"As a professor, I tended to think of history as run by impersonal forces. But when you see it in practice, you see the difference personalities make."

- Henry Kissinger

Picturing Main Street: Postcards From Our Past

Drawing on The History Museum’s collection of more than 500 picture postcards dating back to the turn of the century, Picturing Main Street showcases historic downtowns throughout our region. From Appleton’s College Avenue, to Neenah’s Wisconsin Avenue, to Little Chute’s Main Street these unique images give a glimpse into the past and evoke memories in those who recall the glory days when “Main Street” was a town’s thriving business and social center.

The History Museum, 2009.050.001
College Avenue, looking West in Appleton’s downtown business district, circa 1945.

Scores of original postcards as well as large scale replicas are featured in the exhibit. A visitor activated touch screen allows visitors to discover hundreds of additional postcards. Further components of the exhibit include a do-it-yourself postcard station where visitors can create and mail their own personalized postcard. Additional hands-on activities and supplementary educational and community programs will also be offered during Picturing Main Street’s exhibition run.

The exhibits at The History Museum are a collaboration between museum curators and the community. A special thank you to the following:

Octoberfest
Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region
Eagle Supply & Plastics, Inc
Envision Ink
Wollangk Design, Inc.