Rock County Historical Society
The Rock County Historical Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and showcasing the unique history of Rock County. It is based on a three-and-a-half-acre campus with five distinct historic structures, including a one-room schoolhouse, a recently restored carriage house and an 1842 Greek Revival residence. For smaller receptions, corporate meetings and other gatherings, planners can host up to 75 guests in the Lower Gallery of the Helen Jeffris Wood Museum Center, up to 55 in the Lincoln-Tallman House and up to 20 in the Charles Tallman Archives and Research Center. Additional space is available outside on the grounds and grand porches.
The Venue
In the heart of downtown, the Venue is another of Janesville’s most historic structures; it was initially owned by a church and later by a local chapter of Freemasons. After standing vacant for nearly 50 years, the building was lovingly restored in 2015 and reopened to the public as an upscale event venue. Reminiscent of its early days as a chapel, the Bower City Ballroom features a spacious layout with dark wooden arches and trim and accommodates up to 250 guests theater style. The 1870s Room re-creates an elegant 19th-century atmosphere with a built-in tin bar, a tin ceiling and restored wooden floors; capacity is 100 guests. The Second Empire Room provides a fine setting for smaller gatherings of 50 or fewer guests.
Janesville, Wisconsin
Location: Southern Wisconsin
Access: Interstate 90, Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport, Milwaukee airport, Chicago area airports
Major Meeting Spaces: Pontiac Convention Center, Holiday Inn Express and Janesville Conference Center
Hotel Rooms: 750
Off-Site Venues: Rotary Botanical Gardens, the Venue, Janesville Performing Arts Center, The Armory, Rock County Historical Society
Contact Info:
Janesville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
608-757-3171
www.janesvillecvb.com
