Wilson Place Museum Celebrates 50 Years

By Stephanie Perry

A Community Celebration

The Wilson Place Museum is celebrating 50 years as a museum, but the weekend is really about bringing people together. Many Menomonie residents have never toured the mansion, and this anniversary celebration offers an opportunity to experience the historic home while enjoying music, family activities, food, and special programs.

A highlight of the celebration is the Wilson Place Time Capsule Project, giving visitors an opportunity to preserve their thoughts, memories, and hopes for the future.

Participants may purchase a 10-Year Time Capsule packet and write a private letter to their future self, which will be preserved by the museum and mailed back in 2036. The 50-Year Time Capsule invites participants to create a message for future family members and descendants who will open their letter in 2076. The 100-Year Time Capsule allows community members to leave a message for the future residents of Menomonie, creating a record of life in 2026 that will be opened in 2126.

The museum will also be collecting "Voices of Menomonie," a special community project that invites participants to record personal stories, memories, reflections, and hopes for the future. These recordings will become part of the museum's archives and help preserve the voices of today's community for future generations.

Visitors of all ages can create a commemorative souvenir at the anniversary button-making station, featuring designs inspired by Menomonie's history, the Wilson Place Museum, and the museum's 50th Anniversary.

Something for Every Age

The celebration includes:

• Guided mansion tours

• "Below the Mansion" basement tours

• Family activities and old-fashioned games

• Ice cream sundaes

• The historic 1927 popcorn truck

• The Circus Bell Wagon

• Live music throughout the weekend

• Afternoon Tea on the lawn

• Story-sharing opportunities

• The Time Capsule Tent

Friday Evening Highlights

Friday evening features a special Dinner & Concert on the Wilson Place grounds. Guests can enjoy dinner on the lawn followed by a performance by singer-songwriter Jason Dae West in a unique outdoor setting overlooking one of Menomonie's most historic landmarks.

Why the 50th Anniversary Matters

Fifty years ago, community members worked together to preserve the Wilson Place and establish the museum. The celebration on June 26, 27, and 28 honors that achievement—not just the preservation of a building, but the preservation of the stories, people, and history that continue to shape Menomonie today.

The public is invited to join the celebration, explore the mansion, share memories, create new ones, and help preserve the voices of Menomonie for future generations.

Learn more at WilsonPlace.org and in this related post.