The Wakefield Historical Society was founded at a meeting at Denbo’s Coffee Shop in 1969. This original organization had the primary focus of gathering information and artifacts from Wakefield’s early history, around the late 1800s and the turn of the 20th century. By the late 1970s, it was determined that a museum building would be needed to house the Society’s collection and artifacts. In 1980, our building was generously donated to us by Joe and Mae Ringsmuth in memory of their two sons. Since 1980, our museum has been a cornerstone for local history and a popular place for visitors and residents alike to reminisce about Wakefield’s rich history.

Constructed in 1887, our museum building originally operated as the Wakefield Hospital during the booming iron ore mining and lumber industries of the late 19th century. Doctors practicing in this hospital were as follows: Dr. George Loope (1887-1888), Dr. Julius Eddy (188-1915), Dr. Harry Tressel (1913-1957), and Dr. R.I.C. Prout (1914-1939). In 1926, a new hospital building was constructed just east of our building, now known as the Keen-Agers Assisted Living Facility. Ideas for our building were discussed, with two of the biggest ideas being to either turn the building into housing or demolish the building and sell the land. Ultimately, it was decided by Dr. Tressel that he would convert the building into his own doctor’s office, which he operated until his retirement in 1957. The doctor’s office then transferred through a handful of different doctors throughout the remainder of the 20th century: Dr. Arthur Benetti (1957-1960), Dr. Lester Medford (1960-1971), Dr. John Mackie (1971), and finally Dr. Benjamin Ulep (1974-75). The building then briefly became the Morgan R. Butler III Law Office from 1977-1979. In 1980, the former hospital, doctor’s office, and law office building was donated to us and has been the home of the Wakefield Museum ever since.

Today, our museum features over 3,000 items and special exhibits with themes such as Mining, Logging, Businesses, Organizations, Schools, Military, Esther’s Closet (Fashion & Clothing), and much more. As we continue to modernize our museum and bring it into the digital age of the 21st century, our displays are being updated and refreshed to continue enjoyment and learning in the younger generations.