Platteville Pioneer Museum History

Museum Historical Timeline

  •  1965- Platteville Business club started Platteville Museum
  •  1971- Building donated (Dr. B.F. Kern's Office) was located at 226 Marion by Beverly Kern Manning in memory of her father who was a doctor in Platteville for 36 years.
  • 1993- the museum made a move to the former library. 
  • 1994- The Platteville Pioneer Museum was started by Sally & Raymond Miller, Dorothy & Alan Brotemarkle, and Betty & Tom Harris
  •  1996- Platteville Historical Society was started. 
  • 2002- Soar/Stevens Cabin was acquired.  
  • 2006- Addition was completed thanks to donations and a grant from the Energy Mineral Impact Fund.
  • YOU can be part of our history too, by your contributions & sharing your family history.


Log cabin house with a Platteeville Museum stone sign.

Soar/Stevens Cabin

 Nina Soar, the daughter or Ezra Soar, married Charles Stevens and lived in this cabin until her death in 1950.  The Ward family later donated the Soar/Stevens cabin to the Platteville Historical Society / Platteville Pioneer Museum.  

The Ward family settled in the United States in 1853 and moved to the Platteville area in 1868. 

Reconstruction and moving the cabin to its current location was made possible by donations, membership dues to the Platteville Historical Society, and the work of volunteers.   

Vintage room with dolls, bed, and table with a 'Do Not Touch' sign.

Soar/Stevens Cabin

 Cabin tours are available during Museum hours

or by appointment.

Reconstruction and moving the cabin to its current location was made possible by donations, membership dues to the Platteville Historical Society, and the work of volunteers.   

Thank you message with a museum building in the background.

We can't thank you enough!

The museum is run by volunteers who give up their time and share their talents with us.  We are continually looking for programs and events to promote the historical and cultural needs of our community.  

We are always looking for new volunteers.  

The Platteville Pioneer Museum is a non-profit organization. We are supported by memorials, individual gifts, museum memberships and generous contributions from our community and their families.  

For everything you do, we truly appreciate it.

Donations can be dropped off at the museum during business hours or by calling our staff to arrange your donation.