Best of Menomonie

menomonie Best Of

A Peek Into Rassbach Museum's History & Additional Features T he Dunn County Historical Society, which calls Rassbach Museum its home, was founded in 1950. The organization discovers, preserves, interprets and shares knowledge about the history of Dunn County and its role in Wisconsin, and inspires interest in the past. The museum, located in Wakanda Park, is also host to Fulton's Workshop, both an interactive maker space for folks of all ages to learn and make and a showcase of the work Fulton Holtby, a mechanical and forensic engineer, did.

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According to the museum's website, the current exhibits are available for viewing:

• Settlement: pre-historic era to present • Kraft State Bank Robbery • Caddie Woodlawn and the Dunnville General Store • Victorian Rooms • Dunn County in the Civil War • Prohibition: Wets vs. Drys in Dunn County • On the Farm • Curious Machines

The museum also hosts traveling exhibits throughout the year as appropriate.

Fulton's Workshop is also host ot the following exhibits:

• Dunn County Invents • Holtby Invents • Machine Shop • Simple Machines • Casting • Makerspace

we will remember them forever,” said Michael. “This was a great way to share their memory.” According to Knee land, some of the first pets to be honored on the wall will be notable Dunn County animals from the past, such as the Tainter family’s

Visitors can also explore the Hilkrest School, a space that found its way to the museum in the 2000s and has remained since. The rural one-room country school is an example of 19th century rural schools. The Tainter Playhouse is also on display, originally used by the children of Andrew Tainter (one of the founders of Knapp, Stout & Co., a historic lumber empire). The Rassbach Museum is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 11am-5pm; and Thursday from 2-8pm. Admission is free for members; $8 for adults; $5 for kids (ages 5-17), students, and seniors; and free for active military and veterans with ID.

dog Old Matt. She said this project connects the region’s history with the timeless bond between people and animals. “The wall is open to memorials for any animal, whether they had paws, wings, or hooves,” Brittany said. How to Honor Your Pet The wall currently consists of three connected panels, but if these fill up more panels can be added. Fulton’s Workshop in the museum has a tag stamping kit, so visitors can create tags as they are visiting. Cre ating a tag is free, with an optional donation. Visitors can also bring their own tags. Menomonie community member Sterling Lehrke brought her own tag for her childhood dog Fritzy. "He was the best odd, cranky old dog. I love that even though I have dogs now later in life, I still get a place to share Fritzy and his memory with

others," said Sterling.

Brittany said she’s talked to many people who want to contribute to the wall. “Several have gone on to tell me the heartfelt story of their own pet’s life, which to me means the wall is already doing what we hoped — creating a space for connection and remembrance,” she said. The Pet Remembrance Wall will be a permanent part of the museum’s collection as part of the Dunn County Historical Society. During the warm er months, the wall will be displayed outdoors. In the winter, the wall will be brought inside the museum for protection and continued display. Rassbach Museum (1820 John Russell Rd., Menomonie) is located at Wakanda Park and is also home to the Dunn County Historical Society. Supplies to create a pet tag for the Pet Remembrance Wall can be found inside the museum. Question? Call the museum at (715) 232-8685.

Best Of menomonie

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