The Marathon County Historical Society provides opportunities for people to “connect” with the past and discover something about their own history and where they live. We help people learn about their connection with the community, its historic roots, and how the past shaped them. We accomplish this through education, preservation, research, experiences, and entertainment.

How it began

The historical society was founded in 1952 by community members who felt that Wausau's history was slipping away. They came together to start an organizational drive for the society and held a meeting on March 18, 1952. Later that year, the state charter was received

In 1954, Leigh Yawkey Woodson and her daughters donated the home of her late parents, Cyrus C. & Alice Yawkey, to the Marathon County Historical Society. The house became the official “home” for the society, housed artifacts, and was open for people to tour. The Yawkey House Museum was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

In 1995, the Marathon County Historical Society purchased the 1914 home of A.P. and Leigh Yawkey Woodson, which became its new home. The building, now the Woodson History Center, was renovated to accommodate the society'sections, library, and main offices.

The Yawkey House Museum also underwent extensive renovations, which were completed in 2008. The house, built in 1901, has been restored to its 1908 configuration, designed by George W. Maher. The estate includes the original carriage house and a formal garden with a pergola and fountain. The house is now open for guided tours and is a prime example of affluent life in the early 1900s. 

Today, both buildings have become essential to the Marathon County Historical Society and the history of the Wausau area.

Our Mission

To collect, preserve, and exhibit materials related to
The history of Marathon County, and to use those materials to help people learn about North Central Wisconsin, connect with their roots, and explore their own historical connections.