See us at the depot!
The Brodhead Historical Society has brought new life to the restored train depot with a museum exploring Brodhead’s history. With a dedicated group of volunteers the museum is always evolving and we encourage you to check it out!
Our Museum: The Depot
The Brodhead Historical Society’s museum is housed in the restored Milwaukee Road depot, built in 1881. With lots of space filled with carefully curated displays there’s much to explore for everyone. From a Milwaukee Road locomotive and caboose (Locomotive #781), a detailed history of Brodhead cheese makers and our very own gift shop, there’s so much to learn. We can’t wait to see you at the depot!
See you at the depot!
The Brodhead Historical Society has a museum that is housed in the restored Milwaukee Road depot, built in 1881. Between the restored depot, our freight room, and the Knight addition there’s a little something for everyone.
Wed, Sat, Sun: 1:00p – 4:00p
Between Memorial Day & the end of September.
By appointment for large groups.
1108 1st Center Ave
Brodhead, WI 53520
Our Gift Shop: JB Teddy & Co
Our magical little shop sells locally created merchandise inspired by Brodhead’s rich history and legends among other fun things. Our store is located within The Depot and open at the same times. We named the shop JB Teddy & Co after stories uncovered within the museum’s archives. Stop on by to learn more about it!
Inside The Depot
Inside the depot museum are static displays, some permanent and some rotating, showing the many artifacts, photographs and documents from Brodhead’s rich past. Recent displays include vintage cheese making equipment from the Brodhead area and Green County cheese factories, musical instruments, broom-making equipment and displays from early Brodhead businesses.
Our Locomotive and Caboose
On display on the track behind the depot, or “the freight house lead,” is a Milwaukee Road locomotive and caboose. Locomotive #781 was built in March, 1950 by Fairbanks-Morse Corporation in Beloit, Wisconsin for The Milwaukee Road. A type H10-44 locomotive producing 1,000 horsepower, it was one of the first diesel locomotives produced by Fairbanks-Morse. #781 was first assigned to Savanna, Illinois and spent most of its life with The Milwaukee Road in the Dubuque & Illinois divisions before assignment to Janesville.
Our caboose is the first of 25 of its type built by The Milwaukee Road in 1941 and given road number 01900. It likely passed through Brodhead many times during its career. 01900’s last assignment with The Milwaukee Road was in Council Bluffs, Iowa and it was donated to the Brodhead Historical Society in 1983. It is one of the most original examples of Milwaukee Road’s cabooses surviving today.