Feb. 25, 2026
VIROQUA, Wis. — The Vernon County Historical Society will host its first-ever winter art exhibition and silent auction in March to raise critical funds following a recent 25% cut to its county budget.
“Good Earth – Deep Roots: The Vernon County Winter Exhibition” will run daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Saturday, March 14, through Thursday, March 26. The event will take place at the Vernon County Museum & History Center, located at 410 S. Center Ave., and residents are asked to use the west entrance facing Highway 14.
The two-week show celebrates the landscapes, people, and stories of the Driftless Region. Attendees can view rarely seen artwork of Vernon County’s heritage pulled from the museum’s private collection, tour new displays, and bid in a silent art auction featuring works by local artists. All proceeds from the auction will support museum programs and operations.
Hosting a winter exhibition is a new capability for the museum, made possible by recent HVAC system improvements that allow the building to be comfortably open year-round. Prior to the upgrades, the museum’s second and third floors lacked adequate heat and air conditioning, severely limiting their use during extreme weather.
The new fundraiser arrives at a critical financial juncture for the museum. During the November 2025 budget process, the Vernon County Board of Supervisors reduced the historical society’s annual funding from $50,000 to $37,500.
The 25% funding reduction was driven by a difficult county budget cycle. County supervisors cited severe fiscal constraints, noting that stagnant agricultural revenues and the depletion of federal pandemic-era funds have forced the county to prioritize essential infrastructure and human services over discretionary spending.
The cuts also stemmed from misunderstandings among county supervisors regarding the museum’s revenue streams. In a January 2026 appearance before the county Finance Committee, Historical Society Board President Dian Krause clarified that the museum actively fundraises and relies on a $6 suggested donation for adult admission, though staff ensures no one is turned away for an inability to pay.
With county officials warning that the 2027 budget process could be even rougher, museum leadership is relying on community support and events like the “Good Earth – Deep Roots” auction to bridge the financial gap and continue preserving Vernon County’s history.
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