The Oshkosh Public Museum invites you to discover the real things of history and the stories they tell through our many exhibitions and programs throughout the year. While these programs and events support our mission of promoting and nurturing an understanding and appreciation of local history and culture, above all else they are fun and interesting ways to enjoy learning.

Consider hosting The World of Jan Brett traveling exhibit, presented by the Oshkosh Public Museum in partnership with Jan Brett.

Temporary Exhibitions

Deck the Halls
Nov 17 - Dec 30, 2018
Make your holiday season a hygge one! Experience the Museum set aglow with a nostalgic display of holiday decor, combining ambient interiors, cozy settings and conviviality. Read more>

Dressed to Play!
Feb 17 - May 19, 2019
Summer fun is the focus of this amusing exhibition that showcases clothing styles, paraphernalia, and historic photographs of memorable summertime festivities enjoyed throughout the years. Read more>

Cemetery Tales: The Exhibition
Jul 21 - Oct 31, 2019
This gripping exhibition resurrects popular life and death stories, and also features local mourning and funeral history, while artifacts, photographs and other ghastly surprises breathe life into these local legends. Read more>

Special Programs

Meet the Author, Randy Domer
Sat, Dec 15, 1:30 pm
Local author Randy Domer's newest book, We Shall Never Pass This Way Again, is another journey into Oshkosh's historic and treasured past. In this presentation, Domer reminisces about many of the stories told in the book. His books will be available for purchase and signing at the event.

Every visit to the Oshkosh Public Museum can be enhanced with a special make-and-take project. Located in the sunroom near the main entrance, this area features an entertaining, historical do-it-yourself project.

The take home activity changes monthly, and directions and supplies are provided to make and take home your very own piece of history.

December: A Hygge Holiday - Celebrate the holidays with us and learn what hygge is all about in the Deck the Halls exhibit. Get inspired to put a little hygge in your holiday and make your own ornament to take home.

January: Woodland Indian Wigwams - Explore the People of the Waters gallery and learn about Wisconsin's Woodland Indians. Find out what their houses were like, then create your own paper wigwam.

February: Birch Bark - Learn about how Wisconsin's early people used birch bark and see examples in People of the Waters. Then create your own paper birch bark basket.