Vernon County History logo

About The Vernon County Historical Society

The Vernon County Historical Society is a tax-exempt, 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation. Donations are tax-deductible.

The Vernon County Historical Society (VCHS) was formed in 1941. Interest in a museum for Vernon County artifacts dates back to 1922 when space was made in the Vernon County Normal School. In 1940, John (Jerry) J.M. Dawson invited people to his insurance office to organize what became the VCHS. The collections had to be relocated many times before finding a permanent home, once again, at the Vernon County Normal School. Read all about the History of the Vernon County Historical Society.

VCHS Mission Statement:
The Vernon County Historical Society preserves and promotes Vernon County history for the education and enjoyment of all.

VCHS Vision Statement:
We will strive to keep history relevant to all people today by connecting the past, present, and future stories of our county.

VCHS Values Statement:
These are the values the Vernon County Historical Society embraces in fulfilling its mission and vision of sharing and promoting the history of Vernon County Wisconsin.
The Vernon County Historical Society will:
Be an integral part of the community it serves by recording, teaching and sharing stories of Vernon County for the enrichment of their fellow citizens.

Utilize all of its resources to produce high quality work while breaking down barriers, building opportunities and cultivating community connections.

Present programs and projects that inspire and enlighten community members.

Be an organization that welcomes all people and communities by encouraging equality and accessibility.

Sustain a future through commitment to these values.


Bylaws of the Vernon County Historical Society
In accordance with Wisconsin Statutes, the Vernon County Historical Society adheres to bylaws that govern the administration and activities of this organization.


The Board

The first board, created in 1941, consisted of Jerry Dawson as president, W.D. Dyson as secretary, Hope Nuzum as treasurer, and Amy Roisland and H.S. Frederickson as trustees.

The composition of the board has changed over the years. Currently, the Board consists of the President, the Vice President, the Secretary, the Treasurer, and five Directors. The Directors are elected by the Society members during the November Member meeting, and installed at the December Board meeting. Directors are elected to three year terms, which are staggered. Principal officers - president, vice president, secretary, treasurer - are elected by and from the board of directors at the December meeting of the board. Officers serve a one year term.

The VCHS also has a Curator and an Assistant Curator. The current board consists of:


The 2024 Board from left: Brian Ekern, Cindy Guist, Kevin Alderson, Dian Krause,
Leila Holen, Rondi Solverson & Kim Cade standing behind Carl Lindquist, Eddy Nix.
2024 Board


infinity


Curator Kristen Parrott (left) and Assistant Curator Carol Krogan:
Kristen and Carol


Kristen Parrott has been the VCHS curator since 2010, replacing retiring curator Judy Mathison. Carol Krogan has been assistant curator since 2000, working with newly appointed curator Judy Mathison.


infinity


Board Members from the Past


The 2022 Board from left: Dian Krause, Denise Kirchoff, Carl Linquist,
Loann Frie, Kim Cade, Brad Steinmetz, Brian Ekern, Eddy Nix. Leila Holen not pictured.
2022 Board


infinity



2017 Board members (l-r): Donna Knower, Marcia Andrew, Loann Frie, Loann Frie, Julie Malone, Ramona Skrede, Joanne Olson

infinity



2012 Board members (l-r): Mike Callan, Julie Malone, Gary Krause, Kathleen Sullivan, Marlowe Nelson

infinity



2009 curator Judy Mathison at Vernon County Fair

infinity



1995 Officers

infinity



1990 Board

infinity



Curator Judy Gates, image from June 7, 1990

infinity



1987 President Clara Overby

infinity



1983 Curator Connie Stephen (lt) and President Rhoda White

infinity



President Helen Hornby, image from June 25, 1976

infinity



1964 Officers

infinity



1953, May, Mrs. Clinton Nuzum, past president, and Calvin Marx, president, and John Jenkins, State Historical Society curator, in VCHS' new museum in hospital basement.