General
Since 1935, we’ve been collecting, preserving, and sharing stories and objects that tell the history of Milwaukee County. Through a broad range of activities, the MCHS museum and research library seeks to recognize and preserve our local history. In promoting a greater appreciation of Milwaukee County’s heritage, the MCHS hopes to develop a better understanding of the issues and challenges facing Milwaukee County today.
910 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53203
You’ll find us right on the corner of Kilbourn Avenue and MLK Drive, along the beautiful Milwaukee River. Pere Marquette Park is in our backyard! We’re within walking distance of 3rd Street Market Hall, the Theatre District, Water Street, and Fiserv Forum, making it easy to explore the neighborhood before or after your visit.
Our building is a true piece of Milwaukee history! Designed by the Kirchhoff & Rose architectural firm in the Beaux-Arts style of the French Renaissance, it originally opened on February 3, 1913, as the Second Ward Savings Bank, built at a cost of $400,000. The Milwaukee County Historical Society was founded in 1935, and eventually found its home here on April 28, 1965, when the Second Ward office of the First Wisconsin National Bank donated the building to Milwaukee County specifically for MCHS’s use.
Over the years, we’ve worked to preserve and restore this beautiful space. The restoration project began in 2004 and was completed in 2018, maintaining its historic charm while updating it for modern use. Today, the building houses our museum, archives, and offices, and it has been designated a Milwaukee Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s the perfect place for us to share Milwaukee County’s history with you!
The clock outside our building has its own Milwaukee story to tell. It originally stood in front of M.H. Klopf Jewelry at 2367 S. Kinnickinnic Avenue in Bay View, where it was a neighborhood landmark for many years. In 1963, following the passing of her husband, Mrs. Lillie Klopf generously donated the clock to the Milwaukee County Historical Society.
The clock was installed outside the Historical Society and officially dedicated in December 2001. After years of service, it was fully restored in 2018, bringing it back to its original beauty and ensuring it will continue to greet visitors for years to come.
The glowing upper windows are part of Lifelight, a public art installation created in 2005 by New York–based artist Robert Wogan. The project was funded in part by the Milwaukee County Public Art Program and adds a striking, contemporary element to our historic building – connecting Milwaukee’s past with modern artistic expression.
We’re open Mondays and Wednesdays through Saturdays from 9:30am to 5:00pm. Hours can change for special events or holidays, so check our website before stopping by.
Yes, our admission fee grants access to our museum. General admission is $8.00 per visitor. We offer discounted admission for Seniors, Students, and Military for $6.00 per person. Members get free admission, so it’s a great reason to join! The MCHS is a part of the Museum for All program. To see if you qualify, click here.
We’re a nonprofit, which means we rely on donations, memberships, sponsorships, grants, earned revenue, and program fees to keep the history of our community alive.
Those iconic Milwaukee City Hall letters have found a new home at MCHS! Originally installed in 1906 on the south side of City Hall’s tower, the 42-inch-tall wooden letters were painted white to stand out against the terra cotta exterior and lit with twenty-five-watt bulbs. Over the years, they displayed messages celebrating events, welcoming visitors, honoring soldiers, and marking local and national milestones, and even appeared in the opening credits of Laverne & Shirley!
Thanks to a generous donation from MIAD, MCHS now has the letters on display in our atrium, where they rotate with different messages, letting visitors enjoy a piece of Milwaukee history up close.
There are seven bank vaults throughout the building, weighing up to 22 tons. At the time of construction, the large vaults cost $75,000 to build – equaling over $2,300,000 today. You can step inside one of our vaults during your visit!
The MCHS was one of the movie sets of the 2009 film, Public Enemies. The movie is set during the Great Depression, and chronicles the final years of the notorious bank robber John Dillinger (portrayed by Johnny Depp). One of the film’s bank robbery scenes was shot here; however, no known bank robberies were ever reported at the Second Ward Savings Bank.
Visiting & Accessibility
MCHS is committed to making our museum welcoming for all visitors. Elevators provide access to the basement and second floor, and handicapped-accessible doors are located on the east side of the building. Handicapped accessible restrooms are available. There’s also a convenient vehicle drop-off and loading zone on W. Kilbourn Avenue.
To enhance accessibility, we offer a sensory kit for visitors who may benefit from additional tools during their visit. Looking ahead to 2026, we hope to make our museum even more accessible with a new wheelchair-accessible entrance on MLK Drive and are currently seeking funding to make this a reality.
We’re also proud to partner with Museums for All. Families receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) can receive free admission for up to four people by presenting a photo ID and EBT card at the front desk.
The Milwaukee County Historical Society is partnering with Power Parking to provide discounted visitor parking. For $10 you may park in the 847 N. Plankinton Ave. lot (at the corner of Plankinton Ave. and Kilbourn Ave.) for up to 5 hours. 20% of the revenue will be donated directly back to MCHS.
For discounted parking, DO NOT scan and pay at the lot. After parking your car, instructions for payment will be available at the front desk in the Historical Center.
If Power Parking is full, there are several convenient alternatives nearby. The Journal South Lot, located at 921 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, is a secure parking lot directly across the street. Metered street parking is also available on W. Kilbourn Avenue and N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
Absolutely! Our exhibits and programs are designed for visitors of all ages, so bring the whole family.
Outside food and drinks aren’t allowed, but visitors are welcome to bring water. Some events may have refreshments – check event details.
Yes, service animals are always welcome.
Collections & Research
The Archives Collection includes materials that document Milwaukee and Milwaukee County, broadly defined. These include official records from Milwaukee County governmental departments, the personal and family papers of individuals and families from Milwaukee County, the records of businesses and organizations based or with significant operations in Milwaukee County, photographs (including slides and negatives) depicting Milwaukee County or taken by photographers from Milwaukee County, maps and atlases that document Milwaukee County or its municipalities, books that contain substantive content about Milwaukee County subjects, and oral history interviews that capture the narratives of everyday Milwaukeeans.
The Object Collections Department cares for more than 80,000 items. These range from three-dimensional objects such as textiles, ceramics, political memorabilia, furniture, and artwork to select two-dimensional materials like posters and advertising pieces. Each object helps tell the story of Milwaukee County and is preserved for exhibits and research.
Researchers can request access through our online form or by contacting our staff. Some items may also be available digitally.
Yes, please schedule an appointment so we can have everything ready for you.
Yes! We can provide scans, photocopies, or digital files. Some services require a fee. To learn more, click here.
MCHS staff follows collection policies which are developed following professional museum and archival standards in caring for, documenting, and sharing objects and archival material. These nationally recognized standards ensure we are able to preserve history for generations to come.
Education & Public Programs
We run workshops, lectures, school programs, field trips, family activities, and public events – all designed to help people of all ages connect with history. Visit our Learn page for more information.
Yes! We love working with students and teachers to bring Milwaukee County history into the classroom and beyond with our Hands on History program and field trips to the MCHS and Trimborn Farm. To learn more, click here.
All of our school programs are designed to support state and national learning standards. Teachers can contact us for more details.
It’s easy! Educators can schedule a Field Trip through our website or by reaching out to our education team.
Yes! We can bring history to you through virtual sessions like the Lunch and Learn program series. We offer a variety of off-site programs for community groups through our Speakers Bureau. Click here to see our presentation options. For students, Hands on History brings Milwaukee history into the classroom.
Exhibits & Events
You can see our current and upcoming exhibits on our website. We rotate exhibits regularly, so there’s always something new to explore!
We have a semi-permanent exhibit coming in June 2026, which will be on display for an extended period. In addition, we feature smaller rotating exhibits that change every 6 months to a year, so there’s always something new and exciting to explore at MCHS.
Yes, we love hosting events! Visit The Society website to learn more about renting our space for weddings, parties, or special gatherings.
Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media @mkehistory to stay in the loop!
Membership
Becoming a member of MCHS means you’re supporting Milwaukee County history while enjoying exclusive perks! Members receive free or discounted admission to our museum, invitations to special events, newsletters with the latest news, and early access to programs. It’s also a great way to stay connected to the community and help preserve local history.
There’s a membership that fits everyone! Each level comes with unique benefits. Visit our membership page for full details.
Yes! Gift memberships are a thoughtful way to share the love of Milwaukee County history with friends, family, or colleagues.
Yes, membership fees are partially tax-deductible, so you get the satisfaction of giving back to history while enjoying membership perks.
Members receive updates through email newsletters, mailed invitations, and occasional phone calls, depending on their preferences. This way, you won’t miss any programs, exhibits, or special events.
Giving & Sponsorship
You can donate online, by mail, or in person. We accept both monetary gifts and historical materials that help preserve Milwaukee history.
Yes! Monetary donations are fully tax-deductible. If you’re interested in donating historical materials, please contact us to discuss what items we can accept and how to contribute.
Yes, planned giving is a wonderful way to make a lasting impact. Contact us to learn more.
Yes! Businesses and individuals can sponsor events, programs, or exhibits. Contact us to learn more.
Community Engagement & Partnerships
Yes! Partnerships are central to our work, including exhibits, public programs, and oral history projects.
We actively collect and share stories from immigrants, communities of color, and other groups whose histories have often been overlooked. We are committed to growing our collections and outreach to reflect Milwaukee County’s diverse communities.
Volunteers & Internships
We love volunteers! Opportunities include helping with events, docenting, assisting with collections, and more. Visit our volunteer page to sign up.
Yes! Internships are available for students and early-career professionals interested in history, museum studies, and related fields.
Yes, we welcome groups and corporate volunteer teams for special projects and events.
Communications & Media
Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media @mkehistory.
You’ll find press releases and media resources on our website.
Contact our communications team with details about your request.
Use the contact form on our website.
Personal photography is allowed in most public spaces. Commercial photography or filming needs prior approval and requires a photography agreement.
Contact & Support
You can reach us by phone at (414) 273-8288 or online via our Contact page.
We love hearing from you! Send feedback through our online form.