South Wood County Historical Museum

The South Wood County Historical (SWCH) Museum was established to preserve the history of the south Wood County area.  The SWCH Society owns and maintains the museum and its archives.

Visitors who enter the Museum can view a permanent collection of works by Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln High School graduate Myron H. “Grim” Natwick, best known for animating the motion picture character “Betty Boop”. Although he went on to study and work elsewhere in the U.S. and abroad Grim was in regular contact with Wisconsin Rapids, illustrating the local Consolidated Water Power and Paper Company news during the 1920s. In 2010 he was recognized with installation of a State Historical Marker on the grounds of the Museum.

The Museum also features current exhibits from local collectors and a comprehensive digital image library. The Museum retains a library with a large selection of research materials about local history. Included in its archives are: photo collections, school yearbooks, State of Wisconsin Blue Books, plat books, and business, city, and farm directories. The library is open by appointment only.

The grounds of the Museum are beautifully maintained by Wisconsin Master Gardener volunteers.

Source: South Wood County Historical Museum Official website