Marathon Co. Historical Society selects new director

The Marathon County Historical Society has hired a new executive director, Blake Opal-Wahoske, effective April 30. Blake comes from the Wausau River District, where he served as the executive director for the last five years.

Opal-Wahoske succeeds Mary Forer, who retired from the position at the end of April. Forer served as executive director of the Society from January 2006 through April 2024. During her tenure, the Marathon County Historical Society won several statewide awards, including the Historic PreservationAward for the restoration of the Yawkey House Museum, the Wisconsin History Website Award for marathoncountyhistory. org, the Museum Exhibits Award for “Our Stories: the History of Marathon County,” and the 2023 Reuben Gold Thwaites Trophy for Local History, awarded for continued excellence and services to its community.

“It truly has been an honor and a privilege to work with this talented staff and dedicated board and to have been a part of growing this organization into what it is today,” Forer said. “I look forward to watching the Marathon County Historical Society continue to grow and evolve under Blake’s leadership.”

Opal-Wahoske is an experienced nonprofit leader. At the River District, he promoted and facilitated downtown Wausau’s economic vitality and historic preservation. He supported programs designed to have an economic impact, implemented projects that strengthened connections between people and place, and advocated for policy changes to remove barriers for businesses.

Under his leadership, the organization was recognized with numerous awards, including the national Great American Main Street award, 15 Wisconsin Main Street awards, and the local Small Business of the Year award from the Central Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce.

“I am honored and humbled to take this exciting position at a critical time in the organization’s history,” Opal-Wahoske said. “My experience in nonprofit leadership, passion for local history, and deep appreciation for the mission of the Marathon County Historical Society will position the organization for continued growth and success.”

Blake Opal-Wahoske