The Buffalo County Historical Society (BCHS) was founded in 1980 by local citizens interested in preserving Buffalo County’s History. The mission to collect, preserve, and share Buffalo County’s history continues today.
Located in the Buffalo County Courthouse and Heritage Hall in Alma, Wisconsin, the Society currently houses over 3200 objects, 8500 photos, 6500 archived documents, and 1270 publications and books. The Society’s archives contain over 250 family histories, video and audio recordings, and materials related to Buffalo County’s natural history. Staffed by a part-time director and part-time register, BCHS utilizes Past Perfect software to track accessions, donations, and memberships. Over 300 members are currently active. Stakeholders include Buffalo County residents, businesses, and municipalities. BCHS provides resources for other historical societies, churches, schools, and cemetery associations.
Our Mission
The Buffalo County Historical Society’s mission is to collect, preserve, and share Buffalo County’s rich past for generations to come.
Our Vision
The Buffalo County Historical Society is the place to satisfy your curiosity and celebrate Buffalo County.
History
October 1980. The formation of a county-wide historical society resulted from the efforts of local historical chapters at Alma and Mondovi, who decided to work towards a county society.
The Buffalo County Board of Supervisors approved spending $8000 to help the new society hire a director.
Appointed to a special interim board to begin incorporation and determine county society goals and projects during the preliminary phases of the organization were Houser Rockwell, Mondovi, Judge Gary Schosstein, Modena, Darlene Burlingame, Nelson, James Gourley, Fountain City, James Kirchner, Fountain City, Almeda Latshaw, Mondovi, Janice Schoen, Alma, Michael Doyle, Waumandee, and Mr. and Mrs. Henry Multhaup, Town of Buffalo.