MCLHR & Museum News

January 7th 2022

The Monroe County Local History Room & Museum will be closed to the public from January 10 through January 17, 2022 for seasonal maintenance (painting) and cleaning. We will open again on Tuesday, Jan. 18. Typical open hours are 9-4, Tuesday - Saturday. Read More

October 30th 2021

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas – of the 1960s – at the Monroe County Local History Room and Museum in Sparta. Starting Monday, November 22nd at 6:30pm, visitors can time travel to the not-so-distant past by viewing the History Room’s special Christmas display, “A Swinging ‘60s Christmas.” This retro holiday display recreates what Christmas morning might have looked like fifty to... Read More

September 21st 2021

Our "Monroe County Chooses...The Toys We Love" exhibit will only be up for a few more weeks. The last day to see it will be Saturday, October 9. The exhibit features top toys from the 1940s-1990s as chosen by our 400+ "Toys We Love" poll participants back in September 2020. Did G.I. Joe beat out He-Man as the top action figure? Did Barbie crush the doll competition? Which board game is the most... Read More

September 7th 2021

Just released and on sale now! A useful tool for researchers, pick up a copy of the most recent Plat Book for Monroe County, WI. Detailed, spiral bound atlas showing public and private land ownership, as well as excellent road detail for the county. An ownership index in the back of each atlas makes finding names a snap. Road Index also included. Additionally, this version includes reproduced... Read More

August 7th 2021

Join us at the Wegner Grotto (aka "Glass Church") for free, family fun on Saturday, August 14 and explore one of Wisconsin’s fascinating art environments while creating art in the outdoors. Located 15 minutes north of Sparta where Hwy 27 and 71 split. Come make a mosaic, create sculptures out of clay, and see artist's demonstrations. All ages and skill levels welcome. Come and go between 10 am... Read More

July 27th 2021

The Sparta Kiwanis Club and the Monroe County Local History Room are sponsoring a City-Wide Scavenger Hunt, July 31 – August 14, 2021. Every Sparta area student is invited to participate. Sparta Youth Scavenger Hunt forms can be picked up at Mueller Square downtown Sparta on July 31st between the hours of 9am and noon or anytime from the Little Free Library stand in front of Mueller Square or at... Read More

June 19th 2021

The Monroe County Local History Room & Museum has recently added a new index and several index updates to its website, www.MCLHR.org. The database now includes nearly 1 million searchable records and photographs! Is it time to search for your ancestors again? Additions include: --Monroe County Jail Register Index (New) --Tomah Indian Agency Census Index --Monroe County Newspapers Index --Monroe... Read More

June 15th 2021

Beginning July 27, 2021, both the Monroe County Local History Room & Museum and its Research Library will be open Tuesdays-Saturdays from 9-4 with no appointments necessary. Admission is free. Hope to see you this summer! Read More

May 10th 2021

We're excited to announce the newest items in our Gift Shop: jigsaw puzzles featuring photographs and artifacts from our collection! Puzzle varieties include "Postcards of the Past", "1915 Monroe County Plat Map", and "Monroe County Business Premiums." All puzzles are full-color, 513 pieces, have a puzzle poster included, and are 16" x 20" when assembled. $24.95 each. Read More

March 10th 2021

The 92nd Monroe County Historical Society Craft Show will be held Saturday, March 13 at two hotels in Tomah: the Best Western and Cranberry County Lodge convention centers. Time of the event is 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM. Free admission to the show. The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will be selling food at both locations. Masks are required and booths will have sanitation bottles available for the public... Read More