EXHIBITIONS
MCHS Exhibits are open Monday, Wednesday – Saturday from 9:30am – 5:00pm. We close early on select Saturdays, so we advise calling ahead.
Strings of Survival
On exhibit September 3rd, 2025 – October 11th, 2025
In partnership with Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO) and Violins of Hope Wisconsin residency.
During World War II, Nazi Germany carried out one of the most terrible acts in history: the Holocaust. Millions of Jewish people and others targeted by the Nazis were killed. Many of those targeted were sent to ghettos or concentration camps. Some were musicians who kept playing, even in these terrible conditions. Some were forced to perform for Nazi officers, while others used music to survive or resist. Their musical instruments also bore witness to this atrocity and remain as powerful reminders of their strength and courage.
This collection of violins, violas, and cellos now travels around
the world. Through concerts and exhibitions, Violins of Hope
teaches people about the horrors of the Holocaust, and how
music helped people hold on to hope.
Meet MKE
Now on exhibit.
Meet MKE is the newest permanent exhibit at the Milwaukee County Historical Society. What comes to mind when you think of Milwaukee? Maybe beer, cheese, and baseball? How about factories and hard work?
Milwaukee is all of these things and so much more! Take a whirlwind tour through Milwaukee’s past. Along the way, you’ll meet the people, visit the places, and learn about events that shaped modern Milwaukee County.
Additionally, the Meet MKE exhibit will feature the history of a different Milwaukee County neighborhood or town annually as a part of the exhibit’s expansion. The first neighborhood featured is…the Menomonee River Valley.
Brew City: The Story of Milwaukee Beer
Now on exhibit.
Detailing the history of brewing in Milwaukee County, the exhibit explores the local culture of beer and its evolution over time. Featuring artifacts, photographs, documents, audio, and visual media from the extensive MCHS Brewery Collection visitors will get to experience why Milwaukee truly is Brew City.
