Built in 1906 the present Museum was once the only school. It was home to the entire eight grades as well as the four year High School. There was no gym or cafeteria. Basketball games were all played in what was known as the Park Opera House. Everyone either went home for lunch or carried a cold lunch. A gym was finally built in 1939.

In 1991-02 a new middle school opened and the School Board sought Requests for Proposals for the 1906 School Building. A citizens group organized to turn the former school into a Museum and on March 1, 1997, the Cambridge Historic School Foundation, Inc. opened its doors to the public and later that year the building was accepted and listed on the Wisconsin Register of Historic Places.

Today the Museum houses seven rooms of historic collections including a Far East Exhibit, Cambridge and surrounding area artifacts, an African collection, farming community collection and a room dedicated to the school history of Cambridge.

Now Showing
Far East Exhibit

WHAT’S NEW AT THE MUSEUM

In June of 1928 Helmer Vasby graduated from Cambridge High School.  He decided the University of Wisconsin was his next goal, just one of many that Helmer Vasby was to set for himself.  Helmer was successful in being a true member of the University of Wisconsin Crew team.  Helmer not only was a member of the Crew team but was successful in receiving a Major “W”.  Helmer has donated his sweater and “W” to the Cambridge Museum.  The Museum is very honored to have Helmer’s Major Letter on display as part of it’s permanent collection.  To our knowledge only four Cambridge Alumni have achieved this high honor; two of the four receiving the Major letter, of course, one of the two being Helmer.  

As an activie alumni of Cambridge High School, Helmer maintains his membership and attends the Cambridge Alumni Banquet each year.  Helmer also continues to be an avid supporter of the Cambridge Historic Museum.  We salute you Helmer!