top of page

Who We Are


The Waupun Historical Society is an energetic team of volunteers who enjoy telling stories, learning about the past, and engaging with the public.  Through programs, events, and exhibits, the WHS works with community partners to foster a sense of identity and belonging for all members of the community.  We seek to educate locals and visitors with all aspects of history, no matter how fascinating or difficult the facts may be.


What We Do

Exhibits

We strive to tell the stories of the Waupun area in thoughtful and engaging ways. From our permanent installments on the state prison or our sculptures to temporary exhibits on local businesses and military service, there is plenty to see!​

Programs

Our team of volunteers love the opportunities to educate and engage people of all ages with local history and Waupun's connection to the world. With formal lectures and our widely popular Forest Mound Cemetery Walk, our educational programs introduce audiences to a wide array of topics!

Special Events

We join our neighbors in historic downtown Waupun for the Wine Walk every May, and the holiday festivities during Waupun's holiday parade! We craft pop-up exhibits celebrating the season that hundreds of visitors enjoy!

Collections Research

The Waupun Historical Society cares for a collection of over 5,000 artifacts from our community's history. One-of-a-kind documents, priceless photographs, and a host of objects are all housed within our spaces. We enjoy researching our collections and providing the best care possible to ensure they last for future generations to learn from and enjoy!


The 2023 Board of Directors


Roughly one third of the board is up for election every year.  Once elections are held in January, the new board elects a president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer for the year.  For more information on our Board of Directors, see our â€‹Bylaws.



President Zac Dickhut


Serves on the Internal & External Committees

Zac has been volunteering with us for twelve years, was elected president in 2021 after serving a year as the archivist.  He previously served as Board secretary.  In addition to his work with the Society, Zac has served Waupun on the Police & Fire Commission and as the Executive Director for the Waupun Area Chamber of Commerce.  He is currently working on a Masters Degree in Public History and Museum Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.


Serving until January, 2024

Vice President Dylan Weber


Serves on the Internal Committee

Dylan has been affiliated with us for several years now, and is active all over Waupun!  Dylan is a business-owner who has served on the school board, Waupun Fine Arts board, and  Chamber board.  He has served on a number of committees for the City, as well.  He previously served as Society treasurer.

Serving until January, 2025

Secretary Tracie Nichols


Chair of the External Committee

Tracie is in her 8th year volunteering for the Society and her 3rd term as secretary. Tracie delights in researching and presenting interesting topics related to Waupun's history. Please feel free to contact her to set up a presentation for your school or group interest!


Serving until January, 2026

Treasurer Laurie Vant Hoff


Serves on the External Committee

Laurie became the treasurer for us in January of 2020. She has experience with bookkeeping for a few other non-profits, and enjoys helping these organizations with their record-keeping. Laurie loves her 95-year-old Waupun home and has researched the history of it and its past residents (the first owner lost the house after he was convicted of embezzling from the bank!)


Serving until January, 2024

Director Steve Biever


Serves on the Internal Committee

Steve's in his 8th year of volunteering with us.  Steve enjoys collecting and researching information on Waupun's business history, and exploring Wisconsin's many small-town breweries.  Steve also crafts many scale model buildings, including some historic structures from town! He most recently compiled a history of Waupun's service stations throughout the 20th century.


Serving until January, 2024

Director Rick Vant Hoff


Serves on the External Committee

Rick enjoys conversing with tourists visiting our museum.  In addition to his work with the Society, Rick also volunteers with Marsh Haven Nature Center, the DNR, serves on the Church Health Services Board of Directors, as well as the SSM Long-term Care Board.


Serving until January, 2025

Director Pam Garcia


Serves on the External Committee

Pam Garcia serves Waupun as the assistant director  and reference librarian for the Public Library.  She joins our board with the goal of creating a stronger relationship between the Waupun Public Library and the Waupun Historical Society.  She grew up in Waupun, and is the daughter of Bill and Carol Eichstadt.  Pam holds and undergraduate degree from Marian University and a Masters in Library Information Science from the University of Wisconsin.  

    

Serving until January, 2026

Executive Director Kyle Clark


Chair of the Internal Committee

Kyle Clark has served as our executive director since late 2019.  He led the major effort to clean and reorganize the historic Heritage Museum, and now oversees the archiving and cataloging processes for the Society.  Prior to his involvement, Kyle served as Waupun's mayor, city administrator, and clerk-treasurer.  He enjoys golfing and traveling around Wisconsin with his wife.

bottom of page