Programs and Events
We recognize that Milwaukee history spans across diverse communities, ethnicities, and cultures, so we hope to continue to bring us all together through our programs.
Pop & Pour: After Hours Event
Thursday, January 23rd, 2025 | Doors Open 5:00pm – 7:00pm
MCHS | 910 N. Dr. MLK Jr. Drive
Join us for Pop and Pour, an exclusive after-hours look at our new exhibit, Homegrown: Wisconsin Pop Culture.
FREE Admission! Registration preferred.
Savor the evening with a cash bar and an immersive exploration of Wisconsin’s rich pop culture history. Don’t miss this fun and interactive experience!
MCHS Book Club
Monday, January 27th, 2025 | 6:00pm
Meet at MCHS or Virtually via Zoom
Join us in January for We Had Fun and Nobody Died: Adventures of a Milwaukee Music Promoter by Amy T. Waldman and Peter Jest.
“This entertaining story chronicles the career of a one-of-a-kind, independent promoter whose hardheadedness and love of music have helped him keep it real and make it in the music business for more than forty years.
This irreverent biography provides a rare window into the music industry from a promoter’s perspective. From a young age, Peter Jest was determined to make a career in live music, and despite naysayers and obstacles, he did just that, bringing national acts to his college campus at UW–Milwaukee, booking thousands of concerts across Wisconsin and the Midwest, and opening Shank Hall, the beloved Milwaukee venue named after a club in the cult film This Is Spinal Tap.” -WHS
Copies of the book are available for purchase at the MCHS and Boswell Book Co. (copies limited). 10% discount available for book club members – mention the MCHS Book Club at Boswell checkout. An additional 10% off at the MCHS if you are a member of the MCHS (in-person discounts).
FREE to join, registration preferred!
Arrive early to explore our Homegrown: Wisconsin Pop Culture exhibit to learn more about Milwaukee’s music scene.
Click Here to Register! You will be sent the confirmation email with Zoom link to attend virtually.
Please send any questions or ideas for future book selections to info@milwaukeehistory.net
1st Annual Conservation Circle Fundraising Event 
Saturday, February 1st, 2025 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
MCHS: 910 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
Lunch & Learn Virtual Program Series
“African American History in Milwaukee, Part One & Two” Presentations
|Friday, February 14th & 21st | 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Virtual via Zoom – Must be Registered to Join
The MCHS virtual program series, Lunch & Learn, returns with four new presentations coming in early 2025.
All virtual Lunch & Learn programs will be streamed via Zoom for live viewing – take your lunch break with us! All virtual programs will be accessible on our YouTube page at the conclusion of the program season. If you are unable to attend the live stream, please register to receive early access to the presentation recording.
Free to attend – you must be registered to receive the Zoom link. Your information will remain private, and you will receive the secure Zoom link and post-program survey. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time.
Upcoming Presentations:
February 14th – Part One, “African American History in Milwaukee, 1836-1960,” presented by MCHS Archivist, Steve Schaffer.
Registration Open – Click Here!
February 21st – Part Two, “African American History in Milwaukee, 1960-Present,” presented by America’s Black Holocaust Museum and Historian, Kitonga Alexander.
Registration Open – Click Here!
March 7th – “At Home Preservation: Preservation Techniques for Your Antiques”
Milwaukee History Trivia @Triple Taproom & Kitchen
Thursday, February 20th, 2025 | Doors Open 6:00pm, Game Starts 7:00pm
Triple Taproom & Kitchen | 2018 E North Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Join us for another round of Milwaukee History Trivia at Triple Taproom & Kitchen! Located in Milwaukee’s East Side neighborhood, welcome to Wisconsin’s first Triple Taproom. Featuring fresh brews from3 Sheeps Brewing, Door County Brewing Co., and Hacienda Beer Co. Here you’ll find draft and to-go beer menus from all three breweries and a full kitchen featuring delicious Tex-Mex inspired offerings.
Doors open at 6:00pm, game starts at 7:00pm. Trivia questions about Milwaukee history, pop culture, news, etc. Prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.
Bring your friends or join a team! FREE to play!
Illustrating Our Stories: Exploring History Through Art
with Special Guest, Artist Aaron Boyd
Saturday, February 22nd, 2025 | 1:00pm-3:00pm
MCHS | 910 N. Dr. MLK Jr. Drive
Join us for “Illustrating Our Stories: Exploring History through Art”, a special program featuring celebrated artist and illustrator Aaron Boyd!
Presentation:
Aaron will share the inspiring story behind his illustrations for the new children’s book “Valiant Vel: Vel Phillips and the Fight for Fairness and Equality.” Learn about Vel Phillips’ remarkable history and her role in the fight for justice, as seen through Aaron’s vivid artwork.
Art Workshop:
After the presentation, let your creativity shine in an all-ages workshop led by Aaron himself! Reflect on the history of someone meaningful in your life and create a portrait using oil pastels and watercolors—supplies provided by the MCHS.
Artist Bio
Aaron Boyd knew by age six that he wanted to illustrate children’s books. He has illustrated dozens of books, including The Story of Civil Rights Hero John Lewis and the Wisconsin Historical Society Press title Brownie the War Dog and Valient Vel. Aaron lives with his family in Milwaukee.
“Valient Vel: Vel Phillips and the Fight for Fairness and Equality,” written by Jerrianne Hayslett and Illustrated by Aaron Boyd, is available for purchase in the MCHS gift shop. MCHS Members receive a 10% discount on gift shop purchases.
Registration required to secure your spot.
Click here to purchase your ticket.
24 spots available to participate in the art workshop. Visitors are welcome to attend the presentation and workshop as a spectator.
Cost Breakdown:
Presentation and Art Workshop Spectator = Program Admission Cost
- MCHS Members* = Free
- Non-members = $8
- Children under 12 = Free
Presentation and Art Workshop Participant = Program Admission Cost + $10 workshop fee (Limited to 24 participants)
- MCHS Members* = $10
- Non-members = $18
- Children under 12 = Free
*Members must submit their “Member Name” linked to their MCHS Membership Account to receive the discounted ticket rates.
