WAUSAU – Marathon County Historical Society’s History Speaks will feature Paul Clark’s livestreamed presentation of “A Man of Principles: William Jennings Bryan visits Wausau” at 2 p.m. April 2. You can join the presentation on Facebook Live or YouTube Live.

Bryan was one of the most influential men in the history of the United States. He was a defining personality during the Progressive Era, known for debating evolution in Tennessee, running for president on numerous occasions, and has constant presence in the American political scene—including making stops and speeches in cities like Wausau.

Clark has taught history at Wausau East High School for 22 years, and has earned master’s degrees in history and English. He lives in Wausau with his wife, Elayna, who teaches history at Wausau West High School.

More from the Marathon County Historical Society

History Chats: March Mapness

Thursdays at 12:30 p.m.

Every week, MCHS staff Ben Clark and/or Gary Gisselman give a short presentation of an interesting topic relating to the history of Marathon County. History Chats go live at 12:30 p.m. every Thursday, as a free, online broadcast via both YouTube and Facebook Live. Past broadcasts are also available for later viewing.

March 3: A New Map of the State of Wisconsin, 1850

Marathon County was established in 1850, but it would take some time for it to acquire the familiar shape we recognize it as today. Clark takes attendees through a series of state maps showing how Marathon County developed.

March 10: A Bird’s Eye View of Wausau, 1879

In 1879, a “map” of the small city of Wausau was sketched out from the top of a hill on the west side. In a time before aerial photographs or extensive maps, this sort of “bird’s eye view” provided an invaluable look at how the city looked in the 1870s. Gisselman explores this map and its details.

March 17: Map of Marathon County School Districts, 1948

In the late 1940s, Marathon County’s multiple schools and school districts were documented, leading to the creation of this particular map. Join Clark as he discusses the map’s interesting details and history represented.

March 24: Topographical Map from the U.S. Geological Survey, 1899

Gisselman presents a series of maps showing the unique topographical features of Marathon County.

March 31: Railroad Map of Wisconsin, 1883

On some older maps of Marathon County, you can find small communities whose potential was never realized and that no longer exist. Clark explores one of these small communities and the group of French refugees who took up farming in the town of Texas.

MCHS is in the Woodson History Center at 410 McIndoe St., Wausau. Exhibit and office hours are Tuesday – Friday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is free. The research library is open from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday – Friday. Tours of the Yawkey House Museum are available Tuesday – Sunday. Call for times and prices.

For more information, call MCHS at 715-842-5750, email [email protected], or visit www.marathoncountyhistory.org.