The story of President Abraham Lincoln’s funeral train will be the topic for the Vernon County Historical Society’s first free public program of 2025. Civil War historian and re-enactor Frederick Beseler will present “Now He Belongs to the Ages” on Tuesday, February 4, at 7PM, at the Vernon County History Center in Viroqua. Most Americans know the story of President […]
On Saturday, February 22, a volunteer fair will be held at the Vernon County Museum and History Center in Viroqua from 1 to 4PM. The fair is for anyone who might be interested in becoming a volunteer at the historic Sherry-Butt House, located at 795 N. Main St., Viroqua. The house is owned by the Vernon County Historical Society and […]
On Tuesday, March 4, at 7PM, UW-La Crosse assistant professor Laura Godden will give a program about postcard history and identification. Godden co-authored the book, Postcard History Series: La Crosse, featuring over 200 historic postcard images that tell a social history of the city. She is a historian and archivist at the Murphy Library on the UWL campus. The Vernon […]
If you missed the Sherry-Butt House volunteer fair last month, you will have another opportunity on Saturday, March 22. The fair will be held at the Vernon County Museum and History Center in Viroqua from 12 to 4PM. Anyone who might be interested in becoming a volunteer at the historic Sherry-Butt House, located at 795 N. Main St., Viroqua, is […]
Enjoy a free outdoor exhibit on the south lawn of the historic Sherry-Butt House museum from Tuesday, April 1, to Friday, May 30. This outdoor installation is called, “We Take Our Sports Seriously”. It’s a “history walk” created by the Wisconsin Historical Society as part of its History Makers Tour. The giant exhibit panels cover the history of a variety […]
On Tuesday, April 8, La Crosse historian Robert Taunt will present his program, “Indian Place Names in Wisconsin”, covering the source and meaning of many names. The event will be held at 7PM at the History Center. Note the change from our usual date (which is an election day). One of the ways in which Native American heritage affects the […]
Come learn more about the Vernon County Historical Society's upcoming project to install heat and air-conditioning on the upper floors of the Vernon County Museum and History Center. Project partners Ethos Green Power, Ultimate Insulation, and Vernon County Energy District will all be making brief presentations. The exhibit halls will be open for self-guided tours.
On Tuesday, May 6, Tomah-area historian Larry Scheckel will present his new program, “The Amish in Wisconsin,” at 7PM at the Vernon County Museum and History Center. The Old Order Amish came from Ohio and arrived in southern Monroe County and northern Vernon County starting in 1966. Hear about their distinctive way of life: baptisms, weddings, funerals, schools, clothing, German […]
We are excited to announce a children’s storytime event on Saturday, July 26, at 10AM, at the Vernon County Museum and History Center. Torrence Chester from the Enduring Families Project will be here to read a chapter from the new book, A Long Way to Find a Home: George Edwin Taylor as a Child. The Enduring Families Project (EFP), which […]
Whether you're a budding geologist, a rockhound at heart, or just looking for a fun, hands-on experience, this event is packed with activities for all ages! ·Gem & Fossil Hunting ·Fossil Exploration Stations ·Area experts ·Rock & Mineral Display ·Kid-Friendly Activities – Interactive learning stations, rock painting, food, and more! Registration for expedition times coming soon! View all of our […]
Join us for some end of summer fun at a “Family Friendly Fair” This year's fair will be held Sept. 10th - 14th, 2025. For additional information:https://www.vernoncountyfair.com FEATURED EVENTS- Antique Farm Tractor Pull- Farm Modified Truck/Tractor Pull- Badger State Tractor/Truck Pull- Horse Pulling- Draft Horse Show- Livestock Sale- Demolition Derby- Harness Racing FREESTAGE ACTS- Nicky D Trio- Nick’s Kid Show- […]
Join us for some end of summer fun at a “Family Friendly Fair” This year's fair will be held Sept. 10th - 14th, 2025. For additional information:https://www.vernoncountyfair.com FEATURED EVENTS- Antique Farm Tractor Pull- Farm Modified Truck/Tractor Pull- Badger State Tractor/Truck Pull- Horse Pulling- Draft Horse Show- Livestock Sale- Demolition Derby- Harness Racing FREESTAGE ACTS- Nicky D Trio- Nick’s Kid Show- […]
Join us for some end of summer fun at a “Family Friendly Fair” This year's fair will be held Sept. 10th - 14th, 2025. For additional information:https://www.vernoncountyfair.com FEATURED EVENTS- Antique Farm Tractor Pull- Farm Modified Truck/Tractor Pull- Badger State Tractor/Truck Pull- Horse Pulling- Draft Horse Show- Livestock Sale- Demolition Derby- Harness Racing FREESTAGE ACTS- Nicky D Trio- Nick’s Kid Show- […]
Join us for some end of summer fun at a “Family Friendly Fair” This year's fair will be held Sept. 10th - 14th, 2025. For additional information:https://www.vernoncountyfair.com FEATURED EVENTS- Antique Farm Tractor Pull- Farm Modified Truck/Tractor Pull- Badger State Tractor/Truck Pull- Horse Pulling- Draft Horse Show- Livestock Sale- Demolition Derby- Harness Racing FREESTAGE ACTS- Nicky D Trio- Nick’s Kid Show- […]
Join us for some end of summer fun at a “Family Friendly Fair” This year's fair will be held Sept. 10th - 14th, 2025. For additional information:https://www.vernoncountyfair.com FEATURED EVENTS- Antique Farm Tractor Pull- Farm Modified Truck/Tractor Pull- Badger State Tractor/Truck Pull- Horse Pulling- Draft Horse Show- Livestock Sale- Demolition Derby- Harness Racing FREESTAGE ACTS- Nicky D Trio- Nick’s Kid Show- […]
On Tuesday, September 16, at 6PM, Annie Jones will present a program called “Indigenous Ways of Knowing about Wisconsin’s Tribal Nations”. Annie is a tribal nations specialist with UW Extension. Join us for an introduction to Wisconsin’s Tribal Nations and explore some key concepts of the Indigenous world view. Leave with your own personal action plan for engaging with Native […]
Our next free public history program will be held on Tuesday, October 7, at 2PM, at the Vernon County Museum and History Center. Wisconsin railroad researcher Arlyn Colby will present a program about his new book, The Coon Valley Line: The History of the La Crosse and Southeastern Railroad. This railroad ran from La Crosse southeast to Stoddard, Chaseburg, Coon […]
This self-guided tour of the south-central part of Vernon County will visit some of the former country schoolhouses or sites of the area. The route begins in Viroqua and travels southeast through the hills and valleys of the Towns of Viroqua, Kickapoo, Liberty, and Webster. Pick up a tour guidebook and map that day between 9AM and 1PM at the […]
The Vernon County Historical Society’s annual recognition dinner will be held on Sunday, November 9, in the dining hall of the historic Viroqua United Methodist Church, at 221 S. Center Ave. There will be a social time at 12 noon, and dinner will be served at 12:30. Retired history professor James Marten will talk to us about his new book, […]
This year’s tour will feature five historic buildings in and around Viroqua. The tour will be held on Sunday, December 14, from 12:30 to 4PM. Start at the Vernon County Museum and History Center to enjoy holiday treats, tour the exhibits (now in heated comfort!), and purchase tickets. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 5 to […]