Alexander House – Center for Art & History

The Alexander House is a center for art and history – combination of art gallery (with frequently changing displays), and historical museum which emphasizes local lumbering and papermaking exhibits. It is located in a stately old colonial home on the banks of the Wisconsin River in Port Edwards.

The Alexander House was founded by members of the Alexander Charitable Foundation of Port Edwards in 1990 as a location for the extensive historical collection of the former Nekoosa-Edwards Paper Company.  The Foundation was named for the late John E. Alexander, who was Chief Executive with the paper company for many years, and whose father and grandfather were instrumental in establishing the lumbering and paper industry in central Wisconsin.

Since gallery opened in 1991, hundreds of local, state, Midwestern and nationally prominent artists have displayed their artwork in the main level gallery.  Thousands of people have visited the art and history displays.  The gallery areas of the Alexander House feature furniture in keeping with the colonial style architecture of the building which allows visitors to view the area displays in comfort and at their leisure.  The gallery features state of the art lighting, which enhances the displayed artwork.

In addition to the art displays, the second floor of the Alexander House features a collection of historical materials that were originally on display or in storage at Nekoosa-Edwards Paper Company.  This material is displayed in four different rooms – one devoted to early lumbering, another to the history of papermaking, and two others to the founding families and communities in which they settled. Visitors are invited to these four rooms to get an insight into local history.  Students and researchers will find a wealth of material in the Alexander House collections.  A study room is provide on the second floor.

A recently remodeled meeting room in the lower level of the Alexander House has adjustable lighting and audio visual equipment available to accommodate a variety of presentations and meetings.  It is available at no charge for use by local non-profit organizations. The Alexander House is operated by the Alexander Charitable Foundation and is open to the public without charge.  Hours of operation are Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00 PM or by appointment.

Source: Alexander House Center for Art & History Official website