Events & Programs

Our events and programs are offered at no cost, are family friendly, and open to the public. Unless otherwise noted, events and programs are held at 508 Watson Street, Ripon, Wisconsin. This location has an accessibility entrance with parking and elevator at the back entrance, behind the building. Programs take place on Thursdays once or twice a month. These programs include presentations on historical topics of interest and panel discussions. Events include open houses, exhibits, tours, and workshops.

Upcoming Events

Heirloom Appraisal Event with Lecture

September 13th 1:00-4:00 PM,
508 Watson

September 13th 1:00-4:00 PM, 508 Watson St., Heirloom Appraisal Event, with lecture by experts on antiques and history, Travis Nygard & Matt Koski, following at 4:00 PM, “Appraising Antiques and Art Today: Ten Myths and Truths About What is Valuable.” Travis Nygard and Matt Koski to host heirloom appraisal event and lecture. The public is invited to bring antique family treasures, as well as collectibles, to the Ripon Historical Society as part of an heirloom appraisal fundraiser . Cost of appraisal per item is $10. Lecture is free to the public.

Celebrity Archaeologist of the MidWest: The Life and Legacy of Professor Edward Clark

September 25 7:00 PM,
508 Watson St.,

Ripon Historical Society Museum Director, Caron Sisko, and Ripon College Professor of Art, Travis Nygard, will present on Archeologist Edward Clark and the Ripon College collection of antiquities collected by Clark in 1904 while on sabbatical in Italy. Objects in the antiquities collection consist of ancient Greek and Roman clay vessels, oil lamps, bronze tools, and glass bottles. Some ancient artifacts will be on display for viewing and careful handling after the lecture. Free event. 

Hillside Cemetery Tour: “Grave Encounters & Hidden Stories”

October 19 1:00 and 3:30 PM
Hillside Cemetery

This tour combines captivating storytelling, historical insights, and a touch of the macabre to create an immersive experience you won’t soon forget. Whether you’ re a history enthusiast or a thrill-seeker, this tour offers a unique blend of education and chills. 

TICKETED EVENT! Must purchase tickets in advance. Limited number of tickets per tour!
To purchase tickets visit: https://hillsidecemeterytour1pm.rsvpify.com or https://hillsidecemeterytour330pm.rsvpify.com

Exhibit Opening, Presentation & Art Show: “Gimme A Sign!”

November 6 7:00 PM,
508 Watson St.

Museum Director Caron Sisko, Ripon College Interns, and artists of Art MidWisconsin will be presenting an exciting new exhibit titled, “Gimme A Sign!,” showcasing the history of signs in Ripon, WI. The new exhibit will also feature fine ar t pieces, created by Art MidWisconsin artists, inspired by some of the signs on display,  exploring how artists use systems of lines, shapes, and colors to generate visual signification. 

Complimentary snacks, beer, and wine. Recommended $10 donation to attend.

Historical Society Annual Membership Meeting

November 20 5:30-6:00 PM,
508 Watson St., Ripon 

Membership Dinner & Presentation

November 20 6:00 PM,
508 Watson St.

Susan Apps Bodilly will present on “Old Farm Country Cookbook,” a book of recipes she wrote with her father , Jerry Apps. Her presentation will be a culinary tour of life on the farm during the depression and WWII. Recipes from the book will be prepared by Society volunteers and board members to serve to members after the annual membership meeting. For those of you who are not members but wish to attend the presentation and partake of the delicious recipes, there will be a fee of $10. 

Free to Society members only!

Upcoming Events

Heirloom Appraisal Event with Lecture


Thursday, April 24 – 7pm
Ripon High School Community Room

September 13th 1:00-4:00 PM, 508 Watson St., Heirloom Appraisal Event, with lecture by experts on antiques and history, Travis Nygard & Matt Koski, following at 4:00 PM, “Appraising Antiques and Art Today: Ten Myths and Truths About What is Valuable.” Travis Nygard and Matt Koski to host heirloom appraisal event and lecture. The public is invited to bring antique family treasures, as well as collectibles, to the Ripon Historical Society as part of an heirloom appraisal fundraiser . Cost of appraisal per item is $10. Lecture is free to the public.

Celebrity Archaeologist of the MidWest: The Life and Legacy of Professor Edward Clark

September 25 7:00 PM,
508 Watson St.,

Ripon Historical Society Museum Director, Caron Sisko, and Ripon College Professor of Art, Travis Nygard, will present on Archeologist Edward Clark and the Ripon College collection of antiquities collected by Clark in 1904 while on sabbatical in Italy. Objects in the antiquities collection consist of ancient Greek and Roman clay vessels, oil lamps, bronze tools, and glass bottles. Some ancient artifacts will be on display for viewing and careful handling after the lecture. Free event. 

Hillside Cemetery Tour: “Grave Encounters & Hidden Stories”

October 19 1:00 and 3:30 PM
Hillside Cemetery

This tour combines captivating storytelling, historical insights, and a touch of the macabre to create an immersive experience you won’t soon forget. Whether you’ re a history enthusiast or a thrill-seeker, this tour offers a unique blend of education and chills. 

TICKETED EVENT! Must purchase tickets in advance. Limited number of tickets per tour!
To purchase tickets visit: 

Hillside Cemetery Tickets 1pm

or Hillside Cemetery Tickets 3:30pm

Exhibit Opening, Presentation & Art Show: “Gimme A Sign!”

November 6 7:00 PM,
508 Watson St.

Museum Director Caron Sisko, Ripon College Interns, and artists of Art MidWisconsin will be presenting an exciting new exhibit titled, “Gimme A Sign!,” showcasing the history of signs in Ripon, WI. The new exhibit will also feature fine art pieces, created by Art MidWisconsin artists, inspired by some of the signs on display,  exploring how artists use systems of lines, shapes, and colors to generate visual signification. 

Complimentary snacks, beer, and wine. Recommended $10 donation to attend.

Historical Society Annual Membership Meeting

November 20 5:30-6:00 PM,
508 Watson St., Ripon 

Membership Dinner & Presentation

November 20 6:00 PM,
508 Watson St.

Susan Apps Bodilly will present on “Old Farm Country Cookbook,” a book of recipes she wrote with her father , Jerry Apps. Her presentation will be a culinary tour of life on the farm during the depression and WWII. Recipes from the book will be prepared by Society volunteers and board members to serve to members after the annual membership meeting. For those of you who are not members but wish to attend the presentation and partake of the delicious recipes, there will be a fee of $10. 

Free to Society members only!