Upper Gallery
Early History Room
Enter the welcoming history room of the Lake Country from pre-settlement through the early years which depicts the cultural, social and economic development of the Lake Country Area.
The School Room
Exhibit features a “one room school” with information, artifacts and photos. A special feature is a 1919 restored Mother Goose mural.
Main Gallery
Museum Theater
Fifty Five vintage theater seats (and several fully accessible seats) are available for visitors. Watch the DVDs, “The General of Progression, the story of founder John S. Rockwell and early history of Oconomowoc” and the abridged DVD
“The Kings and Queens of Middle America” both by Terry Kaldhusdal.
Oconomowoc Canning Co. Murals
Oconomowoc Canning Co. murals depicting the company facilities between Milwaukee and Madison. Painted by Schomer Lichtner.
Featured Exhibits
- Early Farming Tools - view and experience hand made farm tools and other equipment of the 1800s—1900s.
- Early Hardware Tools—Lorleberg Hardware founded in 1870 features tools of the 1800s—1900s
- Early Business Community—Enjoy viewing information on businesses that supported the community in the late 1800s to the mid 1900s.
Center Cases
Center Cases are revolving exhibits. Come see what is new this year!
Milwaukee Northwest Model Railroad (MNMRR)
Was one of Wisconsin’s largest HO model train layouts. The exhibit has new tracks and engines to keep all ages entertained. Included is a round house and coal conveyer. Operating engines can be turned on by docents to pull attached cars. You control the train whistle!
Victorian Home
- Victorian Music Room— contains a rare Chickering & Sons Piano from the mid 1800s. Features the history and Genealogy of the Henszey family.
- Front Parlor—built with wood from the Peck Mansion fireplace. Includes Victorian furniture. Imagine enjoying tea or coffee in this room. Enjoy the “hair wreath” on the back wall.
- Dining Room—The table set for an anniversary dinner with china and silver from the Charles and Caroline Kohl family.
- Kitchen—An early 1900s kitchen before electricity was available. The kitchen includes an ice box, butter churn, a firewood stove and many other utensils of the era.
Log Cabin Doll House
A beautifully hand detailed two-story log house with miniature furnishings, people and animals complete with electric lighting!
Streets of Old Oconomowoc
- Dental Office - the equipment is a gift from Dr. Hanson’s dental office in the second half of the 20th century
Barber Shop - with barber pole - the chair was used from 1848-1898 in Milwaukee. Note the tub for bathing and accessories. - C.W. Brown Printing - the equipment is a gift from Bart Brown whose family published the Oconomowoc Enterprise from 1936-1990.
- John S. Rockwell General Store —Mid-19th century view of a general store and haberdashery fully stocked with dry goods, clothing, sewing notions, tools, foods, and candy. (by J.S Rockwell Questers)
- Wilkinson Medical Clinic —An example of a small town doctor’s office. Artifacts are from Dr. M. R. Wilkinson who began his practice in Oconomowoc in 1893.
- Eye Doctor Office - The vintage eye examination equipment on loan from Dr. Prestach leaves nothing to the imagination.
- Summit Bank & Public Library—Reproduction of the stone façade and interior of the historic Summit Bank. One of the oldest banks in Wisconsin. Oconomowoc Public Library— Circa 1940. A replica of the children’s “story hour” fireplace with the original chairs on each side. (by Heritage Trails Questers)
- Toys — a collection of hand crafted wood and metal toys and dolls. Many of the toys have been donated by the Machus family and Greene family.
- Military Exhibit —“When America Calls” Exhibits of items that would have been used in the Civil, Spanish-American, WWI, WWII, Korean and Vietnam wars.