De Pere, Wis. – The De Pere Historical Society is inviting residents to explore its newly expanded Heritage Center during an open house Saturday, November 7, from noon to 2 p.m. The event marks the completion of a multi‑year renovation of the historic White Pillars Museum, the city’s oldest commercial building.
From storage rooms to a full‑service heritage hub
Society director McKim Boyd explained that the original museum space, acquired in the early 1970s, had become too cramped for the Society’s growing collection and programming needs. “Our previous space didn’t allow us to host inside programming or accommodate school groups,” Boyd said. “We were storing items in five or six different locations. Now everything is back under one roof.”
The three‑story building now houses the restored White Pillars Museum on the first and second floors, where original pillars have been returned to their historic positions. The lowest level contains a research room and a climate‑controlled archives area that holds nearly two centuries of De Pere history. Boyd noted that the archives will eventually be displayed throughout the main floors, giving the public broader access to the city’s past.
Educational programming and future plans
While the Society plans an official grand opening in April or May—once remaining fundraising goals are met—it will begin offering educational programs as early as December or January. “We’ll have display cases that will be updated regularly, and we’ll start programming for schools and community groups soon,” Boyd added.
The Heritage Center still needs roughly $475,000 to finish interior improvements, a goal the Society hopes to achieve through continued community donations and grant support.
Open house details
All De Pere residents and visitors are welcome to tour the renovated museum, view the new research facilities, and learn about upcoming events. The open house will run from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, with staff on hand to answer questions and share the Society’s vision for preserving local heritage.
For more information or to contribute to the fundraising campaign, contact the De Pere Historical Society at (920) 555‑1234 or visit their website.
Original reporting: FOX 11 WLUK Green Bay (local) — read the source article.
