Our History
On February 6, 1917 Charles F. Carr, local newspaper editor, donated his collection of natural history items as well as his personal collection of books to the city of New London. This collection became the core of the New London Public Museum. Initially, displayed in the Carnegie library, the museum showcased Mr. Carr’s natural history collection. Soon other community members started donating natural history items. In the early 1920s, Flora Willett-Mason gave a large collection of items from her family. These historical items and archival materials broadened the scope of the museum. Transforming it into a multi-topic institution.
Charles and his wife Emma left money to the city to construct a separate museum. Designed by Victor Thomas, the museum opened its own space on March 16, 1932 next door to the library. This expansion allowed it to continue to collect a diversity of items.
Today, the New London Public Museum is one of only five public, multi-topic museums in Wisconsin. People from all over the country visit the museum every year to learn about local, natural and Native American history. Changing exhibits, events, and educational programs keep our visitors engaged in life-long learning. A growing preservation program at the museum ensures that generations to come will be able to discover a wider world at their local museum, the New London Public Museum.
“One of the best small museums of its kind I’ve seen and I’ve visited hundreds of museums nationally and internationally. It was a fascinating place for an 8-year-old me in 1968, and still is today.” -JQ