Discover Merrill's History
Explore the past through our exhibits and artifacts.
20th Century & Beyond Toys - A Collection of Fun! is now OPEN!
Starting in February - We are adding open hours - Wednesdays from 2 - 4:30 pm, and the FIRST Saturday of the month from 1 - 3 pm. Of course you can still call for an appointment during off times.
The Merrill Historical Society Board of Directors will match any donation through the first $1,000 donated before the end of the year.
The Merrill Historical Society and Museum is privileged to be a place where visitors can come to learn about Merrill’s unique heritage. Throughout the year the museum is visited by school children from districts around the area, families hoping to connect with their past, tourists enjoying all the city has to offer and Merrill residents- from those who stop in often to those who are visiting for the first time.
“Awesome museum! Best smaller community museum we’ve been to,” commented one visitor. “We found family in photos”, said one couple. Another visitor said, “Thank you for keeping our stories alive.” Through the generous donations of our members, we are able to open our museum at no cost to visitors.
Beginning Tuesday, December 2nd, with Giving Tuesday join us to participate in our Annual Fund Drive or anytime through the end of the year. The Board of Directors will extend their offer to match Year End Fund Drive donations up to $1,000 to the end of the year. Just click the button below to participate in the Year End Fund Drive or stop in during our normal business hours and give in any amount that is right for you.
Annual Fund Drive
Thanks Creative Spirit for the wonderful treats and hospitality for Ralph Wehlitz's program on Sunday, December 14th. Ralph is a life long history buff and shared his stories about life at 101. If you missed the event, you can click on the link below and see his Channel 12 interview. Ralph Wehlitz interview.
Annual Meeting Elections
There are 2 directors up for election for a 2026-2028 term. Please enter your email, check your votes, and submit.
If you are attending the meeting, you may vote in person on Monday, November 10th (Meeting is from 4 to 5 pm at the Merrill Museum.) RSVP Please.
You may also mail or drop off a ballot - they were included in your Annual Meeting notice.
Phone
715-536-5652
merrillpast@gmail.com
About Us
Merrill Historical Society has been preserving the town's history since 1978. We are dedicated to showcasing the stories, culture, and traditions that make Merrill unique.
Please call ahead to find out if we have resources that will help in your family or home research, or just local history.
Resources you will find at the Merrill Historical Society...
High School Yearbooks 1901 through 2020
Access to digitized Merrill Newspapers at the Museum & TB Scott Library
Rural Schools of Lincoln County - pictures and history
City Directories from 1893
Mike Weckwerth's Logging Notes 1891-1945
Early Plat Books and Maps of Lincoln County
Merrill City Appraisers records from 1970
Assorted Abstracts from Lincoln County
Various Family Histories of Merrill's Families
Photographs and history on local businesses, farming, churches, logging and sawmills, scrapbooks and minutes from local organizations, Merrill and Lincoln County histories, Military records of local residents, various obituaries, vital statistics from 1949-1959, various home histories, George Gilkey's notes of Merrill.
These are a few of the tools that were used to craft the Pinery Exhibit. Come and see the this and other exhibits on display: Chatter From Left Field - the story of the 1940s Lady Cardinals & the semi-pro Merrill Ranger baseball teams - play a pick up game of Dice Baseball; 20th Century & Beyond Toys - A Collection of Fun! celebrating the days of erector sets, lincoln logs, cabbage patch dolls, a lego train set, a model train layout and more! Just ending is Halloween Hijinks - featuring the legend of Boom Decker Becker & the "ghosts" of the Scott Mansion. A new exhibit will be opening in March.
Happy Visitors
"The Merrill Museum is a hidden gem. I learned so much about the town's history and the exhibits were fascinating."
Contact Us
Have questions or want to learn more? Get in touch with us!
merrillpast@gmail.com
715-536-5652
discovermerrillhistory.org
**Please call if the weather is bad to verify we are open (715-536-5652).
Hours
OPEN Monday - Friday from 9 am to 1 pm Starting in February we will also be open Wednesdays from 2 to 4:30 pm AND the first Saturday of the month from 1 to 3 pm.
*We are happy to accommodate other times and days by appointment for research or visits to the museum, please call or email. Someone is generally in the office until 5 pm Monday through Friday.
Contact
Merrill Museum
Headquarters of the Merrill Historical Society
discovermerrillhistory.org
merrillpast@gmail.com
100 E. Third Street, Merrill, WI 54452
(715) 536-5652
Hours 2026
Monday - Friday 9 am to 1 pm Also Wednesdays 2 to 4:30 pm and the FIRST Saturday of the month 1 - 3 pm
We are happy to accommodate other times and days by appointment for research or visits to the museum, please call or email.
**Please call if the weather is bad to verify we are open (715-536-5652).