Festivities abound during Historic Preservation Month

By Lori Belongia

Marshfield Public Library Director

May is Historic Preservation month. Thanks to Marshfield’s Historic Preservation Committee, you can celebrate all month long. Several of the celebration events will take place at the Marshfield Public Library.

Leading into the month, April 25 – May 28, is the “Marshfield: Past, Present and Future Exhibit.” Come view this display of Marshfield Middle School student artwork depicting Marshfield’s historic downtown through various time lenses. The exhibit will be available for viewing during the regular library hours of 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, and 1-5 p.m. Sunday.

A special reception for the student artists, families, and friends will be held on May 12 at 5:30 p.m. A number of community organizations with historical ties will present awards to students whose pieces best represent the interests of the organizations. Refreshments will follow.

On Wednesday, May 4, at 7 p.m., Mayor Chris Meyer will officially proclaim May as Historic Preservation Month at the Marshfield Public Library. The proclamation is followed by a presentation and discussion titled “This Place Matters,” which will be led by Mike Meyers and Don Schnitzler and will celebrate Marshfield’s historic people and places that matter.

On Saturday, May 7, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. is a “Family History 101” workshop held at Marshfield Public Library. This workshop is an introduction to the tools and techniques of family history or genealogy. It is jointly sponsored by the Marshfield Area Genealogy Group and the Marshfield Public Library. Please register in advance for this free workshop by calling the library at 715-387-8494, ext. 220.

From 8:30-11 a.m. and 12-2:30 p.m. on Friday, May 27, history re-enactors will portray some of Marshfield’s noteworthy citizens at Hillside Cemetery. The public is invited to join school children as they tour the cemetery and hear about Marshfield’s important residents of the past. Tours begin at the Hillside Cemetery entrance at 1110 N. St Joseph Ave.

Throughout the month, North Wood County Historical Society at 212 W. Third St. invites you to go back in time with an exhibit featuring the Central Wisconsin State Fair’s Round Barn memorabilia. After viewing the exhibit, you may also enjoy tours of the Upham House, which are additionally available Wednesday and Saturday 1:30-4 p.m. and via appointment by calling 715-387-3322.

Do not forget to visit Marshfield History Center’s “Lest We Forget” exhibit to learn about the military efforts of Marshfield’s men and women. The museum is on the Marshfield Public Library lower level at 211 E. Second St. It is open 1-4 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, or call 715-384-5867 for an appointment.

Marshfield Historic Preservation Month events are coordinated by a large group of organizations with an interest in Marshfield’s history. These groups include the city of Marshfield Historic Preservation Committee, Main Street Marshfield, the Marshfield Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Marshfield Area Genealogy Group, the Marshfield Historic Preservation Association, the Marshfield Public Library, the North Wood County Historical Society, Chestnut Center for the Arts, and the Laird Foundation for Historic Preservation.

Join us to celebrate historic preservation efforts in May and throughout the year.