ONE WEEK!!!! BEFORE THE HISTORY HUNT 2023-REGISTER NOW!
OCTOBER 7th, Saturday, Join the History Hunt for 2023!
ON LOCATION WITH FILMMAKER BILL REBANE!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
A History Hunt combines a scavenger hunt, driving/walking rally, and trivia contest, wherein participants follow clues to locations to learn about the history of the area. It is NOT a race, and you may deviate from the route at any time to enjoy and explore the places you find. Everyone starts off from the Merrill Historical Society Museum. There will also be restaurants or local taverns who have specials for the hungry and thirsty “hunters” along the way.
Ito “Bill” Rebane came to the United States with his parents at age 14 and settled in Chicago, where his film career started. Bill and wife Barbara moved to Wisconsin in 1967, buying an old farm in Lincoln County which became both their home and film studio. After a few years he tried making a feature-length film, which was successful and led to a series of films, including the "Giant Spider Invasion." Rebane’s movies, filmed at his studio in Gleason and various locations throughout the county, found worldwide distribution.
The object of the 2023 "Hunt" is to find various locations used by Bill Rebane with your 3D glasses and your guidebook and then travel there to learn the backstory of these locations that appear in Bill's movies, taking some selfies along the way. Costumes always make the event more fun for the teams and the hosts. Be as creative as you can in showing off costumes of movie directors and movie characters. At the conclusion of the hunt, teams gather for the After Party to share experiences, celebrate successes, and receive awards for Best Team Name, Best Costumes, and Best Social Media Presence.
ON LOCATION WITH FILMMAKER BILL REBANE!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
A History Hunt combines a scavenger hunt, driving/walking rally, and trivia contest, wherein participants follow clues to locations to learn about the history of the area. It is NOT a race, and you may deviate from the route at any time to enjoy and explore the places you find. Everyone starts off from the Merrill Historical Society Museum. There will also be restaurants or local taverns who have specials for the hungry and thirsty “hunters” along the way.
Ito “Bill” Rebane came to the United States with his parents at age 14 and settled in Chicago, where his film career started. Bill and wife Barbara moved to Wisconsin in 1967, buying an old farm in Lincoln County which became both their home and film studio. After a few years he tried making a feature-length film, which was successful and led to a series of films, including the "Giant Spider Invasion." Rebane’s movies, filmed at his studio in Gleason and various locations throughout the county, found worldwide distribution.
The object of the 2023 "Hunt" is to find various locations used by Bill Rebane with your 3D glasses and your guidebook and then travel there to learn the backstory of these locations that appear in Bill's movies, taking some selfies along the way. Costumes always make the event more fun for the teams and the hosts. Be as creative as you can in showing off costumes of movie directors and movie characters. At the conclusion of the hunt, teams gather for the After Party to share experiences, celebrate successes, and receive awards for Best Team Name, Best Costumes, and Best Social Media Presence.
Hours
We are open to the public for research and exhibits. Our open hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 AM to 1 PM. We are also open by appointment if these times do not work for your visit, and we are happy to accommodate you if possible. The Board of Directors have recommended wearing masks when in the building.
If the weather is bad, please call ahead to make sure we are open.
If you have questions, or need something outside of our open hours you may leave a message on the answering machine, 715-536-5652, or email merrillpast@gmail.com.
If the weather is bad, please call ahead to make sure we are open.
If you have questions, or need something outside of our open hours you may leave a message on the answering machine, 715-536-5652, or email merrillpast@gmail.com.
