Discover Local Legends
From the polka performer nearly sued by Merle Haggard, to a Stevens Point native who played on over 30 #1 country records, to the world-famous opera singer with ties to Portage County who helped found the American legion - explore the stories of musicians who made their mark far beyond our community.
Visit the exhibit during our open hours, or contact us to arrange a private showing.
Explore Rare Artifacts
See one of the oldest pianos in Portage County with a mysterious backstory, the iconic sign from the beloved local venue Witz End, and the original pump organ from St. Peter's Church - just a few of the remarkable pieces that bring our musical past to life.
This exhibit grows with your help! Do you have pictures, posters, or local music memorabilia you'd like to loan to PCHS? Do you have recordings of local bands for use in our listening stations?
Email our curator at collections@pchswi.org to learn how your collections can join this exhibit space.
Experience Music Hands-On
Listen to historic recordings at our interactive listening stations and explore the science of sound at a hands-on activity area where you can create and experiment with sound waves. View our expanding digital collections inside the exhibit space or in the comfort of your own home.
Our music exhibit digital collection can be found here!
Do you have digital photos you'd like to share?
Email our curator at collections@pchswi.org
Oral History Interviews
We are looking to add more personal stories from Portage County residents who have been involved in music. Keep an eye out for oral history programs held in this beautiful exhibit space, and check back here for videos and transcripts of our interviews.
Some interviews have already been transcribed. To read the transcripts, visit our digital collection at the link below and look for the following names.
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Rhythms of the River digital collection
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Ann Marie Novak, Benjamin McDowell, Deborah Barr, Ed Niespodziani, Jim Fuhrer, Tanner Hoffmann, Zac Gajda.
