Hartford History Room

06/08/2026

Update-it definitely didn’t take you long to recognize this spot in downtown Hartford.
Here’s what that corner of the world looks like today.

Let's see who will be the first one to correctly guess what is in this building in downtown Hartford today. Once you figure it out- look at how this block has changed.

05/09/2026

Jessica H. asked what were all the renditions of businesses that were in the current Agave Asador & Cantina at 3461 High Road by Pike Lake.

There has been a restaurant there for almost 90 years. In no particular order: Country Retreat, Casa Tequilla, D'Angelo's, Hartford Bistro, Knotty Pine Inn, Shipwreck Inn, Grady's Restaurant and then all the way back to 1939 Barbeque Tavern.

Which ones do you remember? Or do you have a photo to share?

Have you ever wondered about a business? Wanted to trace the history OR just love the mystery? Stop in at the history room and see how we can help you find out a little bit more about Hartford.

05/03/2026

Alissa D. asked if we would look into the building the Sycamore Tree childcare is in now.
Who remembers the Woodridge supper club that opened in 1981? How about API? And did you know the City of Hartford owned it for a while?

04/21/2026

And in a day…it’s gone.

04/20/2026

April 20, 2026
The last day of the Thielman building on Sumner street/Hwy 60.

02/24/2026

Ever wonder what Hartford, Wisconsin, looked like in 1910? Take a glance...

This view faces northwest from a rooftop at the intersection of Main and Sumner Streets. Notice the second building to the left? That's Leonhard's Clothing. Nextdoor is The Heppe Cash Store Company. Neither of these businesses exists today.

Look closely... Do you recognize any other buildings?

02/05/2026

01/31/2026

This is it…today Saturday January 31st the final day to see Museum 53027 very first pop up. A sneak peek of things you might see in our new downtown Hartford museum.
Open 9-12 in the community room in the Jack Russell Hartford library.

01/30/2026

You have 1 hour left to stop in today to see the pop up of Museum 53027. Open till 5:00 today (Friday)

Tomorrow (Saturday) we will be open 9-12:00.

Stop by and share your 53027 memory with us!

01/30/2026

If you have not already had a chance to stop you’ve got today and tomorrow to see what’s in store for Hartford. Stop in and learn something new about Hartford and the communities connected to the zip code 53027. Find out how you can be a part of preserving the history of our our little corner of the world.

It’s Friday…Museum 53027 will be open from 9-12 and 2-5.