EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS

MCHS Annual Meeting and Landmarks Designation & Holiday Gathering

Thursday, December 5th, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

MCHS welcomes members and the public to join us for our 2019 Annual Meeting and to hear the latest updates about our organization. At this time, the 2019 Landmarks Designation will be officially awarded and this year there is one new designation, the North Milwaukee Fire Station and Village Hall. This is also a time to celebrate a wonderful year together surrounded by festive decor, tasty holiday treats and a cash bar. Enjoy our seasonal exhibit, Milwaukee Treasures and Traditions, during your visit.
Event and admission to the exhibit are complimentary.

MCHS Annual Book Sale

Friday, December 6th from 1 to 5 p.m. and Saturday, December 7th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

MCHS cleans out our shelves and offers the public a chance to purchase our used books at great prices. From discontinued titles and slightly damaged books to magazines and historical books that don’t belong in our collection but are very interesting, come on down and take a look at these great books. Historical photos that were ordered and not picked up will also be available for sale. All proceeds support the Historical Society.
 
Due to the sale, the library will be closed to researchers on December 6th and 7th.
 

Very Merry Milwaukee Picture with Santa Event 

Sunday, December 8th, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Join us for a family favorite at the Milwaukee County Historical Society. All are welcome Sunday, December 8th for a chance to see Santa and his friend, Billie the Brownie. Get your picture taken with Santa, see the Historical Center decorated for the season and enjoy our “Milwaukee Holiday Treasures and Traditions” exhibit.

Visitors can also listen to Mrs. Claus as she reads a holiday favorite, participate in a coloring activity or write a letter to Santa so he doesn’t forget any wishes! Cookies, Hot Chocolate, and Snowman Sundaes will be for sale at Mrs. Claus’ kitchen.

Museum/event Admission is complimentary. 
Photos with Santa are $7 each and proceeds support the Museum.

 

The Wisconsin Story: Author Talk and Book Signing

Tuesday, December 10th, 6 p.m.

Learn about the events and people that shaped Wisconsin’s past. Author Dennis McCann will talk about his new book, The Wisconsin Story: 150 People, Places, and Turning Points that Shaped the Badger State and give us an answer into the question, “What makes Wisconsin, Wisconsin?”

There will be copies of this fascinating new book for sale and Dennis will be available for signings. This event is free and all are welcome to attend.

 

150th Birthday of the Typewriter with the Milwaukee Admirals

Wednesday, December 18th, 7 p.m.

Did you know that the first commercial typewriter was perfected in Milwaukee in 1868? Did you also know that the site where it was manufactured is near the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena? 

Celebrate the 150th Birthday of the typewriter on December 18th at Panther Arena with the Milwaukee Admirals as you enjoy a hockey game!  Proceeds from every ticket sold through our MCHS Night page will be donated back to the Milwaukee County Historical Society! Cheer on the Admirals while you support the Historical Society during a night that is sure to be everyone’s type!

Peoples Brewing Company: Black Enterprise in the Beer StatePeoples brewing wisconsin

On display through November 22nd

People’s Brewing Company: Black Enterprise in the Beer State tells the story of a group of Milwaukee businessmen and their quest to own one of the first African-American breweries in the United States. This exhibit speaks to the struggle of African-Americans trying to gain a foothold in a white dominated industry.
 
The exhibit is a part of regular museum admission.
 
 

Milwaukee Treasures and Traditions Exhibit

On display December 2 through December 28th

The Milwaukee County Historical Society celebrates the holiday season with an exhibition that celebrates the many traditions and treasures of Milwaukeeans during this magical time of year. Visitors are invited to the Historical Society to see the holiday décor and to experience the Treasures and Traditions Exhibition which includes historic images and objects related to Milwaukee such as the Christmas Parade and Santa’s favorite helper, Billie the Brownie. 
 
 
 
 

Book Your Field Trip or Group Tour Today!

Fall 2019

Fall is a beautiful time to enjoy our historic sites. Trimborn Farm and Kilbourntown House are available for group tours through the end of October. Contact Mary Jo Knapp today to book your visit – mjknapp@milwaukeehistory.net or 414.273.8288.
 

How Dry I Am: Prohibition Milwaukee Exhibit

On exhibit through Fall 2019 at the Historical Center

How Dry I Am: Prohibition Milwaukee, the Milwaukee County Historical Society’s 2019 feature exhibit, explores Milwaukee during the Prohibition era (1919-1933). How did nationwide Prohibition happen? How did people and businesses face this tumultuous period? What social and cultural shifts occurred? And how did these times impact Milwaukee and the nation? Explore this pivotal time in our history through historic images, audio and visual media, and interactive experiences.

 

Meet MKE

Meet MKE is the newest permanent exhibit at the Milwaukee County Historical Society. Showcasing some of the most iconic artifacts in the collection, this exhibit explore Milwaukee history from bridges and breweries to founders and festivals. 

presented by VISIT MILWAUKEE

Milwaukee County Historical Center
910 N. Old World 3rd St.
Milwaukee, WI 53203

Milwaukee Kayak & MCHS History Tours

Explore Milwaukee and its history as you paddle down the Milwaukee River. Learn about Milwaukee, past and present, from the viewpoint of the Milwaukee River led by guides from the Milwaukee County Historical Society.

 

These tours are offered each year from May through September and reservations are required. Group outings can also be arranged.

Trip includes:

  • Use of kayak or canoe
  • Instruction
  • Milwaukee history interpretation
  • A stop at the Historical Society along the banks of the Milwaukee River with a short tour of the museum

Children age 12 and older can participate with just one chaperone per 10 students.
Please call for information for trips with children ages 11 and under.

This outing is a collaboration between the Milwaukee County Historical Society and Milwaukee Kayak Company. For more information about tickets please contact:

Beth @ Milwaukee Kayak Company
#(414) 301-2240
Email: info@milwaukeekayak.com

Cost: $35 per person ($20 of each ticket will be donated back to the Milwaukee County Historical Society)

Trimborn Harvest of
Art & Crafts

First Weekend After Labor Day
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Please go to www.trimbornfarm.com for exhibitor applications and more information about this annual event.

View Past Exhibits

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