Chippewa Valley Museum

The Chippewa Valley Historical Society, founded in 1952, began to build support for opening a museum with a display in Eau Claire’s Public Library, followed by two “History on Display” exhibits in 1964 and 1965, and a display in the Barstow School in 1965.

In 1966 the Chippewa Valley Museum opens its doors in the former Meader Candy Factory just north of downtown Eau Claire. Jack Arnold, president of the L.G. Arnold Construction Company, housed upstairs, donated space on the first floor of the building for use by the museum. However, the building was sold in 1967 and the museum found itself without a home.

From 1968-1974 the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire housed the Chippewa Valley Museum at 129 Chippewa Street in a house they had purchased for future development. While the museum had the use of three rooms they could only accommodate the exhibit displays and a total of 10 people at a time.

In 1972 ground was broken for the museum’s present location in Eau Claire’s Carson Park, and by 1974 the Chippewa Valley Museum opened its doors to the public in its present location.

The Anderson Log Home and Sunnyview School are located on the museum grounds and are included with museum admission in spring, summer and fall. Also available at the museum is the Glen Curtis Smoot Library and Archives, the Museum Store and a 1950s style ice cream parlor.

Today the Chippewa Valley Museum continues to gather memories, save ideas, and share stories to create a community that connects diverse audiences with the culture and history of the Chippewa Valley.

Chippewa Valley Museum. Accessed May 11th 2020. http://www.cvmuseum.com.