About The Alexander House

History

The Alexander House, a Center for Art and History, is a combination of art gallery with frequently changing displays, and historical museum which emphasizes local lumbering and papermaking exhibits.

The art and history center is located in a stately old colonial home on the banks of the beautiful Wisconsin River in Port Edwards, Wisconsin.

The Alexander House was founded by members of the Alexander Charitable Foundation of Port Edwards in 1990 as a location for the extensive historical collection of the former Nekoosa-Edwards Paper Company.  The Foundation was named for the late John E. Alexander, who was Chief Executive with the paper company for many years, and whose father and grandfather were instrumental in establishing the lumbering and paper industry in central Wisconsin.

In the short time since the gallery opened in 1991, tens of thousands of people have visited the art and history displays.  Hundreds of artists have displayed their artwork in the main level gallery.  They have included local, state, Midwestern and nationally prominent artists.

The gallery areas of the Alexander House feature furniture in keeping with the colonial style architecture of the building which allows visitors to view the art displays in comfort and at their leisure.  The gallery features state of the art lighting, which enhances the displayed artwork.

In addition to the art displays, the second floor of the Alexander House features a collection of historical materials that were originally on display or in storage at Nekoosa-Edwards Paper Company.  This material is displayed in four different rooms, including one devoted to early lumbering, another to the history of papermaking, and the other two to the founding families and communities in which they settled.

You are invited to visit these four rooms and get an insight into local history.  Students and researchers will find a wealth of material in the Alexander House collections.  A study room is provided on the second floor.

A recently remodeled meeting room in the lower level of the Alexander House has adjustable lighting and audio visual equipment available to accommodate a variety of presentations and meetings.  It is available at no charge for use by local non-profit organizations.

Historical Information

In addition to the changing art exhibits, the Alexander House is home to an extensive collection of artifacts and historical information concerning the former Nekoosa-Edwards Paper Company. Displays emphasize the local lumbering and papermaking industries. If you are interested in researching the archives in our collection please call the Alexander House at 715-887-3442.

Below are some images of artifacts in our collection, click the image to learn more.