Purpose and Goals
The purpose of the Marathon County Historical Society is to collect, preserve and exhibit materials relating to the history of Marathon County. The museum library collects and catalogs printed materials and documents to aid the public in historical and genealogical research. Members of the museum staff initiate and carry out general research projects, site identifications and educational programs for presentation to schools and area groups.
In The Beginning
In 1954, Leigh Yawkey Woodson and her daughters donated the home of her late parents, lumberman Cyrus C. Yawkey and Alice Richardson Yawkey, to the Historical Society. In 1974, the house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. A 3 million dollar restoration of the Yawkey estate was completed in 2008. the restoration include the house, the carriage house and the formal gardens.
In 1995, the Society purchased the home of A.P. Woodson and Leigh Yawkey Woodson. The house was built in 1914 and designed by Prairie School architect, George W. Maher. The Woodson House contains the library and archives, administrative offices, artifact storage, and the educational exhibit area.
Our Mission
To collect, preserve, advance and disseminate
the knowledge of he history of
Marathon County and the State of Wisconsin.
