About Us
Superior Historic Properties operates under the Public Works Department of the City of Superior, ensuring these historic resources are protected, maintained, and shared for the benefit of our community and visitors for generations to come. From 1999-2025, the museums were managed by the Superior Public Museums nonprofit organization. These museums have benefitted from decades of community stewardship and support. Longstanding efforts from Superior Public Museums and the many volunteers and supporters who previously guided these institutions have set a foundation for a new chapter of preservation and public engagement under City of Superior leadership.
In addition to our active museum sites, Superior Historic Properties is in the process of restoring the historic Princess Theater in Downtown Superior. This exciting restoration project reflects our ongoing commitment to preserving the city’s architectural and cultural heritage, with the goal of opening the Princess Theater as a public site in the future.
Fairlawn Mansion
Built as the family home for lumber and mining baron, Martin Pattison, his wife Grace and their six children, Fairlawn was completed in 1891 at the cost of $150,000; an equivalent of well over $3 million today. The mansion stands as an enduring testament to Pattison’s success and standing in the community. The Queen Anne Victorian house, featuring a four-story tower complete with widow’s watch overlooking the bay, is a unique and well recognized landmark in the City of Superior. In summer, gardens dot the expansive lawns with traditional flower varieties such as peony, rose, hydrangea and lily. Guests are welcome to stroll through the grounds at their leisure and may photograph the gardens and exterior of the mansion.
The fully restored first floor of the mansion features gilded murals on the ceilings and frieze, a grand entrance hall and open staircase, marble and tile fireplaces, and original leaded and stained glass windows. The second floor of the mansion includes access to the master bedroom suite, furnished much as it was during the Pattison’s time in the house. The third floor is dedicated to the Children’s Home era from 1920 to 1962, when the mansion served as a home to the less fortunate.
SS Meteor Maritime Museum
The SS Meteor is the last remaining above-ground whaleback ship in the world—a rare survivor of a bold chapter in Great Lakes maritime history. Built in 1896, this one-of-a-kind vessel is instantly recognizable by her rounded hull, an innovative design created to handle heavy cargo and rough waters more efficiently than traditional ships.
Throughout her working life, the Meteor sailed the Great Lakes under the names SS Frank Rockefeller and SS South Park, hauling bulk cargo well into the 1960s. As shipping technology evolved and whaleback ships became obsolete, the Meteor was slated for scrapping—nearly marking the end of an extraordinary legacy.
Instead, the citizens of Superior stepped in. Through a remarkable community effort, the ship was saved from the scrapyard and towed back to her namesake city. In the 1970s, the SS Meteor was transformed into a museum, ensuring her story—and the ingenuity she represents—would be preserved for future generations.
Today, the SS Meteor stands as a powerful symbol of innovation, industry, and community pride. Exploring her decks offers a truly unforgettable experience and a rare opportunity to step aboard a vessel found nowhere else in the world.
Old Firehouse & Police Museum
The Old Firehouse & Police Museum is a historic firehall turned museum with an incredible story to tell. Serving the Superior Fire Department from 1892 to 1982, this landmark building offers an authentic and immersive look into the history of firefighting and police work in Superior and across Wisconsin.
Step inside and experience the firehall much as it once was. Visitors can see the original brass fire pole, explore historic firefighting and rescue equipment, and even climb aboard the famous “Mack” firetruck—a favorite for visitors of all ages.
In addition to its firefighting exhibits, the museum offers a rare glimpse into the history of the Superior Police Department, with displays featuring historic uniforms, badges, photographs, and equipment that bring the story of local law enforcement to life.
The Old Firehouse & Police Museum is also home to the State of Wisconsin Fire & Police Hall of Fame, honoring the bravery, dedication, and service of first responders from across the state. Visit today to learn their stories and celebrate Wisconsin’s heroes.
Leadership
Museum Director
Jess McCullough, PhD
Jess McCullough has a background in history and archaeology and has deep roots in the area. Jess is an alumnus of the College of Saint Scholastica where he studied history before pursuing his master’s degree at Marquette University in Milwaukee and eventually his doctorate in archaeology from the University of Leicester. His first history-related job was as a tour guide at Fairlawn in 2007-2008. Since 2009, Jess has taught at UW-Superior, Northland College, UMD, Saint Scholastica, and MSU-Moorhead. Jess comes to Superior Historic Properties from Minnesota Power, where he worked as a policy advisor.
Museum Manager
Jordan Stish, MA
Jordan Stish has been serving as Museum Manager of Superior Historic Properties since July 2024. She earned her undergraduate degree in History from the University of Wisconsin-Superior in 2021 and her graduate degree in Public History from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 2023. Jordan has worked at several historic and cultural sites across Minnesota and Wisconsin, including working as a Tour Guide and Collections Intern at Fairlawn in 2020. Jordan also serves as an adjunct professor in the History Department at the University of Wisconsin-Superior.