The mission of the De Pere Historical Society is to promote public awareness, understanding, and appreciation for De Pere's rich historic past through educational programs; to discover, to collect, and to preserve materials related to De Pere's history; to serve as a repository of information for others interested in De Pere's history; and to chronicle the events of the present for future generations.
Located at: White Pillars Museum 403 N. Broadway | De Pere, WI 54115 Send us an email
Your generous support and membership of the De Pere Historical Society enables us to properly maintain White Pillars Museum and the Polo-Resto Service Station and provide educational opportunities for community members. Individual and family membership options are available.
We are proud of De Pere's historical past which dates back to 1671, when Jesuit Father Claude Allouez founded the Mission of St. Francis Xavier at the rapids on the East side of the Fox River. The area became known as "Les Rapides des Peres" or the "Rapids of the Fathers", it was later shortened to "De Pere". Preserving, fostering and promoting this long heritage is the De Pere Historical Society, which began in 1970.
