Oshkosh was a veritable Garden of Eden - one mass of blooming flowers of every hue and shade...very different from the barren snow-clad hills we had so recently left behind. Mrs. T. D. Grimmer, 1847

Explore the rich history of the Lake Winnebago area told through the words of the people who lived here. See artifacts and images that capture the spirit of the region. Begin your journey with the pioneers and move through the changes in rural life and traditions to the opportunities and hardships of factory and craftsman work in the early 1900s. Take a moment and see how people played and relaxed in the past and then travel on to the excitement of town life and new technology.

Pioneer Log Cabin

The log cabin is an enduring symbol of America’s heritage. It is a powerful icon of our past that evokes great pride. We invite you to take a trip back in time and discover life in 1850 in the museum’s pioneer log cabin.

Log cabins were a common sight in pioneer days. An 1838 broadside written for settlers coming to the Wisconsin Territory explained, "The first buildings put up are generally cabins made of logs slightly hewn on two sides, and the corners notched together. They are made single, or double, with a space between according to the enterprise, ability, or taste of the owners. . ."

The museum's cabin duplicates the average size of a settler's first dwelling and enables visitors to discover a slice of life over 150 years ago. The logs for this project were generously donated by John Koerner Tree Farms & Koerner Forest Products, Ltd. The museum also expresses its appreciation to Terry Laib of Laib Restoration, Inc., Oshkosh for his consultation services.

Help your kids discover America's pioneer heritage! They'll have great fun using their imagination to become pioneers in the hands-on cabin.

Click for more information on life in a cabin

Grandma's Attic

Finally, Grandma will welcome you to her attic where you are free to explore the trunks and drawers. Don't be surprised to hear voices and music from the past! Try on clothing and hats, play games from your childhood - or your parents' or grandparents' childhoods. Or take a break, rock on the porch and share your own memories.

Every kid loves playing in Grandma's Attic. Dress-up clothes, fun artifacts, and the chance to discover the past entice kids to explore. Where is your family's history stored?