Helping preserve the place you cherish
OPEN MONDAYS 10:00AM - 1:00PM
or by appointment (EXCLUDING HOLIDAYS)
2024 Programs
Join us throughout 2024 for exciting programs at the Elisha D. Smith Public Library and throughout the Menasha community. 2024 is a special year as Menasha celebrates it's 150th birthday in March. We will be part of many special events you won't want to miss!
January 2024
Menasha History Trivia Challenge
Join your friends and challenge them to a trivia challenge all about Menasha. You must register in advance for this special event at the Elisha D. Smith Public Library (limited to 64 participants). For more details, click here: www.menasha150.com
March - December 2024
(while supplies last)
Great Button Hunt
We are participating in the Great Button Hunt. Visit us at the Memorial Building for your FREE button. Supplies are limited - get them while you can. For more information and a list of other buttons available, visit the Menasha150 website or click here.
March 5, 2024
Happy Birthday Menasha
We celebrated with the city of Menasha on their 150th birthday at City Hall. We listened to current local government official, heard the Menasha Bluejay band and Banta Bilingual Elementary students, saw many birthday cards from Menasha students, and had a special visit from Menasha's first mayor, O.J. Hall. Of course there was cake from Manderfields!
Menasha's First Mayor, O.J. Hall, came through the time machine to visit for this special occasion.
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Photo credit to Cindi Witt.
March 17, 2024
The Irish Influence on the City of Menasha and the Village of Fox Crossing
Elisha D. Smith Public Library
Company E Room
Would you like to learn about our area's connection to Ireland beyond corned beef and cabbage or green beer? Join Tom Van Lieshout and other local historians for a look at our Irish roots including St. Patrick's Church, the Irish Road area street names, some influential Irish immigrants and much more!
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April 11, 2024
E.S.C.I.T. - Small Town, Big Tournament
It's 1961, and the St. Mary's Zephyr Basketball Team is going to the tournament! Relive the memories and excitement from the games in Newport, Rhode Island with historian Adrian Martin.
May 9, 2024
Members Only Event!
Spring is a time of exciting new adventures. Check your newsletter for more information about our May activity!
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Not a member? Visit our membership page and join today!
May 11, 2024
Photo from 2023 History Walk
Downtown History Walk
We are partnering with the Menasha Landmarks Commission focusing on the Canal District. The first 150 attendees will receive a special button from the Menasha Landmarks Commission. The tour starts at 201 Main St (the Community First Credit Union lobby) at 1 P.M. Attendees also will receive a free ice cream cone treat from The Sweet Lair and are eligible to enter a drawing to win a downtown Menasha shopping spree valued at $100.
May 20, 2024 to June 3, 2024
Historic House Hunt
Walk, run, or bike and visit a selection of Menasha's Historic Homes. Three selected homes will have a picture of the historic home pin! Record one sign address with the pin logo to receive your button. Or, record the three pin logo addresses for a chance to win a prize! Then, visit the Menasha Historical Society at the Memorial Building Museum during our open hours (Mondays 10 AM to 1 PM or Sunday June 9 or June 16 from noon to 3 PM) to receive your button and drop off your entry form for the prize!
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Did you miss a home on the list? We have posted photos of the signs from the house hunt on our website here
May 27, 2024
Memorial Day Parade
Join the Menasha Historical Society as we participate in the Memorial Day parade. The activities begin with a waterfront ceremony in Menasha to honor veterans, the parade through Menasha and Neenah, and a ceremony at Oak Hill Cemetery honoring veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice and their families.
NEW DATE COMING
150th Celebration Weekend
All the details on this awesome celebration are at menasha150.com or on Facebook!
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Mother Nature had other plans in June and this event was postponed. When a new date is set, we will let you know!
July 10, 2024
WWII Star Re-Dedication
Join us at 2 p.m. on July 10 at the Smith Park Gazebo. We will be re-dedicating the copper star memorial to the two soldiers who gave their life in service during World War II. Relatives of the soldiers as well as the Menasha VFW Post 2126 will remember Paul Friedland and Duane Gear from Menasha. The public is welcome to pay their respects to these soldiers and others who made the ultimate sacrifice to our country.
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August 15, 2024
Twisted Pistons Scholarship Cruise-In
Drive on down to Main Street in Menasha on August 15, 2024 from 2 P.M. to 10 P.M. There will be awesome vehicles to view, food, and fun. The event raises money for scholarships for students in Neenah and Menasha. Menasha Historical Society is a sponsor of one of the trophies!
More information here: https://twistedpistons.wixsite.com/website
Photo from Twisted Pistons Facebook Page - August 2023
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August 22, 2024
Porchfest
Join us at the caboose in Smith Park during PorchFest (5:30 PM to 7:30 PM)! Porchfest is an evening of food, music, and fun all around Smith Park in Menasha. We will have a new special caboose button!!
Check out the map of events at this link for additional details:
September 14, 2024
Intertribal Pow Wow
The InterTribal Powwow is back at Shattuck Park in Neenah on September 14, 2024. There is a new start time of 2 PM and it will conclude at 5 PM. There will be Native American drum groups/singers, dancers, and food for purchase! Canoe rides are also at the park from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM. The powwow has a special sesquicentennial button at 2:30 PM during an intertribal dance.
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Join us for a fun day of learning and entertainment.
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September 29, 2024
Otto Grunski Bikeski
9AM to Noon
The Menasha Parks & Recreation department and Menasha Sesquicentennial Committee are bringing back the Bikeski! You can participate in riding a bike in several different events or come to the park to watch! We will be at the park, with the caboose open, to greet visitors during the event. Come see us for buttons!
October 10, 2024
6:30 P.M.
Neenah Public Library
240 E. Wisconsin Ave.
Neenah
Peanuts and Crackerjacks
Hit a home run when you join Adrian Martin, Board of Director member of Menasha Historical Society, for a slice of Menasha's baseball history. Hear fascinating stories about the players, the teams, the ball parks and more! This presentation is being made with our friends at the Neenah Public Library. They are helping us as the Elisha D. Smtih Public Library in Menasha undergoes renovations.
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November 14, 2024 6:30 P.M.
Neenah Public Library
240 E. Wisconsin Ave.
Neenah
Menasha is musical! Join Pat Phair from the Waupaca Historical Society and Linda Harmon on piano as they present the life of Eddy Hanson. Eddy is from Waupaca but has ties to Menasha's own Jane Chapman Strange. We will explore the song Jane wrote and Eddy composed along with many other musical tributes in this toe tapping night of entertainment.
December 5, 2024
Christmas Program
Join us at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 5 p.m. for a fun night as we recap Menasha's 150th birthday celebration. Social hour starts at 5 with dinner at 6. Program is at 7 with information from the Sesquicentennial Committee members and Menasha Historical Society Board members. Wear your collected buttons and come for a great time.
PRE REGISTRATION and FEE REQUIRED - email or call us for more information.
