A Fascinating Visit to Mazomanie's Historic Museum

by Siheon Park, age 11

On a recent warm sunny day, reporters from Simpson Street Free Press departed South Towne Mall in Madison and headed toward Mazomanie, Wisconsin. We were heading to western Dane County. We had heard and read about the history museum located in this small town and wanted to see it for ourselves.

We arrived around 10:30 in the morning. Even the outside of the building was interesting. It looked very old, like there was history inside, and it made us curious to go inside.

We were greeted by Judi Curtis, a longtime volunteer and part of the brain trust that maintains this very special place. Judi had us sign in and we exchanged business cards. As we were doing that, we were also looking around at all the fascinating objects and exhibits. We were anxious to explore and learn more.

In the museum there were four main rooms and each room consisted of different exhibits. Everywhere we looked, there was something to see.

The first room focused on the history of the village of Mazomanie and how it developed into what we can see today. As we stepped into the second room, we could see photos of Mazomanie from 1855 to 1900. There were also newspaper clippings along the walls, artifacts from local businesses and homes, as well as class pictures from Mazomanie High School as far back as 1882.

A third room touched on the local citizens and the 200 men of Mazomanie who participated in the civil war. We made our way to the last room, which was created in honor of Werner Thiers and his wife, Ada Thiers. Thiers was the first president of the Mazomanie Historical Society and a blacksmith. In this room, we could see many tools used by blacksmiths and other tradesmen. We also saw rifles, musical instruments, a stove, and a very old typewriter. The washing machine and sewing machine made it easy to imagine people at work. There were also a couple of pictures of Werner Thiers himself.

In the Thiers Room, students sat down to listen to David Gjeston, a tour guide at the Mazomanie museum. He explained the history behind the Black Hawk War. We’ve read about the so-called Black Hawk War, but only knew the background. Mr. Gjeston told us more about Chief Black Hawk, the Bad Axe Massacre, and the Battle of Wisconsin Heights, which took place not far from what is now downtown Mazomanie.

Mr. Gjeston also touched on the Battle of Wood Lake, a conflict with the Minnesota Dakota (Sioux) that happened in the year 1862. A Wahpeton Dakota chief, named Mazomani, who the village is likely named after, played a role as a peacemaker during the conflict. Chief Mazomani was wounded and died just a few days after the battle.

After this presentation, we had the chance to ask questions and walk around the museum. Our hosts were full of knowledge and were very helpful. They made our visit fascinating. We also got to explore the old jail, which is located right next to the museum building.

We strongly recommend a family trip to Mazomanie and this wonderful museum. It’s a place that can take you back in time. The drive is beautiful and it’s not far. SSFP students can’t wait for our next chance to explore this gem of a museum.

[Source: Mazomanie Historical Society]