On October 4, 1923, a group of community leaders became concerned about the spring estate sale of the holdings of one of the early settlers, Caroline Tank. To stop the sell off of the community’s antiquities, the Antiquarians was formed.

In our century of existence, we have contributed nearly $2M in funds to our museums.

The group holds no real estate but supports our local museums through the acquisition, restoration, and support of their endeavors through an annual grant process. Our holdings can be seen at Hazelwood Historic House, Heritage Hill State Historical Park, the Neville Public Museum, the National Railroad Museum, the Pulaski Historical Society, Woodlawn Cemetery, Green Bay Diocese Museum, St. Norbert Abbey, and White Pillars among others.

501(c)(3) Corporation

1924

Acquisition of Caroline Tank Furnishings
($300 - in 2022's dollar approximately $4,000)
On display at Heritage Hill State Park - Tank Cottage

1924 - 1987

Covered annual cost of insurance, repair and cleaning of historic furniture, furnishings, antiques and storage

1933

Cotton House Restoration Initiative
Located at Heritage Hill State Park

1934

Incorporated - May 15
First Fundraising Tea - 25c ($4.11 in 2022)

1937

Bridge Party Fund-raiser - Profit $93.46 ($1,900 in 2022)

1950

First luncheon meeting held at Oneida Golf & Riding Club

1955

Holiday Table Display at the Northland - Profit $561.88 ($5,800 in in 2022)

1957

1st Antique Show held at the Hotel Northland - Profit $437 ($4,380 in 2022)

1963

Antiquarians assume responsibility for furnishing Hazelwood Historic House

1970

State Historical Society of Wisconsin awarded Organizational Award of Merit for outstanding service

1974

Donated $2,000 to move Tank Cottage and Fort Howard Hospital from their west side location to Heritage Hill

1998

State Historical Society of Wisconsin awarded second
Organizational Award of Merit for outstanding service

2001

Membership welcomed their first male members

2006

$25,000 pledge for the preservation of Old City Stadium at East High

2006

Initiated a $1.3 M “Save our Cultural Heritage” Campaign (Lincoln) to ensure the community’s cultural objects and artwork of national significance would not be auctioned. Artifacts now reside at the Neville Public Museum, Associated Bank, Nicolet Bank, and the Diocesan Museum.
- Granted Federal 501(c)(3) tax status

2011 - 2012

Restoration and re-framing of Howard Pyle paintings

2017

Antiquarians bring PBS Antiques Roadshow to Green Bay