Introducing Oshkosh's first app-based historic tour

An Evening on the Avenue

On Sat., June 1, from 6 to 9 p.m., we're unveiling the Washington Avenue Historic Tour on the Vamonde travel app. Bring your smartphone and let's party like it's 1899.

The Oshkosh Public Library has developed the community's first app-based historic tour, highlighting the Washington Avenue Neoclassical Historic District.

Powered by the free Vamonde app, the tour combines stories, rare photos and video to bring this historic district to life. It focuses on the period from 1900-1930, when the area experienced a resurgence in the wake of Oshkosh's Great Fires.

The tour will be launched with a special event, An Evening on the Avenue, on Sat., June 1, from 6 to 9 p.m. Library Director Jeff Gilderson-Duwe will open the celebration at 6 p.m. under the Dome.

Using their smartphones, visitors will download the free Vamonde app, then set out to walk the neighborhood and experience its unique heritage. In addition to the tour, there will be live music in William Waters Plaza, historical re-enactors, food vendors and vintage cars to set the scene.

The library is partnering with the City of Oshkosh and River East Neighborhood Association to plan the event, with the Oshkosh Public Museum and UW Oshkosh Theater Department providing additional support.

The historic tour features behind-the-scenes stories on these locations:

  • Oshkosh Public Library
  • Fraternal Reserve Association (Washington Place Historical Flats)
  • The Goettmann Printing Company
  • Oshkosh Masonic Center
  • Wisconsin National Life Insurance Building (Winnebago County Human Services)
  • U.S. Post Office & Federal Building (Oshkosh Office Center)
  • William Waters Plaza

The Oshkosh Masonic Center and Washington Avenue Historical Flats will be open during the June 1 event, offering visitors a look inside these featured tour sites. Find the Vamonde App at the iTunes Store and at Google Play for Android.

Washington Avenue Historic Tour Brochure