The purpose of the St. Francis Historical Society, an affiliate of the State Historical Society, is to preserve, advance, and disseminate knowledge of the history of the City of St. Francis and Town of Lake.

The St. Francis Historical Society first meeting was held May of 1977. After application was submitted, the Board of Curators of the State Historical Society of WI approved the Society's application for affiliation in October of 1977. And in February of 1978, final By-Laws were adopted and the Society was incorporated.

The Society was first housed at the former Thompson school building, the first school in St. Francis (a brief history of the Thompson school). The Society offices and holdings were moved to the Lupo House (a brief history of the Lupo House) on Packard Avenue in 1993, the historic house and land had been purchased by the City of St. Francis. The Lupo House was used as an archive and museum until 2009, when building condition and upkeep costs became prohibitive.

With the Society archive and museum moved to Deer Creek Elementary School (old St. John's School for the Deaf), limited access was available to members and the public. Some of the Society's documents and photos were also stored at the St. Francis Public Library during this time.

To enable access, general research, and display of the Society's archive and museum, plans were drawn up to build a new building. At the same time, the City was planning for a new Civic Center to replace the dated and outgrown City Building. Through an Anonymous Benefactor Grant, the Society was able to secure space in the new Civic Center on East Howard Avenue. Occupancy for the Center began in September 2014. The Society moved into their offices in October 2014.

The Society is managed by a 9 member Board of Directors which meets on the 3rd Saturday of every month. In addition, there are several Honorary Board Members. Much of the work of the Society is accomplished by committees that meet on an ad hoc basis.