Welcome to The City of Neenah's 150 Year Celebration!

6/10/2023

Event Quick Links

1/1/23-12/31/23

Neenah PD
150th Treasure Hunt

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1/1/22-3/31/23

Arts Council
Photography Contest

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3/13/2023

New Exhibit Opens

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3/13/2023

Celebration Kick-Off
City Hall

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6/10/2023

Neenah Bike Tour 150th Anniversary

6/22/2023

Art After Dark Happy 150th Birthday Neenah!

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7/3/2023 - 7/4/2023

Community Fest
Parade 7/3-Fireworks 7/4

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8/23/2023

Community Party in The Street

Coming Soon!
September - November

Hollywood Master Directors Film Series

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July - August

1873 History Walk July 28 -August 6

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12/5/2023


A Journey Back in Time

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Celebrating the convergence of water, ideas, and people… for centuries past and to come.

Since March 13, 1873, we’ve celebrated the City of Neenah as an incorporated community. Watch for information about historical tours, the Neenah Arts Council photo contest, the City of Neenah Police Department commemorative coin hunt (year-long), a community trivia event, a bike tour and much more! Come back to learn more about the community celebrations throughout the year.

Neenah Historical Society | neenahhistoricalsociety.com
Menasha Historical Society | https://menashahistorical.wixsite.com/website
Neenah Public Library | neenahlibrary.org

Native Americans have called these shores of Lake Winnebago ‘home’ for thousands of years. Neenah meaning ‘water’ has been a known gathering place long before 1873.

Celebrating our history.

Since incorporating 150 years ago, the City of Neenah has embraced technology, healthcare, education, and business. We have deep roots that continue to sustain this innovation and promote new growth.

Celebrating our future.

This community is built on the ingenuity and collaborative spirt of all. Every person contributes to the health and quality of life of this place we call home.

Celebrating you.
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150th Anniversary Treasure Hunt

Rules for the City of Neenah Police 150th Anniversary Treasure Hunt:
• A commemorative medallion will be hidden each week in 2023.
• Watch the City of Neenah Police Department’s Facebook page each week for hints and clues.
• The weekly clue will be published on Monday at random times.
• If you discover the medallion, it is your treasure to keep!
• If you find a medallion, we would love for you to report your discovery by sending a photograph of you, with your medallion. Please use the QR codes located in the finder’s instructions, or visit the Neenah Police Department, located at 2111 Marathon Avenue. With your permission this picture may be used in our social media campaign.
• A marker will be left after the medallion has been discovered to let everyone know they found the location, but the treasure was claimed. These markers will remain at each site for the duration of that week’s treasure hunt.
• Please respect private areas – Medallions will only be hidden on public areas in the City of Neenah.
• You will not need to remove or disturb any items to find the treasure. (This does not include environmental factors, such as snow or leaves).
• No breaking any laws! This scavenger hunt is meant for fun and to celebrate the sesquicentennial anniversary of the City and Police Department.
• Use common sense and common courtesy – be safe and smart.
• Limit one medallion per household.
• By participating, you assume all liability and will hold harmless the City of Neenah and the City of Neenah Police Department and all their employees, volunteers, and assignees.
Rules for the City of Neenah Police 150th Anniversary Treasure Hunt:
• A commemorative medallion will be hidden each week in 2023.
• Watch the City of Neenah Police Department’s Facebook page each week for hints and clues.
• The weekly clue will be published on Monday at random times.
• If you discover the medallion, it is your treasure to keep!
• If you find a medallion, we would love for you to report your discovery by sending a photograph of you, with your medallion. Please use the QR codes located in the finder’s instructions, or visit the Neenah Police Department, located at 2111 Marathon Avenue. With your permission this picture may be used in our social media campaign.
• A marker will be left after the medallion has been discovered to let everyone know they found the location, but the treasure was claimed. These markers will remain at each site for the duration of that week’s treasure hunt.
• Please respect private areas – Medallions will only be hidden on public areas in the City of Neenah.
• You will not need to remove or disturb any items to find the treasure. (This does not include environmental factors, such as snow or leaves).
• No breaking any laws! This scavenger hunt is meant for fun and to celebrate the sesquicentennial anniversary of the City and Police Department.
• Use common sense and common courtesy – be safe and smart.
• Limit one medallion per household.
• By participating, you assume all liability and will hold harmless the City of Neenah and the City of Neenah Police Department and all their employees, volunteers, and assignees.
Click here

Photography Contest

Neenah Arts Council, in collaboration with the Neenah Public Library, announces the Second Annual Photography Contest and Exhibition. 

The 2023 juried contest will highlight the City’s Sesquicentennial (150th anniversary of Neenah’s incorporation as a city). Photos submitted should capture the spirit and beauty of the City of Neenah. Novice photographers (age 17 and younger) will be judged separately from adult photographers.

Basic information: Photos must have been taken in the City of Neenah between January 1, 2022, and March 1, 2023, and, in celebration of the City’s Sesquicentennial, should capture the spirit and beauty of the City of Neenah. Photographers may submit up to six photos. Novice photographers may submit up to six photos. Entries must be submitted both in print and digitally. Entries will be accepted March 1 through March 31, 2023.

See the full rules on the Neenah Public Library’s website.

Click here

New Exhibit Opens

COMING SOON!

NEENAH – MENASHA SESQUICENTENNIAL

The Neenah Historical Society is partnering with the Menasha Historical Society to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the incorporation of our cities. This new exhibit will feature a historical overview of the people, places and things that make Neenah and Menasha special.

The exhibit will open March 13, 2023 and launch the festivities planned by the city of Neenah.

COMING SOON!

NEENAH – MENASHA SESQUICENTENNIAL

The Neenah Historical Society is partnering with the Menasha Historical Society to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the incorporation of our cities. This new exhibit will feature a historical overview of the people, places and things that make Neenah and Menasha special.

The exhibit will open March 13, 2023 and launch the festivities planned by the city of Neenah.

Click here

150 Years of History

Neenah Historical Collection on Flickr

Neenah Historical Society has over 14,000 photos online through their Flickr account! 

View photos here and check back regularly for new additions.

Seeing film from early Neenah really brings history to life! Watch this video for some of the amazing film footage from Neenah dating from the 1920s to the 1960s..
Read More of Our Heritage

150th Kick Off Celebration Event

We hope you can join us to celebrate the City of Neenah’s 150th birthday on Monday, March 13 from noon to 1PM at City Hall.

The Neenah High jazz band will provide some great music to add to the fun, and of course there will be cake.

 

Neenah 150 Celebration Bicycle Tour

Come celebrate a 150 years of the city of Neenah with a bike tour with your friends and family hosted by CRANKED Bike Studio. CRANKED Bike Studio – Neenah 150 Celebration Bicycle Tour

When:  8am to Noon, Saturday, June 10th 2023

Where: Arrowhead Park, Neenah Wisconsin

There will be two tour options for riders. The first option is a family oriented ride around Loop the Little Lake. The Second is a 35 mile road ride that heads to the south of town, west toward Hwy. 45, then back into town to do a little of the Loop the Little Lake.

The first 100 to sign up will receive a water bottle and wristband. Registration is free, donations are welcome.

Registration is required. Free Eventbrite Registration Here

35 mile

 

 

Community Fest a Neenah/Menasha Event

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******* Click here for additional details. *******

Bergstrom-Mahler Museum / Art After Dark June 22, 2023 5:30-9:00 PM

 

Celebrate 150 years of Neenah, Wisconsin, home of YOUR museum! Take in the stunning art in our galleries while you enjoy live music from Got Wisco, games, crafts, refreshments, and fun along beautiful Lake Winnebago. Enjoy an Anniversary Beer from Barrel 41 and Lions Tail Brewing Co. Stop for a meal at one of our food trucks: Inferno Heat Hibachi, Papa Johns Pizza, Los Tres Manantiales, Street Grub and Kona Ice. Our galleries and shop will be open late.

Click here for additional details: https://bmmglass.com/

Hollywood Master Directors -
A film series presented by Walt Ulbricht

 

The Neenah-Menasha YMCA’s ForeverWell department is celebrating Neenah’s 150th year with a new film series. This film series will feature Hollywood Director and former Neenah resident, Howard Hawks. This Academy Award nominee directed films from all different genres throughout the classic Hollywood era. Critics described him as being “the greatest American director who is not a household name.” Join us in this three-part film series, highlighting three of Hawk’s classic hits! Light snacks and refreshments will be served. This event is open to both YMCA members and the general-public and will take place at the Neenah-Menasha YMCA (110 W North Water St, Neenah). COST: FREE

 

September 20, 1:00PM

“His Girl Friday”- A 1940 screwball comedy featuring Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell.

October 18, 1:00PM

“Red River”- A 1948 American Western film starring John Wayne and Montgomery Clift.

November 15, 1:00PM

“Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”- A 1953 musical comedy staring Jane Russell and Marilyn Monroe.


Any additional questions can be directed to Kate Yates, ForeverWell Program Director at 920-886-2105; kyates@ymcafoxcities.org.

1873 History Walk

Join in celebrating the spirit of the 150th anniversary of the City’s incorporation by exploring its oldest neighborhoods! Homes and other notable sites will be marked with information signs from Friday, July 28 through Sunday, August 6, 2023. Walk, bike or drive at your leisure to learn about some of those who settled here in early days.

This self-guided walk allows viewing of the sign and property exterior from the sidewalk or street only. Please be respectful of these private and public properties. Thank you to these and all property owners who preserve and take pride in our history to the present day!

1873 Neenah Historical Walking Tour Brochure

 

A Journey Back in Time

Learn about how Neenah came to be.  An introduction to our Native American roots and the transition of settlers into the area.  Learn about the important events, personalities and institutions that took this frontier community to an industrial center. COST: FREE

Tuesday, December 5, 10:00AM-11:00AM

Neenah-Menasha YMCA

The Neenah Historical Society is hosting this presentation.

For more information, please reach out to Janice O’Connell 920.702.2319; joconnell@ymcafoxcities.org