Milwaukee County Historical Society | Milwaukee

Milwaukee County Historical Society – In Detail

Overview and Purpose

The Milwaukee County Historical Society (MCHS) is a key institution dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing the history and heritage of Milwaukee County. Founded in 1935, it serves as a research center, museum, and educational resource focused on the region’s cultural, social, and economic development from its earliest settlement to the present day.

The Society’s mission is to promote public understanding and appreciation of Milwaukee County’s past through exhibitions, programs, archives, and publications.

Location and Building

The MCHS is housed in the historic Second Ward Savings Bank Building, located at 910 North Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in downtown Milwaukee. This building was constructed in 1913 and is designed in the French Renaissance architectural style, characterized by detailed ornamentation, grand windows, and limestone façade.

In 1965, the building was donated to the Historical Society and has since been the central location for its collections, exhibitions, and public programming.

Collections and Archives

MCHS maintains an extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, documents, maps, and oral histories that chronicle Milwaukee County’s development. Its archival holdings include:

Personal papers of influential Milwaukee figures

Business and organizational records

Historic photographs documenting urban growth, industry, and everyday life

Maps and architectural drawings

Newspaper clippings and ephemera related to Milwaukee history

The archives are open to researchers and the general public by appointment, providing valuable resources for genealogical research, academic projects, and community heritage preservation.

Exhibitions and Programs

The Historical Society offers rotating public exhibits that highlight various aspects of local history, including immigration, industrial development, cultural traditions, and notable individuals from Milwaukee County.

Recent or ongoing exhibitions have focused on topics such as:

Wisconsin pop culture and iconic brands

The brewing industry and Milwaukee’s reputation as the "Beer Capital"

Immigrant experiences and ethnic communities

Urban development and architectural history

MCHS also organizes educational lectures, walking tours, workshops, and special events designed to engage diverse audiences and foster appreciation for the county’s heritage.

Visitor Information

The Milwaukee County Historical Society is open to visitors primarily from Monday and Wednesday through Saturday, generally from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is closed on Tuesdays and Sundays. Admission is modestly priced, with discounts for seniors, students, military personnel, and members.

The building is wheelchair accessible, with elevators and accessible entrances. Discounted parking is available nearby through coordinated arrangements with local garages.

Community Role and Impact

Beyond its role as a museum and archive, the Milwaukee County Historical Society serves as an active cultural institution connecting Milwaukee residents to their past. It collaborates with schools, universities, local governments, and community groups to promote history education and preservation.

MCHS’s efforts contribute to sustaining Milwaukee’s unique identity, providing a tangible link between past generations and present-day civic life.

Summary

The Milwaukee County Historical Society is a vital resource for anyone interested in the history of Milwaukee and its surrounding communities. Through its historic home, rich archival collections, engaging exhibits, and educational programs, it preserves and shares the stories that shape the region’s cultural fabric, ensuring that Milwaukee’s heritage remains accessible and relevant to all.