APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) - The long-anticipated grand opening of the Appleton History Museum has arrived, ushering in a new chapter of heritage and community pride for the city. On Monday, officials unveiled the remodeled museum’s latest additions, exhibits, and enhancements, celebrating Appleton’s vibrant history and cultural legacy. Wisconsin Republican Eric Hovde concedes defeat to Democrat Tammy Baldwin in US Senate race New exhibits include the Courtney Woolen Mill Exhibit, which tells the story of one of Appleton’s oldest continuous family businesses and its impact on the textile industry along the Fox River. Another feature is the Lamson Preferred Cable Cash Carrier System, an innovative device used by the Gloudemans-Gage Department Store in the early 20th century, capturing a unique part of the retail experience of the past. Other exhibits include the Air Wisconsin Exhibit, the Presto Products Exhibit, and the Appleton Sports Exhibit. President/CEO Mark Murphy to be inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame The event also marks the beginning of the public phase of the Appleton Historical Society Capital Campaign. Claudine and Jim Happel, along with Mary Beth Nienhaus, have pledged to match $200,000 in grants to support the mission of preserving and sharing Appleton’s history. Located in the heart of Appleton, the newly revitalized Franklin Street building—constructed in 1931 as the Wichmann Funeral Home—has housed several businesses over the decades, including Alex’s Manor House, the Hot Fish Shop, G. Whilliker’s, Mongo’s, and most recently, the Sitzmann Law Firm Ltd.