Winnebago County Historical Society

06/10/2026

The Way We Were
10 June 1919 – Wisconsin Firsts
by Helen Simpson

🇺🇸 WISCONSIN: FIRST STATE TO RATIFY THE 19TH AMENDMENT

On June 10, 1919, the Wisconsin Legislature ratified the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, granting women the right to vote. Although the amendment did not officially take effect until August 1920, Wisconsin's ratification documents were the first to arrive in Washington, D.C., earning Wisconsin recognition as the first state to ratify the amendment.

One of the leading advocates for women's suffrage was Oshkosh resident Jessie Jack Hooper, who was active in political circles and lobbied extensively for voting rights. Hooper, the wife of Ben Hooper and daughter-in-law of prominent Oshkosh attorney Moses Hooper, played an important role in the movement that helped secure voting rights for women. Her home still stands on Algoma Boulevard today.

As we commemorate this important milestone, we invite you to visit the Morgan House and explore our new exhibit, "We Stand on Their Shoulders: A History of Wisconsin Women and Voting." The exhibit examines the struggle for women's suffrage, Wisconsin's role in the movement, the political advancements of women after the ratification of the 19th Amendment, and the continuing evolution of voting rights in America.

Join us in remembering the women whose determination and perseverance helped shape our democracy—and whose legacy continues to inspire future generations.
Come see this exhibit on Saturday June 13th from 9am-3pm
and Saturday June 27th 9am-Noon
Stay tuned for more possible dates......

06/09/2026

Have you entered yet?

The Winnebago County Historical Society's Living in History Photo Contest began on June 1st and continues through August 31st. We invite amateur photographers to capture the people, places, landscapes, architecture, and details that help tell the story of our community's past and present.

Whether you're exploring a historic neighborhood, visiting a local landmark, or discovering a hidden piece of history, this is your chance to share your unique perspective through photography.

A few reminders:
• Photos must be taken in 2026
• Entries are open to amateur photographers only
• Contest runs through August 31st

History is all around us—you just have to know where to look.

We look forward to seeing Winnebago County through your lens!

06/08/2026

𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗔𝗺 𝗜?
Week 2

Here's another clue.

When an opportunity presented itself, I wasn't afraid to take a chance. With a loan from a local banker and a carefully prepared business plan, I entered an industry that was rapidly changing the lives of women across America.

My first venture was so successful that I repaid the loan in just six months.

As my business grew, I expanded into multiple communities and eventually established a school that trained generations of young women for careers of their own.

Can you guess who I am?

06/07/2026

Pie on the Porch is less than a week away! We have a few volunteer opportunities we are still looking to fill. Take a look at our sign-up page to see how you can help!

Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!

06/06/2026

Just One Week Away!

The countdown is on! In just one week, we'll be gathering at the Morgan House for our annual Pie on the Porch event and the first Open House of the summer.

Join us on Saturday, June 13th for a day filled with history, community, and homemade pie as we celebrate America's 250th Birthday.

Explore the historic Morgan House beginning at 9:00 AM

Pie on the Porch begins at 11:00 AM, with pie slices and whole pies available for purchase

✨ Visit our TWO brand-new exhibits:
• We Stand on Their Shoulders – honoring the women who fought for voting rights
• The White House's Founders Museum: The Road to America's 250th – a special traveling exhibit celebrating our nation's history

🎖️ At 1:00 PM, local veterans will present a special program on the history of the American flag and proper flag etiquette.

Enjoy Victorian yard games, a patriotic craft, and a relaxing afternoon on the grounds of the Morgan House.

Admission, exhibits, activities, and the presentation are free. Donations are always appreciated.

Saturday, June 13
9:00 AM–3:00 PM
Rain or shine

We hope to see you there as we celebrate history, community, and the start of summer together!

06/05/2026

Open House Tonight at the Morgan House!

Looking for something to do this evening? Stop by the Morgan House tonight from 6:00–8:00 PM and experience a piece of Oshkosh history!

Take a free guided tour of this beautiful historic home and be among the first to explore our TWO new exhibits:

✨ Wisconsin Women and the Right to Vote – Discover the stories of the women who fought for suffrage and helped shape our state and nation.

✨ The White House’s Founders Museum: The Road to America’s 250th – A special traveling exhibit highlighting the people, events, and ideas that paved the way for America's upcoming 250th anniversary.

Admission is free, and donations are always appreciated to help support the preservation of the Morgan House and future educational programs.

📍 Morgan House
234 Church Avenue, Oshkosh
Tonight, 6:00–8:00 PM

Bring a friend and spend an evening exploring local and national history right here in Oshkosh!

06/04/2026

The Way We Were
2 June 1870 - The Weekly Northwestern
OSHKOSH TRUNK FACTORY
“Probably not all of our readers are aware that there is now an operation in this city, a first- class trunk manufacturing establishment, employing about a dozen men and supplying a large number of regular customers in Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin. The establishment of H. Schmit and Company, at 167 and 169 Main Street, was established in November 1869, and is already built up a patronage of which many an older house might well be proud. Every kind of trunk from the smallest toy trunk to the massive Eugenie or Saratoga, besides valises, traveling bags, and satchels. Their trunks are made from the very best lumber seasoned and prepared under the personal direction of the proprietors and all the material used is of the very best quality.”
The Winnebago County Historical Society and historian Dean W. Sandeman produced a series of radio spots called "The Way We Were" in 2002-03 to commemorate the city of Oshkosh's 150th anniversary. As we celebrate the semiquincentennial of the United States, we share those stories again.

06/03/2026

Step Back in Time at the Morgan House This Friday!

Looking for something unique to do on Friday evening? Join us at the historic Morgan House, 234 Church Avenue in Oshkosh, on Friday, June 5, from 6:00–8:00 PM for an evening of local history, fascinating stories, and beautiful exhibits.

Admission and tours are FREE, making it a perfect outing for families, history enthusiasts, and anyone curious about Oshkosh's past. While there is no charge to visit, donations are always welcome and help support the preservation of this historic landmark and future programming.

Be among the first to explore TWO brand-new exhibits now on display:

✨ We Stand on their Shoulders – celebrating the courageous women who fought for voting rights and helped shape our democracy.

✨ The White House’s Founders Museum: The Road to America’s 250th – featuring a special traveling exhibit highlighting the people, events, and ideas that helped build our nation.

Whether it's your first visit or your tenth, there's always something new to discover at the Morgan House.

We hope to see you there!
Morgan House – 234 Church Avenue, Oshkosh
Friday, June 5
6:00–8:00 PM
Free tours • Donations welcome

06/02/2026

Two New Exhibits Now Open at the Morgan House for June!

The Winnebago County Historical Society is excited to welcome visitors to experience two powerful new exhibits that explore key chapters in American history.

We Stand on Their Shoulders: A History of Wisconsin Women and Voting examines the long journey toward women’s suffrage and political participation in Wisconsin. While the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920 was a landmark achievement, it did not extend voting rights to all women. Through a series of important laws and reforms between 1920 and 1982, voting access gradually expanded to women of all races. This exhibit highlights landmark legislation, the political advancements of women during this period, and the ongoing conversation surrounding voting rights today.

The Road to Liberty brings a portion of the White House’s Founders Museum, The Road to Liberty, to the Morgan House. This powerful exhibit pays tribute to the founding of the United States and features images illustrating defining moments of the American Revolution. These displays are presented in partnership with Freedom 250, an organization dedicated to helping Americans remember where we came from, reflect on who we are, and recommit to the ideals that unite us.

📅 Exhibit viewing dates:
Friday, June 5th 6p-8p
Saturday, June 13th 9a-3p
Saturday, June 27th 9am-Noon
(Additional dates may be added—stay tuned!)

Join us at the Morgan House this June to explore these inspiring stories of struggle, sacrifice, and the enduring ideals that continue to shape our nation.

06/01/2026

𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗔𝗺 𝗜?
Week 1

I was born in June 1895 to German immigrant parents and grew up in a large family with many brothers and sisters.

In 1912, I married in Chicago and started a family of my own. But life did not always go as planned. In 1927, I divorced and found myself raising four children on my own at a time when single mothers faced significant challenges and opportunities for women were often limited.

Determined to provide for my family, I came to Oshkosh and worked multiple jobs just to make ends meet. But I saw opportunity where others saw risk.

Over time, I built a successful career and became one of Oshkosh's best-known businesswomen.

Who am I?

Send a message to learn more