Origins
The original idea for this site began in 1997. Frustration over not being able to read historic material online (one had to travel to museum or society to read material) resulted in the concept of creating an online archive. Since then this site has grown to include hundreds of articles about Portage County Wisconsin history. As the Historical Society has developed into a more dynamic organization offering annual events, developing research a center, and becoming more involved as a "teaching" source for Portage County history this site has evolved and will continue to evolve to reflect these changes.
Our greatest "leap forward" was provided by Arne Arneson, now retired UWSP Webmaster and LRC Director. His foresight into Internet usage resulted in offering web space on UWSP servers for our fledgeling web site. For Arne's vision of the future of the Internet we are eternally grateful.
2008
In 2008 the site began using the resources made available by Yahoo's YUI and Google's Non-profit areas.