Columbus Area Historical Society Museum

The Columbus Area Historical Society Museum was located in the building that once housed the First National Bank of Columbus, Wisconsin. The Museum was established in 2018 utilizing the remodeled interior house-fronts to create the Streets of Columbus, but as of February 2022, the Museum must close due to a lapse in the lease for the building. The CAHS Museum intends to reopen in a new facility as soon as possible. The mission of the Society and Museum remains to protect and preserve the rich history, artifacts, and stories of the Columbus area.

The Columbus Area Historical Society was founded in 2010 by a group of people interested in collecting, preserving, and sharing the unique, significant historical artifacts and stories of the Columbus, Wisconsin area. The Museum, which opened its doors to patrons in 2018, had detailed exhibits sharing the history of the Columbus Area through collections highlighting education, business, everyday life, military service, notable local fine arts, and more. Columbus Area Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, a non-stock corporation affiliated with the State Historical Society of Wisconsin. The Museum had free admission to patrons on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays from April to October.

The exhibits at the Museum offered a look into the history of the Columbus area through unique artifacts, stories, and documents. The Columbus area could be seen through an ever-growing collection of early 1900's postcards. Throughout the Museum, these historic postcards told the story of Columbus through a historical lens. From the 1899 Street Festival stereoscopic cards to the 1950s Downtown scenes. The history of Columbus is revealed through these stunning glimpses into the past!

Honor Court displayed artifacts and stories of local residents having served in the United States Armed Forces. From World War I through the Vietnam War, area citizens have stepped up to serve their country. This exhibit shared their stories. In honor of the people who "have had our backs 24/7 since 1877," CVFD Lane shared historic pictures and artifacts from the Columbus Volunteer Fire Department. From the Champion 1888 Alert Hose Running Company team to the 125th Anniversary of the Department, many stories are told throughout the exhibit.

Local artists such as Susan E. Stare and Sr. Joanne Daley had works on display in the original, refurbished, bank vault dubbed Gallery Way. School Road reveals the growth of the Columbus Area Schools and community recreation history. Other roads to visit are Kitchen Ct., Cinema Street, Bankers Corner, and Business Way. Tucked in every corner of the Columbus Area Historical Society Museum were treasures from our past.