2024 marks the 70th Anniversary of Dr. Kate's surprise appearance on the then popular television show, "This Is Your Life",. The show aired on March 17, 1954. After the incredible events of Mr. Otto Burich and his Geometry students at the AV-W High School brought the Million Penny drive to the world's attention the television show wanted to tell the inspiring story of the humble, shy lady doctor who made house calls on snowshoes, canoe or on foot to serve her patients over 300 square miles in Northwoods of Wisconsin without a hospital.
The Million Penny parade was held on Memorial Day, 1953. Over 10,000 people came to Woodruff to see the pennies on display in the AV-W school gym. After Dr. Kate, Otto Burich, Av-W student Eva Lou Clauson and others told of the efforts to build a hospital Ralph Edwards, the show's host, asked his viewers to send pennies to finish the project. Ten tons of mail came-- mostly by train-- containing over $105,000. Community volunteers sorted and counted all the mail at the AV-W school gym.
Plan Your Visit
The Dr. Kate Museum is the repository for memorabilia for Dr. Kate Pelham Newcomb, the 1953 Million Penny Parade and Geometry teacher Mr. Otto Burich, AV-W High School and grade school from 1891-Present and the Town of Woodruff history. There's a lot of history to get caught up on. So let's cover the essentials to help you plan your Museum visit.
Museum Hours
Mid-June through Labor Day
Monday - Friday
11 AM - 3 PM
Month of September
Tuesday & Thursday
11 AM - 2 PM
Open by Appointment for special groups,
school field trips, and bus tours.
Admission
- Admission is Free, donations appreciated.
- Special group tours are available by appointment.
- School field trips and bus tours are welcome by appointment.
Get Involved
