General Questions

1. What is the Portage County Historical Society (PCHS)?
The Portage County Historical Society is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to share the stories of Portage County through education and preservation. We operate historic sites, host educational programs, and offer exhibits and events that connect people with local history.

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2. Where is PCHS located?
Our main location is Heritage Park in Plover, WI, which serves as our visitor hub and administrative office. We also manage the Rising Star Mill in Nelsonville, the Beth Israel Synagogue Museum in Stevens Point, and Firehouse No. 2 in Stevens Point. For details on all our sites, visit pchswi.org/visit.

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3. What are your hours?
For summer 2025, Heritage Park is open Fridays from 1–5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Other sites are open seasonally or for special events. For the most up-to-date information, visit pchswi.org/visit.

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4. When can I tour Heritage Park?
Guided tours of Heritage Park are offered every Saturday in the summer at 11 a.m. The only time all 11 historic buildings are open to the public is during Heritage Days, held each Father’s Day weekend.

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5. How much does it cost to visit?
Visitors can walk the grounds of Heritage Park for free and explore the General Store gift shop. Admission inside the historic buildings during guided tours is $5 for members and $10 for non-members. The Rhythms of the River music exhibit is free for members and children under 12 and $5 for non-members.

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6. Where should I park?
Free parking is available at Heritage Park and at all of our historic sites.

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7. Are the historic sites accessible?
Accessibility varies by site due to the age of the historic buildings. Heritage Park has accessible restrooms and pathways, but some buildings have steps or narrow doorways. Contact us before your visit if you have specific accessibility needs.

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8. Can I take photos during my visit?
Yes! Photography for personal use is welcome at our sites. For commercial photography or special requests, please contact us in advance.

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9. Do you offer group tours or field trips?
Yes. Group tours and field trips can be scheduled by emailing our Museum Educator at education@pchswi.org.

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10. Can I bring food or drinks?
Food and drinks are not allowed inside historic buildings or exhibits but are permitted on the grounds of Heritage Park.

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11. Can I bring my pet?
Pets are not allowed inside historic buildings. Dogs are welcome on the grounds but must be leashed at all times, and owners are required to clean up after them.

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Programs & Events

1. What kinds of programs does PCHS offer?
We offer history talks, tours, family activities, concerts, and special events throughout the year, all designed to connect people with Portage County’s rich history.

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2. What is “Family Fridays”?
Family Fridays are free, drop-in family-friendly programs held on Fridays during the summer at Heritage Park. Activities are hands-on and designed for kids and families to explore local history together.

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3. What is the “Rhythms of the River” exhibit?
This interactive exhibit highlights the history of music in Portage County, featuring historic instruments, local performers, and hands-on stations where visitors can listen, learn, and even create sounds themselves.

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4. What special events do you host?
Signature events include Heritage Days each Father’s Day weekend, the Music at the Mill concert series at the Rising Star Mill, and beer releases in our Historic Hometown Series. We also host seasonal history programs, talks, and tours.

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5. Do you offer programs for schools or community groups?
Yes. We offer field trips, classroom visits, and custom programs for community groups. Contact our Museum Educator at education@pchswi.org to schedule.

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6. How can I find out about upcoming events?
Visit the Events page at pchswi.org, follow us on social media, or sign up for our email newsletter to stay up to date.

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7. Do I need to register for programs or events?
Some programs require registration, while others are drop-in. Details are provided on our Events page.

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8. Are events held rain or shine?
Most outdoor events are held rain or shine, though severe weather may cause delays or cancellations. Updates are posted on our website and social media.

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9. What is your ticket policy?
All ticket sales are final, and no refunds are offered. However, tickets are transferrable—if you cannot attend, you may give your ticket to someone else.

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Membership & Support

1. How can I support PCHS?
You can support us by becoming a member, making a donation, volunteering, attending events, or shopping at our General Store gift shop. Every contribution helps preserve and share Portage County’s history.

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2. Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes. PCHS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

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3. How do I become a member?
You can join online at pchswi.org or in person at Heritage Park. Memberships directly support our preservation and educational efforts.

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4. What are the benefits of membership?
Members receive free or discounted admission to select programs and exhibits, early event announcements, and the satisfaction of helping preserve local history.

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5. Can I volunteer with PCHS?
Yes! Volunteers help with tours, events, collections care, and more. Email office@pchswi.org for current volunteer opportunities.

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6. Can I donate artifacts or photographs?
We are always interested in items with local historical significance. Contact our Curator at collections@pchswi.org to discuss potential donations.

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7. How do I make a monetary donation?
Monetary donations can be made online at pchswi.org or by contacting our Executive Director, John Harry, at jharry@pchswi.org.

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8. Can I make a donation in honor or memory of someone?
Yes. Honorary and memorial donations are welcomed and will be acknowledged in our records. Contact John Harry at jharry@pchswi.org for more information.

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9. Can I leave a planned gift to PCHS?
Yes. Planned gifts, such as bequests, help ensure the long-term preservation of our sites and collections. Contact John Harry at jharry@pchswi.org to discuss options.

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Collections & Research

1. Can I research local history through PCHS?
Yes. Some of our archival materials are available through the UW-Stevens Point Archives and Area Research Center. Other resources, including photographs and select documents, can be accessed by making a research request through our Curator.

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2. How do I schedule a research appointment or request information?
Contact our Curator at collections@pchswi.org to schedule an appointment or submit a research request. A research fee applies to most requests, but this fee is waived for PCHS members.

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3. Can I request digital copies of photos or documents?
Yes. Digital reproductions may be available for a fee. Contact collections@pchswi.org for details.

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4. Can I donate artifacts or photographs?
We are always interested in items with local historical significance. Contact our Curator at collections@pchswi.org to discuss potential donations.

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5. Can I get an appraisal of my historic items?
No. PCHS staff cannot appraise or assign monetary value to artifacts, but we can help you determine if your items may have historical significance.

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6. Do you accept long-term loans of historic items?
In most cases, we only accept permanent donations. Loan arrangements are rare and considered on a case-by-case basis. Contact collections@pchswi.org for more information.

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Volunteering & Education

1. How can I volunteer with PCHS?
Volunteers assist with tours, events, collections care, educational programs, and more. Email office@pchswi.org to learn about current opportunities.

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2. Do you offer internships?
Internships are offered periodically for students interested in history, museum studies, or education. Contact our Executive Director, John Harry, at jharry@pchswi.org to inquire about availability.

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3. Do you offer programs for schools or community groups?
Yes. We provide a variety of programs for schools and community groups for a fee. Custom programs are available at an increased cost. Contact our Museum Educator at education@pchswi.org to schedule.

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4. Are programs aligned with school curriculum standards?
Yes. Our educational programs are designed to align with Wisconsin social studies standards and can be adapted for specific grade levels.

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5. Can you visit my classroom or organization?
Yes. Our Museum Educator can bring programs to schools, libraries, senior centers, and community groups. Email education@pchswi.org for details.

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6. Are there programs for adults or senior groups?
Yes. We offer talks, tours, and interactive programs for adults and older audiences, including custom programs for retirement communities and civic organizations.