Richfield Historical Society

Richfield, WI

Milling
Around
Memories

Upcoming Events

August 22-24, 2025
Richfield Days
Richfield Historical Society
Is Involved!

Save the Dates for a weekend of incredible live music, community fun, and summer vibes at Richfield Fireman's Park.

Maple Cotton CandyThe Richfield Historical Society will be offering ice cream novelties (all 3 days), walking tacos (Saturday & Sunday Only) and their delicious signature treat -- maple cotton candy (Saturday Only).

Not only can you enjoy great food, but you can watch one of the best parades in the area, cheer on your softball team, listen to live music, ooh and aah at the fireworks, view classic cars, satisfy your hunger at the pancake breakfast and much more. This event is sponsored by the Richfield WI Community Foundation. For more information, click here.

*****

Mark Your Calendar

Thresheree & Harvest Festival
September 20 & 21, 2025 ~ 9am-5pm

Blacksmith Day
October 11, 2025 ~ 9am-4pm

Luminary Walk
November 1, 2025 ~ 5pm-8pm

All Events are Held in the Richfield Historical/Nature Park ~ 1896 Hwy 164

Watch for Details for These Events

*****

2025 Events

Upcoming 2025 Monthly Programs

Learn about the Richfield Historical Park & Events Held

*****

RHS in Action

All-Member Recognition Picnic

The Richfield Historical Society is having an All-Member Recognition Picnic. You are invited to nominate a person(s) whom you feel meets the qualifications of the various awards. Just click on this link: Nomination Form

All Member Picnic

*****

New Roofs on Richfield Historical Park Buildings

New RoofFour roofs will be replaced on the historic buildings in the Richfield Historical Park: Barn and Mill -- Great Lakes Roofing is donating the labor! -- Granary and Horseshed -- RHS volunteers will do this work.

Click here to watch a video

*****

Another Fun Education Day on May 13 and 15, 2025, at the Richfield Historical Park

Shelling Corn130 excited 3rd graders arrived at the Richfield Historical Park on May 13 and 15 to explore life as it was in pioneer days. Moving from station to station, they washed clothes, shelled corn, sifted flour, kneaded dough and much more....Read More

*****

Oh, What an Exciting Time at Maple Syrup Family Day on March 22, 2025

Maple Syrup Family Day"Our first time at this event and the park - we will be back! Great job!"

This was just one of many Comments on Facebook about this annual event. Hundreds of people flocked to Richfield Historical/Nature Park to enjoy a pancake breakfast and demos of making maple syrup and activities from long ago.....Read More

*****

Inside the Messer/Mayer Mill and More

Mill VideoClick on the photo to see a very interesting video about the Messer/Mayer Mill (you will even see the 3rd floor!)

*****

Question of the Week

For the question: "What was once located on the hill south of the Richfield Elementary School", there were several correct answers -- a radio tower. Great! To learn more about this tower, click on Richfield Remembers in the menu near to top of this page, then select Richfield Stories. Find this story: "Richfield's Claim to Fame".

Next question: "Do you recognize the crossroads community pictured below that is now part of Richfield?"

What is this community

 

*****

New Addition to the Richfield Historical Park

A new roadway and berm are being built in the Park. This will eventually allow water to flow into the raceway for the mill and the people mover at events will take visitors to the Lillicrapp Welcome Center. The road will be finished in spring after the ground thaws.

New Road

New Road

*****

Photos Entered in SPOOM Contest Won 1st Place for the Interior Category

The Society for the Preservation of Old Mills (SPOOM) has a photography contest. This year, RHS submitted photos along with this 'story':

In a homage titled "Time Stands Still," volunteers of Richfield Historical Park recreated a century-old photo capturing the George Mayer at the Messer/Mayer Millgrist mill's interior. Motivated by its historical significance, the scene mirrors George Mayer, the owner in the original photo, with Al Mayer in Al Mayer at the Messer/Mayer Millthe contemporary role. Every detail resonates authentically, down to the broken piece of millstone gear resting on the table. The mill itself, housing original equipment like turbines, millstones, and sifters untouched since its closure over 70 years ago, stands as a testament frozen in time. Currently undergoing restoration by dedicated volunteers, the mill will resume operations in the future, offering visitors a glimpse into its 150-year-old history.

*****

Around the County Podcast Featuring the Richfield Historical Society

The Society's president, Pete Samson, and Vice President, Joni Crivello, participated in a podcast about the Society and the Historical Park. This podcast is part of the Around the County series sponsored by the Tower Heritage Center (Washington County Historical Society).

Click Here to listen to this interesting narrative (Episode #25).

*****

Past Features of RHS in Action

 

 

Richfield Historical Society facebookRichfield Historical Society YouTubeRichfield Historical Society InstagramRichfield Historical Society Pinterest