Sauk County Historical Society

Verlyn Mueller is this year’s winner of the William H. Canfield Award, presented by the Sauk County Historical Society on April 7, 2009.

·         Verlyn is a lifelong resident of the Sauk Prairie, nephew of Erhard Mueller, and a more than worthy successor to this first Canfield recipient.

·         For many years, Verlyn has been a very active member of the Sauk Prairie Historical Society, but he may be best known for his dedication to the history of the Badger Army Ammunition Plant. Some highlights of his efforts there are:
 

·         One of the founders of the Badger History Group in 1998.

·         Active participant in its early projects, including a reunion/oral history event for Badger alumni, the Between the Fences photo exhibit, Powder to the People video and the book Powder People and Place; also consultant to the Kirner family in the establishment of the Farmer's Memorial at the plant.

·         Historical consultant to the US Army and its contractors at the plant; host and guide to visiting scholars, journalists, representatives of state and federal agencies, and ordinary citizens.

·         Representative of the Badger History Group to the Interim Oversight Management Commission, the group created by the Badger Reuse Plan to coordinate management of the plant property; required preparation for and attendance at meetings of IOMC and related committees for nearly one decade.

·         Author of newsletter articles, presenter of talks and PowerPoint’s on plant history and source for numerous newspaper articles on the plant.

·         As a BHG board member, a leader in the reorganization of the BHG to an incorporated membership organization, including affiliation with the WI Historical Society and attainment of 501(c)(3) non-profit status. Verlyn currently serves as archivist and first elected president of Badger History Group Inc.

·         Creator and builder of photo exhibits on plant history for display on the premises, at Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw in Sauk City and during the Sauk Prairie River Arts Festivals.

·         Collector of documents, photos, artifacts and other material related to the history of the plant and the prairie leading to the establishment of a BHG historical archive and offices on the plant
premises. Singlehandedly set up and furnished the archive and office.

·         Documentary photographer of plant grounds and buildings prior to demolition and completion of Section 106, preservation report.