Discover Merrill's History
Explore the rich heritage of Merrill through our historical exhibits and artifacts.
Note Website Change to - discovermerrillhistory.org
The Merrill Historical Society Board of Directors will match any donation through the first $1,000 donated on Giving Tuesday.
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.
On Tuesday, December 3rd, the museum will be participating in Giving Tuesday. Simply navigate to the donations page of our website (discovermerrillhistory.org) or stop in during our normal business hours and give in any amount that is right for you.
Click Here to Donate for Giving Tuesday Matching Funds
About Us
Merrill Historical Society & Museum 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
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 discover the story of Scott Mansion, or learn about Bill Rebane's film career and view one of the movie props from the Giant Spider film. Take a trip down memory lane with the Remember When exhibit, bone up on local politics with some local political background, see the vintage fishing equipment, including an outdoor boat motor collection, or some of the fun kitchen items that your mother and grandmother may have used. Discover how design and art played a part in pocket watch holders from a private collection currently on loan.
Happy Visitors
The Merrill Historical Society & 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
NEW WEBSITE - 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
*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 History Museum
Headquarters of the Merrill Historical Society
discovermerrillhistory.org
merrillpast@gmail.com
100 E. Third Street, Merrill, WI 54452
(715) 536-5652
Hours 2024
Monday - Friday 9 am to 1 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).