In Their Own Words: A Live Oral History with Bob Wray
Wednesday, July 23 at 6:30 PM
Old Plover Methodist Church, Heritage Park, Plover
Join the Portage County Historical Society for the launch of our new live oral history series, In Their Own Words. This quarterly series brings community members into the room as we preserve the stories of individuals who have made a lasting impact locally and beyond.
Our first featured guest is Bob Wray, a Stevens Point native who became a legendary session musician in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Wray has recorded with some of the biggest names in music history, including Hank Williams Jr., Willie Nelson, and Ray Charles.
The interview will take place inside the historic Old Plover Methodist Church, home to our newest exhibit, Rhythms of the River: The History of Music in Portage County. The session will be recorded and archived as part of the PCHS collections.
Tickets are $15 for PCHS members, $30 for non-members, and $40 at the door.
Space is limited. Reserve your spot today and take part in documenting local history.
Join us for a special evening with Green Bay Packers team historian Cliff Christl as he shares the story of Packers training camps through the years—with a spotlight on the seasons from 1954 to 1957, when the team trained right here in Stevens Point.
Christl, the official historian of the Packers and author of numerous books on the team’s rich legacy, will explore how training camp evolved and how Stevens Point played a unique role in Packers history. The program will include rare stories, historical context, and a post-presentation Q&A with one of the foremost experts on Wisconsin’s most beloved team.
Date: Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Alumni Room, Dreyfus University Center, UW–Stevens Point Campus
Tickets: Advance – $10 for PCHS members | $20 for non-members
At the Door – $25 (all attendees)
Whether you're a die-hard fan or a history buff, this program offers a one-of-a-kind look at the Packers’ time in Stevens Point and their lasting impact on the community.
A special thanks to Associated Bank for sponsoring this program.
Workshop Series: "From Portage County with Love: Preserving Your Personal Past"
📍 UWSP Archives & Research Center, 800 Reserve St, Stevens Point
📅 Tuesday, June 17th, July 22nd, August 19th, & September 23rd
🕖 6:00 PM
🔍 Discover the power of your personal history — no experience needed!
This beginner-friendly workshop series is designed to guide you step-by-step as you preserve, protect, and share your family’s legacy. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for practical tips, we’ll help you get started.
Topics include:
🧬 Part 1 - Tracing Your Roots: An Introduction to Genealogy
📸 Part 2 - Archiving Family Treasures: Documents & Photos
🗃️ Part 3 - Preserving Heirlooms: Caring for Artifacts & Textiles
🎤 Part 4 - Recording Your Story: Oral History & Memoirs
Perfect for: Beginners, families, educators, students, scrapbookers, and anyone curious about their past!
Upon completion all four workshops, you will receive a $20 Portage County Historical Society General Store gift certificate.
Your story matters. Let us help you tell it.