History

Neenah Founders and Settlers: Amos Page and Rev. O. P. Clinton

Led by Tom Van Lieshout, historians from the Neenah and Menasha Historical Societies will delve into the lives and impact of Amos Page and Reverend O.P. Clinton.  The presentation will be held in the 1st floor Shattuck Community Room.

The program will be added to the Neenah Historical Society YouTube channel.

History programs are sponsored by the Neenah Historical Society and co-sponsored by the Neenah Public Library

Library After Dark: Genealogy Lock-In

Are you researching your family history? Join us for an informal gathering of family genealogists. Access the library’s genealogical databases including Ancestry and HeritageQuest.  A staff member will be available for assistance.  Bring your own laptop or the library will have computers available for use. Since the library is closed during this event, the doors will be staffed until 6:40 p.m.

History Program-Fox River Valley and Native American Heritage

Learn about the Fox River Valley and Native American heritage from Oneida Nation member Lois Stevens.
Lois is an Assistant Professor of First Nations Studies and the First Nations Education Doctoral Program at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. She received her PhD from the University of Kansas in the Department of Geography. Growing up on the Oneida Reservation, she developed a deep appreciation for ancestral knowledge, community relationship, and an understanding of her impact on Mother Earth. 

Founders and Settlers - George Mansur

We will cover the process of the transfer of the United States Governments Winnebago Rapids Settlement and surrounding areas to the cities of Neenah and Menasha. Early settler George Mansur will be showcased.  Local historian Tom Van Lieshout provided the research for this presentation.

This will be a video presentation.

History programs are sponsored by the Neenah Historical Society and co-sponsored by the Neenah Public Library

History Program-Hidden History of Doty Island: The Driving Park

Did you know that there was a Driving Park on Doty Island that featured horse racing? The Doty Island Driving Park was also a fairground, sporting event venue and a viewing grounds for yachting regattas on Lake Winnebago. Learn about this fascinating and largely unknown part of our local history by historian and presenter Jeff Heimerman.

History programs are sponsored by the Neenah Historical Society and co-sponsored by the Neenah Public Library

History Program-Native American Heritage Month

Join the Neenah Historical Society in honoring Native American Heritage month with a presentation on November 30 with National Heritage Fellow Karen Ann Hoffman.  Karen Ann is an Oneida tribe member who is a Haudenosaunee raised bead artist and storyteller. She will explain the connection between beadwork, food, and storytelling in her community.

History programs are sponsored by the Neenah Historical Society and co-sponsored by the Neenah Public Library

Dearly Departed: A History of Neenah/Menasha's Family-Owned Funeral Homes

The Neenah/Menasha funeral establishment history starts with furniture stores in the 1880s.  Our journey through the development of family-owned funeral homes will include stories about the Sorenson, Kessler, Westgor, and Laemmrich families.  Join Neenah Historical Society's Associate Executive Director and Kessler-Fahrenkrug Office Administrator Becky Heidke Kwiatkowski as she discusses the intriguing stories of the funeral businesses of Neenah-Menasha.