About the NWHC
About us
The Northern Wisconsin Heritage Connection (NWHC) was created in 1989 (as the Northern Wisconsin Interpretive Center) to strengthen the links of this region’s colorful heritage and ethnic diversity, and to market these features with other attractions in the four northern counties along Wisconsin's North Coast - Bayfield, Ashland, Iron, and Douglas.
The Heritage Connection was also designed to acquaint residents and visitors with significant elements of the past and to show how these elements impact our lives today. Initial funding for the Northern Wisconsin Heritage Connection, a Wisconsin non-profit corporation, was provided by a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism.
At its first location in Ashland's historic renovated Soo Line Depot, the Heritage Connection staff developed, coordinated and distributed visitor information, including area attractions, heritage sites, and museums (an early Heritage Tourism program.) In 1998, the Heritage Connection moved its operations to the new Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center, where the organization now serves as a Cooperator and provides educational programs for school groups and a series of "Heritage Discovery" programs that are educational as well as entertaining for the general public.
With technical assistance provided by staff of the Wisconsin Historical Society, the Heritage Connection developed historical displays, with subjects including railroads, shipping, geology, Native American and other ethnic cultures, that have been an important part of the region’s colorful legacy.
Special programs complementing the themes of these displays were developed, utilizing regional presenters and expertise. When the Heritage Connection opened its doors in 1989, a special attraction was "Up Under The Upper Lake," a 28-minute, historical, musical, multi-image presentation which was created and produced by Warren Nelson and Betty Farris of the Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua. This show features historical photos and original music and tells the story of this region. It has become a favorite of young and old alike, and is still shown in the Martin Hanson Theatre in the Northern Great Lakes Center.
The Heritage Connection provides Heritage Discovery programs, and sponsors workshops on historical subjects. It provides networking opportunities to area and regional historical organizations, providing information, education and support to the heritage community of northern Wisconsin.