Experience a first-hand view of early life on Madeline Island.
Madeline Island Historical Preservation Association
In 1986, a group of Madeline Island elders joined together to save the Lake View School on the Island's north end, a one-room school they had attended as children. This relocation and renovation project became the foundation for the creation of the Madeline Island Historical Preservation Association (MIHPA).
After the restoration of the schoolhouse was completed, the group turned their focus to a ten year project of compiling Island family histories, stories, and photographs. In 1997 their dream came true and MIHPA published On The Rock—The History of Madeline Island Told Through It’s Families.
Over a period of two decades, the downtown location of the Lake View School was transformed into what is now the Heritage Center. A total of five historical island buildings have been relocated and refurbished to create the historical site you can explore today.
The Heritage Center
At the Heritage Center the Island's story is told through our historical buildings, and the photographs and artifact collections maintained by the MIHPA organization.
The Heritage Center has five buildings moved from their original sites. The buildings, with their contents, reflect life on the island from mid 19th to early 20th century.
The MIHPA Heritage Center provides a great place to imagine life on the Island during earlier times.
Visit our peaceful location amidst trees and gardens, just a few steps from downtown La Pointe, and discover our past!
Explore the Heritage Center
Lake View School
Lake View school was built of balsam fir logs in 1905 by Olaf Dahline and Victor Hultquist.
Its original location was at the corner of what is now Big Bay Road and Schoolhouse Road. It was operated as the third school on the Island until 1938.
The building was donated & moved to the Heritage Center in 1992 & restored to reflect the one room schoolhouse.
The school is filled with donated items of the era and still has the original wood stove that was used for heat on frigid winter days.
First St. Johns Parsonage
The Island's first Protestant Parsonage of St John's Memorial Church was originally a family residence located on Main Street.
It was purchased by the church and in 1922 became the first protestant parsonage for Rev. Harry Bruckner and his family.
In 1935 the building was sold and moved and remained a residence until it was donated to MIHPA in 1998.
Furnishings include an antique organ, household goods, a kerosene stove and the original loom found in the attic—the loom that started a whole cottage industry at Woods Hall Craft Shop next to St. John's Church on Main Street.
On an exterior wall is a MIHPA-commissioned mural created from an original photograph, showing unique modes of transportation that were required when Lake Superior’s winter ice would threaten to cut islanders off from the mainland.
The Angus Building
This building began as a logger's bunkhouse, then was later moved and, for 26 years, was operated by Mary and Dan Angus as the Cheese House located on County Road H. The small store was a favorite stop on the north end of Big Bay Road for visitors and locals alike, because of the specialty items Mary carried. It was a tradition for many summer islanders to go there as soon as they arrived on the island to stock up on their favorite treats.
After the Cheese House closed in 1996, the building was donated to MIHPA by the Angus family and moved to the Heritage Center.
A history of the Angus family, early pioneers since 1835, is on display along with family and Island artifacts.
On the back of this building is a mural that represents the story of islanders who spent their days plying the waters of Lake Superior. It depicts Captain Dan Angus and his schooner the Lizzie W, which brought day tourists and vacationers to the island and back. Also featured is John Hagen, who along with his brother, William, operated a thriving commercial fishing business on the south side of Madeline Island for over 50 years.
The Woodshed
In 1992, after a separation of 50 years, the woodshed that originally stood behind the Lake View School on the north end of the Island, was reunited with the schoolhouse at our Heritage Center.
Despite the long separation and a few relocations, the Woodshed maintained a close liaison with people associated with the Lake View School. It was owned at one time by Mrs. Art Krone, the former Edith Ellsworth, who taught at the school from 1928 to 1930. Dwight Kenyon, another owner, was Ashland County Supervisor of Schools for many years.
Once again, at home behind the Lake View School, the woodshed now provides the perfect setting to display island history through photographs and artifacts.
The Coop Gift Shop
Once part of the pioneering homestead of Joseph Cadotte, this more than a century and a half year old log structure was originally used as a chicken coop, then years later as a bunkhouse.
Refurbished and scrubbed up, the Coop serves as temporary home for our small MIHPA Gift Shop.
Make sure to save time on your visit to browse our historical books, postcards, souvenirs and more!
Veterans’ Honor Garden
Dedicated in 2013, the Center's Honor Garden is a peaceful place of contemplation and a memorial to those who served our country in the military.
Pavers with the names of veterans who have connections to Madeline Island surround the raised flower bed, made of Lake Superior stone and crafted by local artisan, Tim Sullivan.
If you are interested in sponsoring an engraved paver on behalf of an island veteran, please visit the Books & Gifts page where you can download an order form.
Each year, following the Memorial Day observance in downtown La Pointe, MIHPA honors our veterans with a Remembrance Walk to the Heritage Center where a special ceremony is held.
Richard D. Hinrichsen Sculpture
Crafted from found metal objects from the island, this sculpture, created by Island artist Zach Montagne, is dedicated to the memory of Richard Hinrichsen.
Richard loved people, and regularly served as the "unofficial greeter" for visitors getting off the ferry. His uninhibited joy and enthusiasm was infectious for residents and visitors alike. For many years, it was common to see Richard riding his bicycle with his lawn mower in tow, ready to help out a neighbor.
The project was made possible by grants from the Island Association, La Pointe Center for the Arts in association with Wisconsin Arts Board and the Grutzner Madeline Island Fund, an affiliate of the South Shore Community Fund.
