The Rhinelander Historical Society, Inc. was established as a charitable non-profit organization in 1991. The all-volunteer group receives no funding from the City, County or State, so it is totally reliant on memberships and donations. The mission of the Society was twofold: To purchase and renovate an older home and turn it into a Museum and to become a depository for Rhinelander related items.
The first order of business was to purchase a very neglected house and begin a two-year restoration project. The house (at 9 South Pelham Street) was built in 1894, the same year that Rhinelander was incorporated as a city.
The first floor renovation was far enough along that the Museum was opened to the public for the first time for a Christmas Open House in December 1992. As the restoration continued, a request was made for items of historical significance. The community was amazing and soon the house was filled with period correct items, many with significant Rhinelander connections.
We enjoy having the Museum open for public tours, providing information on the many items and sharing interesting stories about the early years of Rhinelander. In addition to being the custodians of the furniture and other objects, we also try to answer many questions about the early Rhinelander area and the families who lived here.