The Adams County Historical Society was founded in January of 1974, a University of Wisconsin Extension project to organize local historical societies throughout the state in honor of the United States Bicentennial. We are an incorporated, nonprofit organization governed by a nine member board of directors elected for three year terms. Members of the board meet monthly. The public is welcome to attend, and occasionally we offer historical programs at the meetings.

The mission of the society has always been to collect, preserve and display the history of Adams County. It's early projects included establishment of a small museum at the county fairgrounds, publishing a photographic history of the county, preservation of the Lecy pioneer log cabin, and preservation of the Niebull one-room country school.

Acquisition and restoration of the historic 1889 McGowan house, has been a major on-going project of the Society.  The home now serves as the Society's headquarters, museum, library and archives. It features period furnishings and depicts the lifestyle of a prominent rural doctor and his family of the Victorian period.  In 2000, the Society published From Past to Present, A History of Adams County.  In 2002, the Niebull Schoolhouse was moved to the McGowan House property.  Future plans include erecting a display building on the property as well.

The Society operates through donations made by the public and local organizations, and from fund raising activities. If you would like to make a charitable contribution to the Society, please visit our donations page which explains all of the details needed to do so. Please note that we are currently requesting that you make your donations by mail, as we are not set up to accept credit cards.

Membership is open to anyone interested in the collection, preservation and dissemination of Adams County history. E-mail us for more information on joining.

Member Information