The Owen-Withee History Center stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and rich heritage of our community. Operated by the Owen-Withee Area Historical Society—a recognized 501(c)(3) public charity and Wisconsin corporation—the Center is more than a museum; it is a living archive of the stories, artifacts, and memories that define the Owen-Withee area. Its mission is clear: to collect, preserve, and share the history that makes our community unique, ensuring that future generations can connect with their roots.
At the core of any museum’s operation lies a process called accessioning. Simply put, accessioning is the formal procedure by which the History Center accepts an item into its permanent collection. This process involves recording detailed information about the object—where it came from, who donated it, and why it matters. Once accessioned, an item becomes a permanent part of the Center’s stewardship, cared for with the intent to preserve it indefinitely.
Accessioning is not just paperwork; it is a promise. Each object, whether a family photograph, a school desk from a long forgotten rural country school house, a World War II Army uniform, or a curtain from the old Withee High School gym, is linked to a person, a place, a time, and a story. Through accession, these stories are given a home, honored and protected for the enrichment of all.
Museums like the Owen-Withee History Center operate as public charities. This status carries a profound responsibility: every artifact is held in trust for the public. Accessioning ensures that donations are properly documented, protected, and used in ways that fulfill our charitable mission. Without this process, objects could be lost, misused, or even disposed without proper oversight, eroding the trust of donors and the community.
Federal and state law require public charities to account for their assets and demonstrate that they are being used for public benefit. Proper accessioning is a key part of this accountability, allowing the Center to prove that it is fulfilling its mission and honoring the intent of its donors.
At the Owen-Withee History Center, accessioning and de-accessioning are overseen by the Board of Directors. This group is responsible for reviewing proposed additions or removals, ensuring that decisions align with the Center’s mission and ethical guidelines.
This collaborative approach ensures transparency and safeguards against mistakes or conflicts of interest. It also reflects the collective commitment of the volunteer public servants who serve on the Board and committees, carrying forward the legacy of local history preservation.
Good recordkeeping is the backbone of responsible museum management. For every accessioned item, the Center’s records include:
• A unique accession number
• Description of the item (materials, dimensions, condition)
• Date of acquisition
• Name and contact information of the donor
• Provenance (history of ownership)
• Reason for acceptance and its relevance to the collection
• Photographs of the object
For de-accessioning, records must state why the item is being removed, who approved the action, and what happened to the item (e.g., returned to donor, transferred to another institution, or disposed). Those records are stored securely and reviewed regularly to ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards.
The Owen-Withee History Center now has nearly 500 unique historical items that have been received, examined, documented and photographed – formally accessioned. All are available for public review.