Carla Strassburg is president of the Wittenberg Area Historical Society.
The society’s museum is open from 1:30-4 p.m. Sundays through Labor Day or appointment by calling 715-881-0326.
During Community Days on June 13-14 at Washington Park on Webb Street, the society will have a museum deaccession. Books, pictures, postcards and other items will be for sale.
Strassburg was born in Elderon, graduated from Appleton East High School and earned a degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. She worked at newspapers in Steven Point, Waupaca, Wittenberg and then various jobs in the Wittenberg area before opening her own business, Wiouwash Trading Company, which she ran for four years. Currently she works in the dietary department at Homme Home for the Aging in Wittenberg.
Strassburg and her husband, Dave Beauvillia, a part-time rural route mail carrier, have been married 32 years. They live in the town of Morris. She enjoys gardening and visiting her father.
Q How long have you been with the Wittenberg Area Historical Society?
A “It’s been about 10 years. I am the president. I have been a member, board member and secretary/treasurer.”
Q What do you do?
A “Most of our focus is on maintaining artifacts and the building. Right now we need a new furnace. We have the funding from donations. The late Dr. Susan Hanson donated a large portion of the funding. One of the biggest challenges is changing over displays. We go through a process of accepting artifacts because we don’t have room and it needs to have some relevance to the Wittenberg area. Right now, we have a timeline quilt of a family story from 1908 to the 1930s. Challenges we face are do we want our museum to be reflective of turn of the century from the 1880s to the 1920s or do we start to include after that time period. History is being made every day, and we’re trying to decide what is relevant and the time frame.”
Q Do you need more members?
A “The museum is open every Sunday in the summer. It’s hard to find people to spend hours at the museum and for special events. If you’re interested in the culture of your community and if you believe preserving history is important and have an interest in local history, please consider becoming a caretaker of Wittenberg history. Many people come looking for information on their ancestors. We do have manuscripts of families.”
Q Why do you volunteer?
A “I enjoy it. It’s important for people to volunteer in any way they can. This is something I like to do. You get to meet interesting people and it gives you a sense of pride.”
