Milwaukee County Historical Society

Publications

One way to bring our history to life is in the form intriguing articles and books about the people, places and events of Milwaukee County’s past. Sharing the stories of our past can help all of us gain a better understanding of our community today.

The Publications Committee of the Board of Directors provides oversight of our efforts, serving as the editorial board for Milwaukee History our quarterly magazine and selecting full books to publish. Proceeds from the sale of these publications provide operating support.

Whatever your interests may be, you will find something to spark your curiosity. Visit the Museum Store.

Milwaukee History

This magazine, published quarterly, contains manuscripts and photographs, which contribute new insights into the history of Milwaukee County. Milwaukee History was previously known as Historical Messenger. All members of Historical Society receive the magazine as a benefit.

Through the years, scholars have written several articles for Milwaukee History pertaining to the diverse ethnic groups that make up the fabric of the Milwaukee community. Use this cross listing to find a particular back issue of the magazine. All issues in print are available in the Museum Store.

Books

The Milwaukee County Historical Society has published several books about the community's rich heritage. All are available in the Museum Store, together with may other great books about our community.

Recent and noteworthy publications include:

The Making of Milwaukee By John Gurda

The first full-length history of Milwaukee since 1948 this popular books is now in its third edition. This well-written and entertaining history of this hometown metropolis most recently became the foundation for Milwaukee Public Television’s series of the same name. John Gurda is a Milwaukee-born writer, historian, photographer, lecturer, and local history columnist for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Both the book and the DVD of the documentary are available in the Museum Store.

Milwaukee at Mid-Century: The Photographs of Lyle Oberwise

Based on his collection of more than 43,000 color slides, this is the first publication of work by reclusive amateur photographer Lyle Oberwise. This beautiful collection of images records Milwaukee’s growth and change from the 1940s through the 1980s. The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, the Leslie Brunke Fund, the ELM II fund of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation and the David and Julie Uihlein Charitable Foundation, generously provided funding for this publication. Now available in the Museum Store.