Upcoming Events
In addition to the tours offered during our operational seasons, Memorial Day through Labor Day, at our three outstanding and historically significant Museums, we offer several events throughout the year for your enjoyment, learning opportunity, and adventure!
February Speaker Series
February 6th, 2025
Oconto County Historical Society to Host Engaging Speaker Series on WWII’s Red Arrow Division at Buna
Oconto, WI – History comes alive this February as the Oconto County Historical Society invites the community to a captivating evening honoring the bravery and sacrifice of local soldiers. The Speaker Series event, “The Red Arrow Division at Buna,” will delve into one of the most challenging and pivotal battles of World War II.
Join us on Thursday, February 6th, at 6:30 PM, at the Beyer Home & Carriage Museum, 915 Park Avenue, Oconto, for an unforgettable journey through history. Captain Florian L. Waitl, Command Historian of the Wisconsin National Guard, will provide a richly detailed presentation recounting the heroism of Oconto’s Company C, 127th Infantry, 32nd “Red Arrow” Infantry Division during the bloody Battle of Buna in New Guinea in 1942-43.
This engaging presentation will take you back in time through an immersive combination of photographs, aerial imagery, modern drone footage, virtual terrain maps, and firsthand soldier accounts. Captain Waitl will also share insights from members of today’s Wisconsin National Guard who visited Buna in September 2024, providing a unique connection between past and present.
A Tribute to Local Heroes
The Battle of Buna was one of the most grueling campaigns of World War II, and its impact resonates deeply in our community. Seven soldiers from Oconto and Marinette Counties made the ultimate sacrifice in this campaign. This event offers a poignant opportunity to reflect on their courage and the enduring spirit of those who served.
Event Details:
- Date: Thursday, February 6, 2025
- Time: 6:30 PM
- Location: Beyer Home & Carriage Museum, 915 Park Avenue, Oconto
- Cost: Free and open to the public
- Extras: Light refreshments will be served
Don’t miss this chance to connect with history, honor our local heroes, and gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made to preserve our freedoms. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply interested in learning more about the contributions of our community’s servicemen, this event promises to be a meaningful experience.
Copper Culture State Park Candlelight Hike
February 8, 2025
Enjoy a beautiful evening walking through the illuminated candle lite trails at Copper Culture State Park, while enjoying hot chocolate and cookies with family and friends. You can warm by the fire before and after your hike. This event is free to the public. Please check back on our website or follow us on Facebook for the time and details regarding this special winter event.
March Speaker Series
March 6th, 2025
The Speaker Series is held the first Thursday of March. The Speaker Series offers to the public free of charge a presentation on a topic of local interest. Please plan to join us. Free cookies and beverages are available while you sit back and enjoy the presentation. Please check back on our website or follow us on Facebook for details regarding the presentation as the date approaches.
April Speaker Series
April 3rd, 2025
The Speaker Series is held the first Thursday of April. The Speaker Series offers to the public free of charge a presentation on a topic of local interest. Please plan to join us. Free cookies and beverages are available while you sit back and enjoy the presentation. Please check back on our website or follow us on Facebook for details regarding the presentation as the date approaches.
Spring Victorian Tea
May, 2025
Enjoy this unique and special spring event where our hosts dress is period attire and present an informative historical program for guests in an enjoyable tea and delicious luncheon setting. Please check back on our website or follow us on Facebook for details as the date approaches.
Tours Open!
Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day
All three of our museums – Beyer Home & Carriage Museum, Copper Culture Museum, and Holt & Balcom Logging Camp Museum – are open for tours beginning Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day!!
Pie & Ice Cream Social and Elegant Junque Sale
June, 2025
Please come and enjoy a delicious piece of pie with ice cream at our Beyer Home and Carriage Museum on a relaxing Sunday afternoon. This special event occurs on the Sunday afternoon of Copperfest weekend which is celebrated annually in the City of Oconto. You will also enjoy shopping for that unique and special treasure in our Elegant Junque Sale. Please check back on our website or follow us on Facebook for details as the date approaches.
Tunes on Tuesday
Tuesdays, June through August
6:00 – 8:00 PM
Please pack up your lawn chair and come to our Beyer Home Museum grounds and enjoy an evening of free music. Weekly live music is performed by local musicians from our Gazebo. It is truly a fun and relaxing evening. Please check back on our website or follow us on Facebook for the schedule of bands playing each Tuesday evening throughout the summer.
Cemetery Walk “If Tombstones Could Talk”
September, 2025
Please join us for this extremely popular annual event. This event includes the amazing portrayals of Oconto County residents laid to rest at both local cemeteries. The event is held three consecutive evenings in September (two at the cemetery and one at the Oconto High School Auditorium). You will be touched by the stories told by our talented performers of these local residents. Please check back on our website or follow us on Facebook for details as the date approaches.
September Speaker Series
September 4th, 2025
The Speaker Series is held the first Thursday of September. The Speaker Series offers to the public free of charge a presentation on a topic of local interest. Please plan to join us. Free cookies and beverages are available while you sit back and enjoy the presentation. Please check back on our website or follow us on Facebook for details regarding the presentation as the date approaches.
October Speaker Series
October 2nd, 2025
The Speaker Series is held the first Thursday of October. The Speaker Series offers to the public free of charge a presentation on a topic of local interest. Please plan to join us. Free cookies and beverages are available while you sit back and enjoy the presentation. Please check back on our website or follow us on Facebook for details regarding the presentation as the date approaches.
November Speaker Series:
November 6, 2025
6:30 PM
The Speaker Series is held the first Thursday of November. The Speaker Series offers to the public free of charge a presentation on a local topic of interest. Please plan to join us. Free cookies and beverages are available while you sit back and enjoy the presentation. Please check back on our website or follow us on Facebook for details regarding the presentation as the date approaches.
Annual Meeting of the Oconto County Historical Society
November, 2025
6:00 PM
The annual meeting for Historical Society members is held each November. Included with the meeting is a dinner and interesting presentation. Invitations are sent out to our membership to attend this special evening. Please join us as a member and learn more about our incredible organization and all we have to offer.
December Speaker Series
December 4th, 2025
The Speaker Series is held the first Thursday of December. The Speaker Series offers to the public free of charge a presentation on a local topic of interest. Please plan to join us. Free cookies and beverages are available while you sit back and enjoy the presentation. Please check back on our website or follow us on Facebook for details regarding the presentation as the date approaches.
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