Mission
Our Mission Is To Inspire and Educate By Preserving and Sharing Oconomowoc Area History.
A Cornerstone of the Community
Nearly a Century of Museum History
The site was not only a home for the National Guard, but also a hub of community activity. Weddings, dances, graduations, and other city-wide social events were held on the drill floor. For many years, the Oconomowoc American Legion Band rehearsed on the drill floor. At one time, the Oconomowoc Recreation Department used the main floor as an archery range. There was a rifle and pistol range in the basement that was used for civilian target practice and police training.
The National Guard Armory Building, built in the Spanish Colonial style for the 127th Regiment Infantry Company G, was dedicated on December 15, 1921.
The Oconomowoc Historical Society, Inc., officially incorporated in 1980.
A new armory was built on the west side of Oconomowoc off Highway 16 and dedicated in 1985.
In 1988, the City of Oconomowoc deeded the building to the Oconomowoc Historical Society with the stipulation that a museum be established within five years. The challenge was met.
In 2024, the historical society’s board of directors went through a series of strategic planning sessions to solidify the organization’s direction into the future.
Oconomowoc's first museum was established in 1926 in a storage area above the city's original library that was located on North Lake Road.
On December 6, 1984, the armory was listed on the National Registry of Historic Buildings.
The Oconomowoc Historical Society, Inc. began looking for a new home for its collections when the current library was constructed in 1987.
The Oconomowoc Area Historical Society and Museum officially opened on June 29, 1991.
As the City of Oconomowoc celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2025, the historical society is proud to mark this milestone with two major initiatives now open to the public: The History of Oconomowoc in 150 Objects, a museum-wide exhibit, and The Hilbert Scherffius Research Center, offering expanded access to local history resources.
Our Team
Board & Staff Members
Board
- Bob Duffy
President - Laurie Muffler
Vice President - Kathy Strauss
Secretary - Chuck Laabs
Treasurer - Barb Elwood-Goetsch
Member-at-Large
- Mary Blaska
- Sandie Carter
- Jason Curtis
- Mac Dorn
- Paul German
- Chuck Gevaert
- Ed Johnson
- Michael Pate
- Molly Stephens
- Brittany Thurow
Staff
- Justin Agar-Pratt
Director - Alex Michalski
Museum Assistant
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
We are open Sunday – Thursday from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. Please check our website homepage or Facebook page for holiday closures or any changes to our open hours.
Admission is free, though we suggest a donation of $5.00 per person.
Yes. We have an accessible entrance on the S. Main Street side of our building, and all public spaces within the museum are wheelchair accessible.
No. We are a private, independent nonprofit organization. We rely on membership dues, donations, grants, research service fees, and in-kind support from community members and local businesses.
We generally preserve and share the history of the City of Oconomowoc and surrounding communities located within the Oconomowoc Area School District.
History & Collections
Our museum has been located in the historic 1921 Armory since 1991.
Artifact donations are accepted Tuesday-Thursday during regular open hours or by appointment. Please note that not all materials can be accepted into our collection. We evaluate items based on condition, conservation needs, and historic relevance to the Oconomowoc area. Due to overrepresentation in the collection, we are generally not accepting typewriters, irons, large furniture/appliances, tools, agricultural equipment, telephones, or Wizard of Oz memorabilia unless the item has significant historic relevance to the Oconomowoc area.