Yesteryear Gallery

The Story of Kenosha's Early Beginnings
As you enter the gallery, the Upson family's oxcart is the storyteller's dream. Having traveled by barge and ship from Connecticut to the Wisconsin Territory, we permit the viewer to imagine the journey of unknown challenges and opportunities awaiting a settler family. Once more settlers came to the area, agriculture became a vital component to support the growning community.




A Settlement is Born
Our collections date over a wide range of time including items typical during early settlement such as a tin lantern to the telephone dating well into the 20th century. From 1835 to 1910, County residents purchased a variety of goods and merchandise allowing us to show a wide selection of time. A General Store display was a necessary fixture of our community, even becoming an American institution. Since the General Store was so prominent in the early history of the community, it is one of the main displays in the Yesteryear Gallery.



Education and Merchants
Education was an important ideal in the new community so, the History Center gives the viewer a glimpse of a one room school. The Yesteryear Gallery also portrays a railroad ticket office, a vital linkage for a growing community and ties to the surrounding countryside. As time progressed, the downtown flourished and other merchants began to set up shop. Also on display are an apothecary, a barbershop and a law office.



Click here for the new Blacksmith exhibit


Contact us for more info