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# Milwaukee County Historical Society – Historical gem in Milwaukee, engaging exhibits, rich archives, and beautiful architecture

The Milwaukee County Historical Society, located in Milwaukee, WI, is a captivating destination that combines history, architecture, and community engagement. Housed in a stunning former bank building, this society offers a unique glimpse into the rich past of Milwaukee through its exhibits and extensive archives. Founded in 1935, the society has evolved to become a vital part of the local community, providing educational resources and hosting events that celebrate the city's heritage. Visitors often highlight the impressive architecture of the building and the friendly, knowledgeable staff who enhance the experience with their insights and assistance.

## History

### The story of Milwaukee County Historical Society
The Milwaukee County Historical Society was founded in 1935 with a vision to preserve and promote the history of Milwaukee and its surrounding areas. Initially set up in an unused area of the county courthouse, the society quickly outgrew its space, leading to the acquisition of the historic Second Ward Bank building in 1965. This move marked a significant milestone in the society's journey, allowing it to expand its offerings and serve the community more effectively.

### Milestones and growth
- **1935**: Milwaukee County Historical Society is founded.
- **1965**: Acquisition of the Second Ward Bank building, a historic structure built between 1911 and 1913.
- **2008**: The first floor of the building is restored to resemble its original bank appearance.
- **2010**: Completion of a multi-million dollar renovation, enhancing the building's facilities and accessibility.
- **Ongoing**: Continuous development of new exhibits and community programs to engage visitors and promote local history.

### Cultural and local influence
The Milwaukee County Historical Society has played a crucial role in preserving the cultural heritage of Milwaukee. By maintaining a vast collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents, the society serves as a repository of local history. Its commitment to education and community involvement fosters a deeper appreciation for Milwaukee's past, making it an essential resource for residents and visitors alike. The society's efforts in organizing events and exhibitions contribute to the cultural vibrancy of the city, encouraging dialogue and exploration of historical themes.

### Continuing the tradition
The Milwaukee County Historical Society continues to uphold its founding vision by adapting to the changing needs of the community. With plans for future exhibitions and educational programs, the society aims to engage a broader audience and inspire a love for history in new generations. The dedication to preserving Milwaukee's heritage ensures that the stories of the past remain alive and relevant, fostering a sense of pride among residents.

## Community

### Community involvement
The Milwaukee County Historical Society actively engages with the local community through various initiatives and programs. By hosting events, workshops, and lectures, the society encourages participation and fosters a sense of belonging among residents. Collaborations with schools and local organizations further enhance its outreach efforts, making history accessible and relevant to diverse audiences.

### Community notion about the place
Many community members view the Milwaukee County Historical Society as an invaluable resource for learning and exploration. Visitors often express appreciation for the friendly staff and the wealth of knowledge available within the archives. The society is seen as a hidden gem, offering unique insights into Milwaukee's history that are not easily found elsewhere. This positive perception contributes to the society's reputation as a welcoming and informative institution.

### Events and gatherings
The society hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including lectures, book launches, and special exhibitions. These gatherings not only provide opportunities for learning but also foster connections among community members who share a passion for history. The society's beautiful venue, with its historic architecture, serves as an ideal backdrop for these events, enhancing the overall experience for attendees.

## Offerings

### What Milwaukee County Historical Society offers
The Milwaukee County Historical Society offers a diverse range of resources and experiences for visitors. From engaging exhibits that highlight local history to a comprehensive research library, the society caters to history enthusiasts, researchers, and casual visitors alike. The combination of educational programs and community events ensures that there is something for everyone to enjoy.

### Dining and food experience
While the Milwaukee County Historical Society does not have a dedicated dining facility, its location in downtown Milwaukee provides easy access to a variety of nearby restaurants and cafes. Visitors can enjoy a meal or snack before or after their visit, making it a convenient stop for those exploring the area. The society's events may also feature catering options, enhancing the overall experience for attendees.

### Events and packages
The society offers various event packages for those looking to host private gatherings or special occasions. The historic setting of the building provides a unique atmosphere for weddings, receptions, and corporate events. With multiple venues available, including the main exhibition space and outdoor patio, the society can accommodate a range of event sizes and styles, making it a popular choice for memorable celebrations.

### Facilities and features
- Historic bank building with stunning architecture
- Research library with extensive archives
- Multiple event spaces for gatherings
- Outdoor patio area for relaxation
- Accessibility features for all visitors

## Pros and Cons

### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of the Milwaukee County Historical Society highlight both positive and negative aspects of the visitor experience. Many patrons appreciate the building's architecture and the wealth of historical information available, while some express concerns about the limited number of exhibits. Overall, the society is recognized for its friendly staff and engaging atmosphere.

### Compliments and strengths
Visitors frequently commend the Milwaukee County Historical Society for its knowledgeable staff, who are eager to assist and share insights about the exhibits and archives. The building's historical significance and architectural beauty are also praised, making it a visually appealing destination. Additionally, the research library receives high marks for its extensive collection and the helpfulness of the librarians.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
Some reviews mention that while the society offers a fascinating glimpse into Milwaukee's history, the number of exhibits may not be sufficient to warrant a dedicated trip for some visitors. However, those with a keen interest in research and local history often find the archives to be a treasure trove of information. The contrasting experiences highlight the importance of aligning visitor expectations with the society's offerings.

### Summary evaluation
In summary, the Milwaukee County Historical Society is a valuable institution that provides a unique blend of history, architecture, and community engagement. While some visitors may find the exhibit offerings limited, the extensive archives and knowledgeable staff make it a worthwhile destination for those interested in exploring Milwaukee's past. The society's commitment to preserving local history and fostering community connections ensures its continued relevance and importance.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
The Milwaukee County Historical Society is located at 910 N Old World 3rd St, Milwaukee, WI 53203, in the heart of downtown Milwaukee. This prime location allows visitors to easily explore nearby attractions, including the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Historic Third Ward, and the Riverwalk. The vibrant neighborhood offers a mix of cultural, dining, and shopping experiences, making it an ideal starting point for a day of exploration in Milwaukee. The society's central location enhances its accessibility, inviting both locals and tourists to discover the rich history of the area.

## FAQs

**What are the admission fees** Admission fees are typically $7 for adults, with discounts for students and seniors.

**Is there parking available** Yes, there are several parking options nearby, including street parking and parking garages.

**Are guided tours available** Yes, the society offers self-guided tours, and guided tours can be arranged for groups.

**Can I conduct research at the library** Yes, the research library is open to the public, and assistance is available from staff.

**What events does the society host** The society hosts various events, including lectures, book launches, and special exhibitions throughout the year.

## Visit Milwaukee County Historical Society Today
The Milwaukee County Historical Society invites you to explore its rich offerings, from engaging exhibits to a comprehensive research library. With a history that dates back to 1935, this institution continues to play a vital role in preserving and promoting Milwaukee's heritage. The beautiful architecture of the former bank building adds to the charm of your visit, while the friendly community atmosphere ensures a welcoming experience. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply curious about the past, the Milwaukee County Historical Society is a must-visit destination in Milwaukee.

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I noticed this building while staying across the street. I stopped in on a whim. The man at the desk was friendly and informative. The self guided tour was $8 and allowed me to view the upstairs and downstairs. The building, an old bank, is impressive. They had 3 exhibits. The downstairs exhibit, history of brewing, was informative and interesting. While I'm glad to learn more about MKE, I thought $8 was a bit steep for what it is.

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The MCHS is an underrated gem for a lot of reasons. First, the building is gorgeous - it's a historic bank building and a perfect place to host an event. Admission is $7 which is pretty reasonable. I'd say I wouldn't make a trip just to see the exhibits, there's really not much to see. So why 5 stars? The research library! It's included with admission (make an appointment though) and you won't believe the cool stuff you can dig into. As an example, our house was built in 1925 by Dick and Bauer (the fine folks who built the Oriental) and my husband wanted to learn more. Our friendly archivist pulled a collection that had all the original receipts for the house - each trade, landscaping, even laying the sewers which was noted as "paid under protest". That was amazing but an extra special bonus was a WW1 soldiers album that belonged to the original owner. It had tons of photos he took while in Europe with carefully written notes on what it all was. Really fascinating! For a very reasonable price we were able to get copies of some of the items and even a photo repro of the original owner in uniform. I can't stress how much interesting stuff is in the archives - and the staff is happy to help you discover it. If you have an interest in local history, want to do some genealogy or just want to see some cool stuff, definitely come and check them out.

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This is a very neat building that used to house brewers' riches. There are still vaults inside, and some lovely architecture. They have some historical displays and on the upper floor you can look through old photos and order prints of them as well.

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I was here for a wedding, and we had to laugh that the exhibit going on at the time was on Prohibition. The mother of the bride joked that if she knew there were going to be prohibition banners on the outside, she would have developed a speakeasy theme for the reception where guests had to give a password to get in. Seriously though, we did get to see some of the exhibit around the main floor and it was interesting. The building is an old bank which is just beautiful; the architecture is amazing! The layout worked well for the various phases of the reception with appetizers and cocktails downstairs and dinner on the upstairs balcony. The only downside is that bathrooms were in the basement which was a bit of a challenge for some of the older guests who struggled some with stairs as this involved going down two flights from where dinner was served. The outdoor patio area was wonderful; the back door opens out onto a park which was a great option for kids to run around a bit and for adults to get in some quieter conversation time when the young folks started cranking up the music.

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Shut the front door. (... but be careful. The door may be kind of old, and also, it's of historical significance.) Seems as though the MKE County HIstorical Society is going through a sort of renewal, and there are big plans in the works for really, really cool things. Really cool. Did I mention how cool? I'll stop, and go with what's currently tangible and not "in the works:" 1. Multiple venues of historical significance that play host to special events. You can rent them, too. The historical society museum itself, downtown... and also? They have a killer farm (http://www.milwaukeehistory.net/historic-sites-2/trimborn-farm/). 2. There's also: the Jeremiah Curtain House, the Lowell David house, the Kilbourntown House, and various historical other historical landmarks about town. Super cool. Look 'em up. 3. The folks at the historical society are super super nice and did I mention that they're going to be doing some really interesting/unique/awesome stuff this coming year? I did? Okay. Super excited to see where this all heads!

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The Milwaukee County Historical Society is a gem, hidden in plain sight, in downtown Milwaukee. The society was founded in 1935, set up in an unused, and unfinished, area in the county courthouse. By the 1960s, "Grandma's Attic" was full. This building was constructed between 1911-1913 and opened on February 3, 1913 as the Second Ward Bank. In 1928, the Second Ward Bank merged with the First Wisconsin National Bank and it became the Second Ward Branch of the First Wisconsin. In the mid 1960s, the First Wisconsin National Bank, the largest bank in Wisconsin at that time, had excess real estate in the downtown area it wanted to liquidate. The Second Ward Branch was part of that excess. After turning down several offers on this very valuable piece of real estate, in April 1965 the bank donated the building to Milwaukee County. The Historical Society took possession a few weeks later and the society opened the building in October 1965 as the Milwaukee Country Historical Center. If you are an architectural detail affectionado, this building is loaded with eye candy indoors and out. As a bank, the building was built to convey strength and security. The interior is finished in black and white marble, and it has six vaults that offer perfect conditions for the storage of artifacts. Dentil moldings are detailed in gold leaf. Exterior details include fluted Ionic columns standing on blocks of Bedford limestone. The building underwent a five year, multi-million dollar renovation that wrapped up late in 2010. The archives are open for research (it helps to be a member) and if you are researching something in Milwaukee County's past, city, town or village, records, cemeteries, buildings, what have you, the information you need is likely here in the archives. There is an extensive photograph collection in the archive, as well. Prints may be made for a nominal fee. In 2008, the building returned to its roots as the first floor was returned to the appearance of a bank. The bank was "robbed" by Johnny Depp, as John Dillinger, in the making of the 2009 film "Public Enemies". By the way, the Historical Society operates other museum sites, the Lowell Damon House, the Kilbourntown House (also known as the Benjamin Church House) the Jeremiah Curtin House and Trimborn Farm. Visitor to or a resident of Milwaukee County? You really should pay a visit to the Historical Society.

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I attended an event here for the launch of a new book, "Bottoms Up!" featuring a history of taverns and breweries in Wisconsin. This building very clearly used to be a bank. It was cool to see the old and very large vault doors, as well as the inside of the vaults. It is essentially a small museum and if you're looking for books about the history of Milwaukee neighborhoods, you will find a few here, as well as other great books. I'm happy to say I finally got to visit the Milwaukee County Historical Society. Check it out some time.

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Located in the old "Brewers" bank building, there really isn't much to see here. We paid the $5 admission just to use the bathroom and then wandered around for about ten minutes checking out the scant items that are on display.

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I'm a history nerd and the research library gives me major happy vibes. I've spent a handful of days here researching bits on old Milwaukee, mainly the history of my current condo. With each visit, I've arrived with a specific objective and left hours later having learned something I never expected. During your time at the Historical Society Research Library, you may get to: - look at census records on microfilm using a real microfilm reader! - scour through old and fragile city directories that make you sneeze and leave a layer of dust on your fingers! - use exclusively number 2 pencils to write your notes on topics so detailed you feel isolated in your nerdiness! - peruse the obituaries of Milwaukee's influential citizens past! - chat in depth with the spectacle-wearing, tweed adorned man working amongst the stacks! The research library is located on the second floor and open any time the Historical Society is. For a $5 fee (for non-members) you can sit for as long as you'd like and research to your hearts-content. I've seen folks researching topics from sheriffs to nurse/hospital history to burlesque dancing, so let your creativity flow. The librarian on staff is more than happy to help and even makes personal calls after your visit if he's found additional info you may find interesting. Thanks to the library here, I've been able to identify the original tenant of my condo - with old grainy photographs, obituaries, and newspaper articles featuring him to boot. If you have a PTO day that you need to use, this could be your excuse.

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I have passed by this building so many times and never gave it a second thought. Never payed attention to what it was and that it was even there. Shame on me! We visited the Milwaukee County Historical Society because we were working on a boy scout merit badge and one of the requirements was to visit a historical location. We were fortunate enough to tour the building and get very detailed information from the wonderfully helpful woman at the front desk. Learned about the history of the building and saw old photos before the renovations and how it was changed for the filming of a movie. So much information and so much history in one location. I took so many pictures, it's crazy. The building is just absolutely beautiful. I could sit and just stare at it for hours. I am a history buff so I was in heaven in the upstairs documents library. To see the old books and old records, it just makes me feel so small in this big old grand scheme of life. All of this from an old bank, blows my mind. If you love history and you love beautiful architecture, you MUST visit the Milwaukee County Historical Society.

Discover Milwaukee County Historical Society on Old World 3rd St. Explore rich history and local culture. Plan your visit today for an unforgettable experience.

Milwaukee County Historical Society on Old World 3rd St - Rich History & Culture

Milwaukee

Milwaukee County Historical Society

Milwaukee County

Discover the Milwaukee County Historical Society in Milwaukee, WI. Dive into local history, exhibits & events. Plan your visit today!

Milwaukee County Historical Society Experience – Explore Milwaukee’s Past

Learn about the Milwaukee County Historical Society in Milwaukee, WI. Preserving local history, exhibits & community events. Visit us to explore Milwaukee’s heritage.

About Milwaukee County Historical Society – Milwaukee’s Heritage in Milwaukee, WI

Opening hours for Milwaukee County Historical Society, Milwaukee, WI. Find opening hours for Milwaukee County Historical Society at 910 N Old World 3rd St.

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