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Wisconsin Historical Society | Pendarvis
Mineral Point, Wisconsin
608-987-2122
pendarvis.wisconsinhistory.org
Bob Neal and Edgar Hellum met in 1934 and dedicated their lives to saving the structures and stories of Mineral Point’s mining history. The couple salvaged, restored, and made these buildings shine again, even establishing a popular restaurant on the site to fund their preservation efforts. Tucked away in a valley in historic Mineral Point, Pendarvis celebrates the groundbreaking community of some of the first Wisconsin “badgers.” As you approach this charming neighborhood, the 19th century will instantly come alive through the quintessential limestone buildings and cozy nooks.
Neillsville, Wisconsin
608-253-3523
reedschool.wisconsinhistory.org
Visiting Reed School takes you back to an era of education that is very different from the massive school buildings students attend today. In the early 1900s, more than 6,000 one-room schools just like this dotted the Wisconsin landscape, with one teacher instructing many grade levels at the same time. Reed School immerses visitors in this world, with exhibits outlining the history of the United States free school movement, along with displays of historic school supplies and newspaper volumes. Audio and visual screens share the stories and experiences of former students.
Wisconsin Historical Society | Reed School
Wisconsin Historical Society| Villa Louis
Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin
608-326-2721
villalouis.wisconsinhistory.org
Early settlers to Prairie du Chien, the Dousmans made their fortune in the fur trade, land speculation, and business. Engaging interpreters will take you on a journey through time as you tour the family’s stunning 1871 Italianate-style mansion, one of the most authentically furnished Victorian houses in America. Built over 150 years ago in 1871, the home boasted the innovative modern conveniences of indoor plumbing and steam heat, making it comfortable as well as stylish. Today the mansion has been meticulously restored to its historic 1890s appearance, standing as a showcase of Victorian architecture and design. Because of this historic past, visiting Villa Louis offers rare access to earlier, lesser-known phases of Wisconsin history.