About Us:

The Land O' Lakes Historical Society has been around for a few years, but as of Y2K, we now have our very own museum building. We also have new motivation to research, exhibit, and preserve Vilas area history. Our first exhibit on Vilas area geology took a look at our three billion-year timespan from the ancient Archean bedrock to the relatively recent glacial landforms. This exhibit was a big success, and while it has now been taken down, you can still access geology images and information through the museum.

Our second exhibit on Barefoot Charlie was thoroughly researched by a team of distinguished and attractive local historians including Pat Juday, Paul McLeod, and Marilyn Annin (designer). The exhibit was launched in May, 2002, and was featured during the 2003 season as well. More than 2000 visitors saw the exhibit in 2003.
Our third exhibit which also ran during 2003 dealt with the diaries of two early residents of Land O' Lakes. These were Claude Warren, minister of the Ely Church, and Deborah Ferry, longtime summer resident on Black Oak Lake. Excerpts from their diaries dating to the 1920s and 1930s were featured along with unpublished images from the archives of the historical society.