Milwaukee County Historical Society

Capital Campaign

History in a New Light

We invite you to join us in restoring one of downtown Milwaukee ’s most recognizable landmarks – the beautiful Beaux Arts building which now serves as the Society’s home. Originally constructed to house the Second Ward Savings Bank, the building was designated a historic landmark in 1988.

Playing its part in the making of Milwaukee, the last 93 years of time and nature have taken their toll on this architectural jewel. The Historical Society’s Board of Directors determined that renovations and restoration was needed to preserve the building itself and to make it a facility for today – more suitable for the Society’s programs and a resource for our community.

Take a Closer Look at our Progress
Take a walk around the exterior of the Milwaukee County Historical Center and you will note that each of the buildings 27 cast iron windows have been re-glazed and repainted, giving the building a much needed face lift. This was completed in 2005 at a cost of $1.3 million.

Time your walk at twilight or after dark and enjoy “LifeLight”, a public art project that illuminates the Center’s windows at night. Created by New York artist Robert Wogan, this light show has brought this downtown landmark back to life. Easily viewed from the Marcus Center, across the river, and Pere Marquette Park the light display is changed for special events and holidays.

Changes extend inside with new restrooms and service elevator. Most striking, a section of the ornamental plaster ceiling, hidden for years beneath acoustical panels, has been repaired and painted in the style customers of the bank would have admired.

Phase III
We are now in Phase III of the renovation and expect to begin the final major mechanical upgrades and aesthetic enhancements in 2008. With this, the Center will become the restored and revitalized facility that is the goal of this major campaign. All mechanicals – HVAC, plumbing and electrical – will be upgraded to today’s standards. Restoration of the building’s elaborate plaster ceilings will bring the neoclassic interiors back to the grandeur it had in 1913.

Expansion of our renowned Research Library and exhibition space will improve public access to the vast historical resources maintained and preserved by the Historical Society.

The complete restoration of this elegant facility will provide beautiful meeting and event facilities for private parties and receptions and increase visibility of the work of the Historical Society. Take a look at what will be the new interior of the Historical Center.