Racine Heritage Museum

Hey folks, we’ll be closed today due to the weather. Stay safe out there!

Joyce Westerman was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Westerman played for the Racine Belles in the AAGPBL for the 1948 and 1949 seasons as an outfielder and catcher. She began her career as a softball pitcher and shortstop for the Nash Company team in Kenosha until she signed into the AAGPBL in 1945 with the Grand Rapids Chicks. Whilst playing baseball Westerman would also work for the Nash Company during the off season. Westerman finished her baseball career in 1952 with the Southbend Blue Sox as a first baseman when she retired to focus on her family.

You can learn more about Joyce in the book "Joyce Westerman: Baseball Hero" available in the museum shop!

Lucius Blake, an early pioneer to Racine, married Caroline Elliot. The story as told in the book "Pioneer Facts and Folks" goes like this: "It appears that the wedding had been set for the afternoon of Christmas Day. The bride was appareled; the feast was prepared; the guests had arrived, and the officiating minister was on hand; but the groom did not put in an appearance. His absence made a large gap in the proceedings. A family consultation, brief but earnest, was held and James Elliot, brother of the bride, was dispatched to located the recreant, and get an explanation. He found Mr. Blake in the office of his carpenter shop, at the northwest corner of Wisconsin and Sixth streets, utilizing the holiday to bring his books up to date, for he was ever a thrifty man. Mr. Elliot, with considerable emphasis said to him, "Lucius, don't you know where you are expected to be at this hour?" the blank expression of Blake's face as he tried to recall some forgotten appointment, made it clear to Elliot that it was a case of inexcusable, and for that day, unforgivable absent-mindedness, and some strong and burning words were indulged in by him, which served to effectually clear up the fog in the brain of his prospective brother-in-law. It was too late, however, to placate the bride, and particularly the bride's mother, but on the morrow they were all able to smile again, and the ceremony was performed as per the notice at the head of this sketch; but it is a fair inference that for some years, succeeding Christmas days brought embarrassing reminders to the man who forgot his wedding day."

You can read more stories like this in 'Pioneer Facts and Folks' available in our museum shop!

Hans Christian Heg was born in Lier, Norway. Best known for being the Colonel of the 15th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment, Heg gave his life for the Union in the Civil War. Heg’s unit was known as the Scandinavian Regiment as it was almost entirely made up of immigrants from Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. Heg was vocally anti-slavery and was a leader in Wisconsin’s Wide Awakes, an anti-slave catcher militia. Politically, Heg was a member of the Republican Party and served as the 6th Prison Commissioner of Wisconsin, where he enacted many reforms.

You can learn more about Hans Heg in this recently published book available now in our museum shop!

Magnets and Stickers and Candy galore! We have tons of things to stuff your stockings with and each purchase from the shop goes towards supporting the Museum! Shop in our gift shop or online at www.racineheritagemuseum.org

The Research Archive will be closed to the public from December 31st through February 5th for collections care projects. The museum and exhibits will be open for regular hours during that time.

Edythe Keating was born in Chicago, Illinois. Known as one of the first four players to sign a contract in the AAGPBL and one of the league’s top 20 players, Keating played as a right handed outfield and left fielder for the Racine Belles for the entirety of her eight year career. Edythe left the AAGPBL when the Belles moved to Battle Creek, Michigan and returned to Chicago to play softball with the Admiral Music Maids for two years before retiring in September of 1952 after getting married.

Jerome Increase Case was born in Williamstown, New York. Most known for founding the J.I. Case Company, Case began his career in Rochester, Wisconsin. Case moved to Racine in the hopes of enlarging his operation and the J.I. Case Company became one of the largest employers in Racine history. Case spent the rest of his life in Racine and was known to be very charitable in the community. In his retirement Case found great joy in horse racing, with his favorite horse being Jay-Eye-See. For more information on the J.I. Case Company and the man who started it all, visit the museum today!

We'll be one of the stops on the tour! Stop by tomorrow for some yummy kringle!

the County of Racine was created. Originally part of Milwaukee County, Racine became independent after the passage of the Belmont session of the First Legislative Assembly of the Wisconsin Territory. Originally, Racine extended to the southern border of the state until the creation of Kenosha County in 1850. Pictured here is the first courthouse located on monument square, 1839.

Don't you think this ornament would look lovely on the Christmas tree you just put up? We think so too! This year's Kiwanis ornament celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Racine Zoo and is now available in our museum shop. Proceeds from ornament sales go towards supporting the Kiwanis Holiday Lights at the zoo.

Racine Legion played the Green Bay Packers for the Wisconsin State Championship. Almost 7,000 fans converged at Borchert Field in Milwaukee to witness the game that ended in a 3-3 tie between the teams. After this the NFL awarded the team a franchise for the 1922 season with the team being cosponsored by the American Legion and William Horlick.

the Colored Union Baptist Church’s trusteeship was turned over to the First Baptist Church of Racine (a White church). This occurred as a result of the death of William T. Lewis, who was trustee of the church’s property. Upon his death, it was discovered that Lewis had not deeded the property correctly, thus causing the trusteeship to be turned over to the First Baptist Church. After the turnover the church was renamed to St. Paul Baptist Church Society. It took until November 26, 1924 for the property to be turned back over to the church’s members.

the McKinley Junior High School opened as the county’s first exclusive junior high school. The school was built with a $507,000 budget and enrolled approximately 928 students. McKinley operated until June of 2018 when R.U.S.D. chose to close the school. Afterward, the Walden III Middle and High School moved into the buildings.

Tomorrow is ! Here are 5 ways you can support RHM;

1. Make a Donation. We know not everyone can afford to donate money but even a little bit helps. You can donate at www.racineheritagemuseum.org

2. Visit RHM! If money is a concern, worry not! RHM's admission is free. Our exhibits are for you and we would love for you to see them.

3. Follow, Like, and Share us on social media. The further our posts reach, the more people know about the awesome things RHM is doing.

4. Become a museum member. Our Members are some of our biggest supporters and we show our appreciation by offering discounts and member exclusive events.

5. Tell your friends about our little museum! Maybe with enough support one day we'll be able to grow.

John Dillinger robbed the American Bank and Trust. The bank, which used to reside on the corner of 5th and Main Street, had no rear exit, causing trouble for Dillinger and his gang. The group had to exit out the front of the building using employees as human shields while they escaped. Once out of the city the gang released their hostages and escaped with $27,000. The full story is available in our virtual exhibit here: https://racineheritagemuseum.omeka.net/exhibits/show/dillinger-robs-racine/dillinger-robs-racine

Unique gifts by local artists available in the museum shop! Visit us at 701 Main Street today!

We are excited to announce that former Major League pitcher and Racine native Shane Rawley will be signing copies of his first novel, Peter Cobb, Three Strikes You’re Out at the museum on November 22. The event will take place from 6pm to 8pm. Set primarily in the 1970s in Racine, Peter Cobb is the story of a former Vietnam War veteran and a God-gifted Major Leaguer who is diagnosed with PTSD. The novel follows Peter’s journey through struggling with mental illness and building a relationship with local pub owner, Ronnie. Books will be available for sale during the book signing for cash only transactions. The book is also available on Amazon.

the Wustum Museum of Fine Arts opened. Jennie Wustum left the property and funding in her will for the establishment of a public art museum and park in Racine. Following her death in 1938, the city created a commission to begin work turning the mansion into a museum. The museum opened with an exhibit of 96 works of Wisconsin art.

Our newest exhibit is brought to you by the Prairie School's third grade class! This year the students explore Racine county history through the use of maps! The exhibit will be on display through February of 2024.

With free admission and fun activities and exhibits, RHM is the perfect place to visit this holiday season! Plan your visit at www.racineheritagemuseum.org

Racine Heritage Museum We invite you to join the over 30,000 annual visitors to Racine Heritage Museum, and take advantage

Need a reason to become a museum member? We've got four! Join RHM today. visit www.racineheritagemuseum.org to learn more.

Check out our museum shop to find the perfect gift for the Wright enthusiast in your life!

Take some time this holiday season to learn about the earliest days of Frank Lloyd Wright's career. Our newest exhibit "Wright before the 'Lloyd'" is open now.

We love local authors at RHM! Check out these books in our museum shop and online at www.racineheritagemuseum.org. And meet a local author yourself! Shane Rawley, 2011 Sports Hall of Fame inductee, will be signing his newly publish book "Peter Cobb; Three Strikes, You're Out" at the museum on November 22nd at 6pm.