Historical Society accepting donations for museum updates, expansion

TOMAHAWK – The Tomahawk Area Historical Society is continuing to accept donations towards its efforts to update and expand its museum campus.

Currently, the campus includes the Old Kindergarten Museum on E. Washington Ave., as well as the Log Museum, the On Target boat and locomotive displays across the street in Washington Square Park.

The Historical Society last year launched a three-phase plan that will ultimately see additional historical offerings added to the campus.

Phase one of the plan will involve the creation of an Antique Print Museum that will feature a rare operational Linotype and other related equipment that would be found in a working letterpress print shop.

The museum will be housed in an existing garage building already on the E. Washington Ave. property. Work on this phase is already underway – the structure has been cleaned out, its roof has been replaced and some nearby invasive trees have been removed.

“We need to add electricity, remodel the interior, replace one garage door and remove two others, move and install the heavy equipment from Louie Heuser’s shop in Nokomis and complete the historical displays, hopefully yet this summer,” the Historical Society stated.

A Boat Museum will be the focus of Phase 2.

This museum, which will be constructed adjacent to the print museum, will contain vintage watercrafts from the former Tomahawk Boat Company, according to the Historical Society.

Phase 3 will include work on the existing schoolhouse museum to add storage space and meeting rooms.

“Upon completion, we will have a very attractive and comprehensive museum complex that showcases Tomahawk’s proud history,” the Historical Society said.

The Historical Society thanked those who have already backed the group’s efforts through last year’s Shoe Drive fundraiser, brat fry events, financial contributions and donations of time and material.

“We are now in the process of developing a fundraising plan to help meet our goals,” the Historical Society stated. “And, we need your help.”

To help support the Historical Society’s work to update and expand its museum campus, mail a tax-deductible donation to Tomahawk Area Historical Society, P.O. Box 655, Tomahawk, Wis., 54487, with “Print/Boat Museum” in the memo line.