History

The original society was formed in 1957 by Tony Wise. It dwindled down and then was rejuvenated by Eldon Marple in 1979. The society started a museum in the Fuller Building on 4th Street in 1986. In 1992, the present museum building was obtained from the Department of Natural Resources. The lot the museum stands on was donated by Martin Lee and a foundation was constructed. The building was then moved to the site by Poppe Moving Company. The museum opened to the public in 1993 and many improvements have been made over the years. A furnace and air conditioning unit was installed in 1997. And an alarm system was added in 2009.

The garage was a hands-on project of a class from Hayward High School in 1997. The Bunk House was purchased by a donor at the auction of the old Cook Shanty Restaurant in 2000. It was moved to the site on County Highway B in 2007. A walkway and stairs were built by the Hayward Area Builders Association. All their labor was donated. This building was opened to the public in 2010.

The society is run by a board of eight directors and uses monies from dues, donations and fundraisers to operate. The Sawyer County Board of Supervisors also makes a contribution each year.