Taking in Ashland WI activities on Lake Superior is a treat, but diving even deeper and experiencing the local history is an extra elevated level of travel and dawdling that you don’t want to miss out on. Isn’t it remarkable, in a full circle kind of way, that past memories can be the house for new memories in the making? Not only do you get to learn about the events that took place in the past and have shaped the city you find yourself in, but you also get the privilege to carry that information and create new memories and stories within that same place that has evolved and grown so you can do so. Pretty snazzy and underrated if you ask me!
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Ashland WI, the Ashland Historical Museum is there with its doors open and ready to envelop you in a welcoming environment full of history, facts, neat displays, friendly volunteers, and stories waiting to unfold and fall upon eager ears.
“When I was in Jr. High, there was a Jr. Historical Society. My brother and a friend won a state contest for their Junior Historical project when he was in 8th grade. They had researched some of the beautiful old homes of Ashland. I wish I had a copy of it.”
– Tory Stroshane, Board President
Why You Should Experience the Ashland Historical Museum for Yourself
Whether you’re traveling or you live in or around the Ashland area, taking the time to check out local establishments is an enriching, entertaining, and fulfilling activity to engage in. It’s the main goal for my and my husband’s dawdling adventures! Centering your afternoon or vacation around local establishments and entertainment is grounding, rewarding, and filled with surprise and extra adventure.
There’s something remarkably simple yet magical about slowing down and checking out a city’s downtown area. Checking out the local vibe, exploring hidden gems, and learning about the area you’re dawdling about in.
The first trip my husband and I took together to Ashland was in the summer of 2020. I had relatives in Ashland, so Ashland is like my home away from home. I had always expressed fond memories there to him, and he wanted to plan a trip for us both to make memories there and see all of the spots I loved. What a fella!
During our trip, we went for a stroll along Ashland’s main drag, and we came across the Ashland Historical Museum. We were giddy to stop in and check things out while we were gazing at things to do in Ashland WI. And we were so glad we did because it became one of the highlights of our trip!
Inside the Ashland Historical Museum were informational displays, neat souvenirs you can purchase, books, photographs, and even records with a record player you can listen to them on! The volunteers inside were super kind and excited to see us pop in. There’s nothing like being sweetly greeted when you come inside of a place you haven’t been to before; it makes you feel like you belong.
We stopped by the records for a little bit, looking at the music we both knew and some that was new to us. The sweet volunteers encouraged us to put on any records we’d like. Not only did we put on some good tunes, the two of us ended up dancing and the volunteers were our little audience!
Now, if that kind of story doesn’t encourage you to jot down Ashland Historical Museum on your list of unique things to do in Ashland WI, keep on reading because the amazing experience didn’t stop there!
I mentioned at the beginning of this article that I had family ties in Ashland. My Great Grandparents were from this area, and the same with my Grandma and Great Aunt. And, eventually, my Mother and Aunt were regulars around Ashland’s stomping grounds which later trickled down to my sisters and me! Ashland is our family’s oasis, a harbor of delightful memories and love.
So, with that in mind, when my Husband and I saw the collection of High School yearbooks, we quickly fell into a mission of finding my Great Grandparent’s high school photos. It was a wholesome adrenaline rush combing through the years, calling my Mom for an estimated graduation date until we finally came across their names.
I nearly cried tears of wholesome joy from the search for it, to see photos and memories of my Grandparents I had never seen before. Out of all the things to do in Ashland WI, that we got up to that trip, that was by far one of the most fulfilling and sweet experiences.
Of course, my experience at the Ashland Historical Museum is unique to my situation; that’s the exciting part about museums in WI. Everyone can have their own kind of experience connecting with the history that sits there waiting to be absorbed and appreciated. I know when my Husband and I go back for a vacation on Lake Superior, we’ll be curious to stop back into the Ashland Historical Museum and see what’s new (or, shall I say, old).
Where is the Ashland Historical Museum?
The Ashland Historical Museum is located on Main Street West with a gorgeous view of Lake Superior. A few blocks away (about a seven-minute walk down Ashland’s delightful Main Street, past the Movie Theatre and the Library) from Black Cat Coffee, where you can sit and enjoy a local cup of joe and talk about all of the interesting events, stories, and facts you picked up at the Ashland Historical Museum.
Ashland Historical Museum Address
216 Main St W, Ashland, WI 54806
“Great museum with tons of local information and history. Definitely a gem in the heart of downtown Ashland. Fun displays and great staff. Definitely worth the visit. Check out the gift shop for a local souvenir.”
– Kim P ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Q & A With Ashland Historical Museum
The Ashland Historical Museum is full of rich local history that is sure to take you on a voyage outside of your daily life and bring you back to your reality with a different state of mind. I had the lovely opportunity to ask the Board President of the Ashland Historical Museum, Tory Stroshane, a few questions about this fantastic establishment.
So please, don’t just take my word for it; let’s read these insightful and informational responses about the Ashland Historical Museum!
When did the Ashland Historical Society Museum come about, and what was the inspiration behind it? And similarly, who brought the Ashland Historical Society Museum to life?
The existence of the Ashland Museum was first noted in 1909 with a letter written by the director of the Historical Museum of the city of Ashland. It was located in the Ashland High School building on Ellis Avenue between tenth and eleventh streets. The letter states that they had valuable donations of historical and archeological material from Beloit College, the Wisconsin Historical Society and the Milwaukee Museum.
The next evidence of efforts in preserving Ashland’s history came from the minutes of the Old Settler’s Club of Ashland, organized in 1924. They were diligent in staging picnics and gatherings where old stories could be told and re-told. They also worked to document the events of early Ashland. In 1925 their meetings were held in the community room of the First National Bank.
In 1954, Miss Cora Angvick put together a historical display in their furniture store in connection with the Centennial of the founding of Ashland. She gathered old photographs, and artifacts to create an exhibit in Angvick’s old storefront. When the celebration was over, the exhibit was moved to the new store’s basement to be enjoyed by all who dropped by.
In about 1962, the Museum was moved to the Vaughn Library building, under the advice of Dr. John Kreher. This proved to be a wise move when the Angvick’s Store burned to the ground in June of 1967. The Museum was housed at the library until the 1980’s, when the Vaughn Library was remodeled. Following the remodeling at the library, the Museum was housed on the second floor until 1993.
The next home for the Ashland Museum was the Wilmarth Mansion at 523 Chapple Avenue. This spacious home with its beautiful woodwork was a wonderful setting for the Museum until problems with the roof and leakage damage caused the Historical Society to once again search out an appropriate and affordable home for its vast collections.
In February of 2000, the Ashland Museum moved to 509 West Main Street, housed in the historic business section of Ashland. Due to space restraints, not all the collections are out at one time, but displays are rotated to provide interest throughout the year.
In July of 2016, the museum was given an eviction notice and moved in August to the historic Appleyard building at 216 Main Street West owned by Attorney Scott Clark. It doubled our display space and has become a wonderful addition to Main Street. Maintaining a space twice as large as before requires a lot of effort and money, so we are thankful for our loyal members.
How has the Ashland Historical Society Museum evolved over time?
As far as evolving, we fully rely on our computer data banks and programs such as ancestry.com and newspapers.com. That has definitely changed how we can help our visitors. We did more informational programs before Covid shut things down.
What are some of the best things about being an establishment near Lake Superior?
Being close to the highway in a tourist town on the shores of Lake Superior brings in lots of visitors. The shipping history is of special interest to folks, as well as the lumbering and railroads.
Are there any fun or touching moments that the Ashland Historical Society Museum has experienced with its Patrons?
In recent years, we have built partnerships within the community that we value. The school system, Northland College, the Ashland County Courthouse, NGLVC with the Wisconsin research arc, Tamarack MMC, the Chamber, the local newspaper, the City, the VFW and Legion and local historical societies are some of these. When we had to move to a new location after being evicted without warning, the townspeople and certain local groups pitched in with money and help.
Our annual Cemetery “Ghost” Walk is especially well-liked and attended. We hold it every July 4th and alternate between the two main cemeteries in town.
What are the volunteer’s/employee’s favorite things about running the Ashland Historical Society Museum?
Our volunteers like to connect with visitors and help them find out about their family’s history. Some folks know nothing about their families and it’s rewarding to help them find out about their history.
Is there any exciting news or events that the Ashland Historical Society Museum has in its future?
We share photos and historical events in the local paper every week. Our collection of photographs are very important to us.
We will be opening up after the winter on April 1st. Hours are 10-3, days to be decided.
There are quite a few unique things to do in Ashland WI, and I highly encourage you to jot down the Ashland Historical Museum for your next dawdling experience. You’ll be greeted with friendliness, history, and stories waiting to be heard.
And while you’re on Lake Superior searching for other things to do in Ashland WI or Ashland WI activities, be sure to look us up on our Loving Life “On Lake Superior” Facebook Page or check out our website On Lake Superior for neat ideas and latest Up North fun.
Thanks for stopping by, and enjoy those precious memories on Lake Superior!
Tory. I wish I had a copy of that booklet too. Bick