4-3-14 mercury marine museum opens to the public

Fond du lac’s Mercury Marine is celebrating its 75^th anniversary this year and Thursday marks the official opening of the new Mercury Marine museum to the public.  Merc president, Mark Schwabero, says the 5,000 square foot museum is located inside the Children’s museum on West Scott Street near the entrance to Lakeside Park.  Schwabero says the museum offers a unique, in-depth look at the rich heritage and history of the company which was founded by Carl Kiekhafer In 1939.   "We're so proud of the people and the products that have made this company and what better way than to open a museum to showcase that to people in the community and people who want to come to the state of Wisconsin and see the museum," Schwabero said.  In addition to boat motors, the museum houses some of the other products manufactured

at Merc over the years including snowmobiles, race boats and even lawnmowers.  A drone plane manufactured by Merc during World War Two hangs from the ceiling.  Five years ago Merc employed 1600 people in Fond du lac and was on the verge of moving until local and state officials and employees stepped up to keep the company in Fond du lac.   Today Merc employs 3100 people in Fond du lac.  Museum hours are Wednesday and Thursday from 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-7pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am-4pm.