th between 4-8PM and 25% of sales will be donated back to LCHS! 

 

You will need to tell the cashier that you are there to support La Crosse County Historical Society!

Feb
15
10:00 am10:00

Night at the Museum

Night at the Museum

Friday April 28th

5-7 PM

Join us at Riverside Museum- in Riverside Park- for an interactive and entertaining Night at the Museum! Thanks to Viterbo Service Learning VUSM 300 for partnering with LCHS for this night! Activities and fun designed for elementary aged children and their families!

Dino Bone Dig

War Eagle

Storytelling

Crafts

Games

More information coming soon!

Remember When
Feb
4
7:00 pm19:00

Remember When

The Roaring Twenties themed "Remember When" annual auction and LCHS Fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, February 4th, 2017. The Dahl Auto Museum is our lovely venue for this FUNdraising event! Dust off your feather headbands and fringe trimmed dress, ladies! Gentlemen, can you dress the part with your matching suspenders and ties? 

Donations are already making their way to the office for auction items. If your business would consider a donation for a live or silent auction item, please contact the office.

Tickets are available online, by calling the office, or day of the event!

LCHS office- (608) 782-1980

Hixon House Holidays
Dec
11
1:00 pm13:00

Hixon House Holidays

Come celebrate Christmas at the Historic Hixon House!

December 3, 4 and 10, 11  1pm-3pm

Decorations, live music, and seasonal activities in the Visitor's Center will enhance these special tours.

Tour time reservations are suggested for groups of five or more.

Saturdays will host children's crafts in the Visitor Center. ($3 fee for crafts)

Sundays will host live music and seasonal storytellers throughout Hixon House.

Adults- $10

Members- $8

Children 12 and under are FREE for Holiday tours with a ticketed adult

Tickets are available online or at 145 West Ave South.

Call LCHS at (608) 782-1980 for tour availability.

Hixon House Holidays
Dec
10
1:00 pm13:00

Hixon House Holidays

Come celebrate Christmas at the Historic Hixon House!

December 3, 4 and 10, 11  1pm-3pm

Decorations, live music, and seasonal activities in the Visitor's Center will enhance these special tours.

Tour time reservations are suggested for groups of five or more.

Saturdays will host children's crafts in the Visitor Center. ($3 fee for crafts)

Sundays will host live music and seasonal storytellers throughout Hixon House.

Adults- $10

Members- $8

Children 12 and under are FREE for Holiday tours with a ticketed adult

Tickets are available online or at 145 West Ave South.

Call LCHS at (608) 782-1980 for tour availability.

Hixon House Holidays
Dec
4
1:00 pm13:00

Hixon House Holidays

Come celebrate Christmas at the Historic Hixon House!

December 3, 4 and 10, 11  1pm-3pm

Decorations, live music, and seasonal activities in the Visitor's Center will enhance these special tours.

Tour time reservations are suggested for groups of five or more.

Saturdays will host children's crafts in the Visitor Center. ($3 fee for crafts)

Sundays will host live music and seasonal storytellers throughout Hixon House.

Adults- $10

Members- $8

Children 12 and under are FREE for Holiday tours with a ticketed adult

Tickets are available online or at 145 West Ave South.

Call LCHS at (608) 782-1980 for tour availability.

Hixon House Holidays
Dec
3
1:00 pm13:00

Hixon House Holidays

Come celebrate Christmas at the Historic Hixon House!

December 3, 4 and 10, 11  1pm-3pm

Decorations, live music, and seasonal activities in the Visitor's Center will enhance these special tours.

Tour time reservations are suggested for groups of five or more.

Saturdays will host children's crafts in the Visitor Center. ($3 fee for crafts)

Sundays will host live music and seasonal storytellers throughout Hixon House.

Adults- $10

Members- $8

Children 12 and under are FREE for Holiday tours with a ticketed adult

Tickets are available online or at 145 West Ave South.

Call LCHS at (608) 782-1980 for tour availability.

Historic Downtown Day
Oct
8
11:00 am11:00

Historic Downtown Day

Explore Historic Downtown La Crosse on October 8th for the 21st annual Historic Downtown Day. Throughout the day, you will find reenactors at The Pearl Ice cream parlor, The Charmant Hotel, A Touch of Class, Grounded, Duluth Trading Company, and Le Chateau. 

Schedule of Historic Reenactors:

11:00 am & 11:30 am

Fishing for Mussles: First-person story of woman who made her livelihood on the Mississippi early 20th Century

The Pearl

207 Pearl Street

12:30 pm & 1:30 pm

Mr. Doerflinger, Owner of Doerflinger's Department Store

Duluth Trading Company

400 Main St.

1:00 pm & 2:00 pm

Leona Linker, La Crosse Dressmaker & Inventor

Touch of Class & Grounded

312 Main St.

1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, & 3:30 pm

Mr. Funke, Owner of Funke Candy Company

The Charmant Hotel

101 State Street

2:00 pm & 3:00 pm

Mrs. Mons Anderson, wife of La Crosse businessman Mons Anderson

Le Chateau

410 Cass Street

Look . Live. Love . Celebrate!
Enjoy this fun family festival that marks the rebirth of our historic downtown.
Celebrate the history of downtown La Crosse, where activities are free and fun for the whole family!

  • 1860’s Shoe Shine Stand
  • Historical Exhibits and Tours
  • Historical Re-enactments
  • Building Tours and Open Houses
  • Children’s Paint a Pumpkin
  • Horse Drawn Carriage Rides
  • State Bank Chili Cook-Off….and much more

You can find more information at the event website.

Discover the Silent City: Remarkable Women of La Crosse has
Sep
17
11:00 am11:00

Discover the Silent City: Remarkable Women of La Crosse has

  • Oak Grove Cemetery

Did you know that La Crosse had one of the first female CEO's in Wisconsin?

Join us for a guided tour through Oak Grove Cemetery to meet eight notable woman from La Crosse's past. Discover the Silent City is hosting the 17th annual event with a remarkable program capturing the attention of visitors of all ages.

*NEW* This year- The first tour of the day will be a seated motor coach tour. Advance ticket registration will be required as this is limited by size. 

Tours will last about an hour and depart every 15 minutes.

Ticket pricing for 2016:

Adults $10

Students $6 (with ID)

Members $8

Children under 12 are free with paid adult admission

Reservation and ticketing information is available by calling the office at (608) 782-1980. 

UWL has again allowed for use of their Commuter #7 parking lot. Please park in the lot and walk to the cemetery entrance.

Preserving Your Family Photographs
Aug
2
10:00 am10:00

Preserving Your Family Photographs

  • Riverside Museum

This presentation on how to preserve your family photographs will be given by Anita Taylor Doering, Senior Archivist & Archives Manager at La Crosse Public Library.

Ice Cream Social
Jul
16
12:00 pm12:00

Ice Cream Social

  • Hixon House

The La Crosse County Historical Society presents our annual Ice Cream Social! Come for fun events, activities, & food. There will be live music, root beer floats, hot dogs, balloon animals, face painting, a cake walk, and more! The event is free and open to the public, however some activities do have their own cost. Hope to see you there!

Archaeological Views of Native American Cultures in La Crosse County
Jul
12
12:15 pm12:15

Archaeological Views of Native American Cultures in La Crosse County

  • Riverside Museum

This year’s brown bag lecture series is titled “Many Peoples, One Place: La Crosse’s Multi-Ethnic Heritage.” It features talks on the history of a variety of different peoples who live, or have lived, in our region. This presentation is by Kathy Stevenson, Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center, UW-La Crosse.

The African-American Community in La Crosse County
Jul
5
12:15 pm12:15

The African-American Community in La Crosse County

  • Riverside Museum

This year’s brown bag lecture series is titled “Many Peoples, One Place: La Crosse’s Multi-Ethnic Heritage.” It features talks on the history of a variety of different peoples who live, or have lived, in our region. This presentation is by Bruce Mouser, History Professor Emeritus at UW-La Crosse.

The Native American Community in La Crosse County
Jun
28
12:15 pm12:15

The Native American Community in La Crosse County

  • Riverside Museum

This year’s brown bag lecture series is titled “Many Peoples, One Place: La Crosse’s Multi-Ethnic Heritage.” It features talks on the history of a variety of different peoples who live, or have lived, in our region. This presentation is by Tracy Littlejohn and Josie Winneshiek, of the Ho-Chunk Museum.

2016 Mystery Bus Tour
May
3
7:30 am07:30

2016 Mystery Bus Tour

  • 2400 Rose Street La Crosse, WI, 54603 United States

The La Crosse County Historical Society (LCHS) is hosting a Mystery Bus Tour taking place on Tuesday, May 3rd, 2016. The Mystery Bus Tour includes visits to historic sites and buildings, but you won't know which ones until you get there! We take pride in the uniqueness of our historic presentation and ability to schedule some stops that are not usually available to the public. The bus will be departing at 7:30am from Shopko North, La Crosse, WI (Bridgeview Plaza) and will return by 7pm. We will stay within a 100-mile radius of La Crosse. Continental breakfast, lunch, and light snacks will be included. There will also be some time for shopping. Part of this tour will be outdoors, so please dress appropriately and comfortably. Reservations and payment must be received by Friday, April 8th. We must have a minimum of 15 people signed up by that date. The cost is $80 for LCHS members and $90 for non-members. Please Reserve your spot today by calling 608-782-1980 or e-mailing admin@lchshistory.org.

Behind [art]ifact: Feminine Objects
Apr
17
2:00 pm14:00

Behind [art]ifact: Feminine Objects

  • Pump House

Five of five talks about the objects chosen for [art]ifact ... 

Objects: “Leona” Undergarment, Fur Muff, Signature Quilt

Artists: Misha Bolstad, Brad Nichols, Kate Vinson

Historians: Sue Hessel, Ariel Reker, Sam Reinders, Rebekah Bain

Behind [art]ifact: Ho-Chunk Objects
Apr
10
2:00 pm14:00

Behind [art]ifact: Ho-Chunk Objects

  • Pump House

Number four of five talks about the objects chosen for [art]ifact ... 

Objects: Hand Drum, Lacrosse Stick

Artists: Kate Hawkes, Jonathan Eimer

Historians: Callie O’Connor, Callie Niemi

Behind [art]ifact: Utility Objects
Apr
3
2:00 pm14:00

Behind [art]ifact: Utility Objects

  • Pump House

Number three of five talks about the objects chosen for [art]ifact ... 

Objects: Trunk, Cigar Box, Biscuit Tin, Paper Fastener

Artists: Kim Vaughter, Sarah Pederson, Ben Alberti, Martha Schwem

Historians: Terri Karsten, Mercedes Fowler, Andrew Vittone, Gemma Zahradka

History Happy Hour at The Wine Guyz
Mar
9
6:00 pm18:00

History Happy Hour at The Wine Guyz

  • Wine Guyz

Join us at the Wine Guyz, 122 King St., on March 9th, 2016 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm for History Happy Hour when LCHS volunteers will be serving customers. Gratuities and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to LCHS! So, come ... eat ... drink ... be merry and help LCHS raise some cash!

Behind [art]fact: Creative Imperatives
Feb
28
2:00 pm14:00

Behind [art]fact: Creative Imperatives

  • Pump House

Number one of five talks about what's behind the objects chosen for [art]ifact ... 

Objects: Camera, Pearl Buttons, Wedding Dress, Bottles

Artists: Jill Rippe, Ingvild Herfindahl, Marcia Thompson, Roger Boulay

Historians: Tami Holtslander, Megan Kautz, Katrina Bjornstad, Jenny DeRocher


Behind [art]ifact: Hmong Objects
Feb
28
2:00 pm14:00

Behind [art]ifact: Hmong Objects

  • Pump House

Number two of five talks about what's behind the objects chosen for [art]ifact ... 

Objects: Pleated Skirt, Knife

Artists: Lisa Lenarz, Preston Lawing

Historians: Alyssa Spiering, James North

Designed with Style: Breweriana from the Schwalbe Collection
Feb
26
Apr 17

Designed with Style: Breweriana from the Schwalbe Collection

  • Pump House

This exhibit at the Pump House will feature a choice selection of the “breweriana” artifacts donated to the La Crosse County Historical Society by Tye and Sandy Schwalbe. Color-lithographic prints, on paper and metal, promote the products of La Crosse’s early 20th century breweries with beautifully illustrated images. These are great examples of early advertising art and charming reminders of our city’s past. 

Closing Reception April 16, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

 

[art]ifact Exhibition
Feb
26
Apr 17

[art]ifact Exhibition

  • Pump House

The unqiue [art]ifact exhibition will run from Feb 26th through April 17th at the Pump House, 119 King St., La Crosse, with an opening reception, celebration and presentation of artist prizes on Feb 26th from 6:00 to 7:30 pm.

In cooperation with the La Crosse County Historical Society, the Pump House, and students from the Public and Policy History Major/Minor at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, 15 historical objects were chosen that were made in La Crosse and represent the community’s diverse history.

Students and community members enrolled in the [art]ifact class at University of Wisconsin – La Crosse. Each selected one of the 15 objects to research. They are curating the objects, running the PR campaign, developing an education program that features arts integration, and creating interactive activities to accompany the exhibit.

Jurors selected 15 artists from submissions received in response to an open call to artists. Artists working in a variety of media and artistic approaches were chosen. Selected artists were assigned one of the objects as determined by the jurors, and visited the Historical Society to examine them. Artists were also given research about the object that was compiled by students. Selected artists had three months to create a new work for the exhibition, inspired by their assigned object and its history. Final work will be displayed at the Pump House’s Kader Gallery during the exhibition.