Programs and Events:
The Neenah Historical Society offers many opportunities for people to learn about history. During the school year, a lecture series is presented in conjunction with the Neenah Public Library featuring exciting topics to learn about the history of Neenah and the citizens. School age children can take advantage of summer Time Traveler Camp workshops. Other events held annually include the Inter-Tribal Pow Wow at Shattuck Park, informational booth and tours during CommunityFest at Riverside Park, and the Cemetery Walk at Oak Hill cemetery. Information on these programs and events can be found on the Neenah Historical Society's Facebook page or their website page here: www.neenahhistoricalsociety.com/programs-events/
The Neenah Historical Society offers many opportunities for people to learn about history. During the school year, a lecture series is presented in conjunction with the Neenah Public Library featuring exciting topics to learn about the history of Neenah and the citizens. School age children can take advantage of summer Time Traveler Camp workshops. Other events held annually include the Inter-Tribal Pow Wow at Shattuck Park, informational booth and tours during CommunityFest at Riverside Park, and the Cemetery Walk at Oak Hill cemetery. Information on these programs and events can be found on the Neenah Historical Society's Facebook page or their website page here: www.neenahhistoricalsociety.com/programs-events/
The Overpass Battle:
When the Main Street overpass was in development process in 1997, members of the Neenah Historical Society became upset that the overpass would obstruct the view of the Octagon House. Various arguments ensued, delaying building of the overpass until 2000. Some people believed that the house needed to be moved, and there were numerous bids to pay for the costs of relocation. The Octagon House was on the National Register of Historic Places, meaning it had some government protection due to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. As 90% of the funding for the overpass was being paid for by the Department of Transportation, a federal government organization, the project guidelines would need to follow government rules and obey protection laws. Other historic places in Neenah that were affected by the overpass battle include the Albert Eisenbach house, the old Bergstrom Stoveworks, the Winnebago Paper Company Offices, the P. H. Miller House and two other houses at 403 and 413 Church Street. Though there was discussion about relocating the Octagon House to a more visible location, it was never actually moved. The overpass did go up eventually, and this, sadly, led to a much less visible landmark, making it more difficult to inform people about the presence and value of the Octagon House.
When the Main Street overpass was in development process in 1997, members of the Neenah Historical Society became upset that the overpass would obstruct the view of the Octagon House. Various arguments ensued, delaying building of the overpass until 2000. Some people believed that the house needed to be moved, and there were numerous bids to pay for the costs of relocation. The Octagon House was on the National Register of Historic Places, meaning it had some government protection due to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. As 90% of the funding for the overpass was being paid for by the Department of Transportation, a federal government organization, the project guidelines would need to follow government rules and obey protection laws. Other historic places in Neenah that were affected by the overpass battle include the Albert Eisenbach house, the old Bergstrom Stoveworks, the Winnebago Paper Company Offices, the P. H. Miller House and two other houses at 403 and 413 Church Street. Though there was discussion about relocating the Octagon House to a more visible location, it was never actually moved. The overpass did go up eventually, and this, sadly, led to a much less visible landmark, making it more difficult to inform people about the presence and value of the Octagon House.
Master Gardeners:
In 2007, the Winnebago County Master Gardeners Club began working in conjunction with the Neenah Historical Society to develop a historically accurate garden on the Octagon House property. In the picture to the left, a view of the recently constructed kitchen gardens can be found. The end goal of these raised garden beds will be to recreate an accurate home garden of the antebellum time period, complete with the popular herbs and vegetable plants of the time. Aside from the kitchen gardens, the Master Gardeners have planted extensive perennial beds, climbing roses, and spectacular heirloom rose bushes dating from the early 1800's. The Master Gardeners program is entirely a volunteer effort.
In 2007, the Winnebago County Master Gardeners Club began working in conjunction with the Neenah Historical Society to develop a historically accurate garden on the Octagon House property. In the picture to the left, a view of the recently constructed kitchen gardens can be found. The end goal of these raised garden beds will be to recreate an accurate home garden of the antebellum time period, complete with the popular herbs and vegetable plants of the time. Aside from the kitchen gardens, the Master Gardeners have planted extensive perennial beds, climbing roses, and spectacular heirloom rose bushes dating from the early 1800's. The Master Gardeners program is entirely a volunteer effort.
School Field Trips:
Due to the Octagon House's historic value, it is the site of many local school field trips. The property can be divided into 4 different sites making it an ideal space for large groups. The Ward House next door holds many books and documents for the Neenah Historical Society, and can provide children with information about what else the Historical Society is doing or about Neenah history in general. Conversations like this encourage an interest in history, as well as raising awareness of interactive programs like the traveling history trunks. The Octagon House includes a current exhibit focusing on a specific historical topic. All the exhibits are informational and can be interactive. The former garage was transformed into a mutipurpose space in 2017 in order to have additional space for larger field trip groups or meetings. Posters line the walls in the multipurpose space showcasing Neenah's "Hometown Builders." These posters include information on some of the important people of Neenah's past who helped to make Neenah the place it is today It is a perfect place for children and adults of all ages. It is informational, interesting, and, most importantly, always fun. For more information about the exhibits, visit the "Exhibits" page by pressing the exhibits button below.
Due to the Octagon House's historic value, it is the site of many local school field trips. The property can be divided into 4 different sites making it an ideal space for large groups. The Ward House next door holds many books and documents for the Neenah Historical Society, and can provide children with information about what else the Historical Society is doing or about Neenah history in general. Conversations like this encourage an interest in history, as well as raising awareness of interactive programs like the traveling history trunks. The Octagon House includes a current exhibit focusing on a specific historical topic. All the exhibits are informational and can be interactive. The former garage was transformed into a mutipurpose space in 2017 in order to have additional space for larger field trip groups or meetings. Posters line the walls in the multipurpose space showcasing Neenah's "Hometown Builders." These posters include information on some of the important people of Neenah's past who helped to make Neenah the place it is today It is a perfect place for children and adults of all ages. It is informational, interesting, and, most importantly, always fun. For more information about the exhibits, visit the "Exhibits" page by pressing the exhibits button below.
Works Cited:
Adams, Peter J. "Octagon Accord Brings Overpass Closer." Neenah Citizen 20 Mar. 1998: 1. Print.
Adams, Peter J. "Octagon Move Estimate Drops to $80,000." Neenah Citizen 2 Jan. 1998: 1+. Print.
"At Public Works Committee." Neenah Citizen 28 Feb. 1997: n. pag. Print.
"Main Street Overpass Report to Be Released next Week." Neenah Citizen 11 July 1997: n. pag. Print.
Neenah Historical Society. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print
*Pictures were taken by Olivia Will, courtesy of Ms. Jane Lang and the Neenah Historical Society.