WAUSAU — Long before LGBTQ visibility became part of mainstream conversation in north central Wisconsin, there was The Pit.

Opened on July 1, 1973, at 100 Scott St. in downtown Wausau, The Pit became the first openly known gay bar in the region — a refuge and gathering place for LGBTQ people across the Northwoods at a time when many lived quietly, cautiously and often invisibly.

Now, more than 50 years later, a new documentary project aims to preserve and celebrate those stories.

The Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project, Marathon County Historical Society, Wausau Pride and community partners are collaborating with filmmaker Brenton Wildman of Wildman Productions on a documentary exploring the LGBTQ history of Marathon County and the spaces that helped shape queer life in the region.

The film is expected to premiere in early 2027 with a major public celebration in downtown Wausau.

According to organizers, the project grew out of several seemingly unrelated developments in 2025, including the opening of The Emerald, renewed efforts by the Marathon County Historical Society to document underrepresented histories, and the rediscovery of former Pit owner Vicky Hasko after decades away from Wisconsin.

“When we expand the stories we tell about our past, we expand who feels seen in our present,” said Blake Opal-Wahoske, executive director of the Marathon County Historical Society. “This film helps ensure that future generations understand that belonging has deep roots here.”

The documentary will trace the evolution of LGBTQ spaces in Wausau, beginning with The Pit and continuing through venues such as The Pendulum, The Lark, Camp, Masquers, Mad Hatters and Oz. Organizers say the film will highlight the people who created spaces of safety, visibility and community in an era when openly LGBTQ gathering places were rare — especially in smaller Wisconsin cities.

“For years, the History Project had a long list of unanswered questions about The Pit,” said Michail Takach. “We knew Vicky left Wausau decades ago, but we had no way of locating or contacting her. Fortunately, someone saw my posts in a Wausau Facebook group and connected us for the conversation of a lifetime.”

“Everything came together out of pure coincidence — and set the stage for a remarkable story,” Takach added.

Filmmaker Wildman said the project has also become deeply personal.

“Uncovering this forgotten history changed the way I see my hometown,” Wildman said. “Wausau has long been home to spaces that welcomed the queer community, and that legacy deserves to be recognized.”

“As someone who grew up gay here, this story resonates on a personal level,” he continued. “Learning about the individuals who paved the way is powerful, and I believe it’s a story that will connect with anyone who grew up queer in a small town.”

In addition to the documentary, organizers are pursuing a Wisconsin State Historic Marker commemorating the original site of The Pit. The Wisconsin Historical Society approved the project’s pre-application in March, advancing it to review by the State Historic Preservation Officer.

The production team is currently conducting oral history interviews and collecting photographs, memorabilia and archival materials connected to LGBTQ life in north central Wisconsin.

Organizers are encouraging community members with memories or artifacts tied to The Pit, The Emerald or other LGBTQ spaces in the region to come forward and contribute to the project.

The initiative is supported by funding from the B.A. & Esther Greenheck Foundation.

Founded by Wisconsin LGBTQ historian Don Schwamb, the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project has spent decades documenting and preserving LGBTQ history across the state through archival partnerships, oral histories and historical preservation work.