Your Contribution Shares Waukesha’s Stories
Your donation to the Museum helps keep the continuum of learning alive and thriving. When we share stories, we face an informed present to shape the future. Your support helps us bring the past alive for generations to come.
Every gift empowers us to safeguard the Waukesha stories that help us learn from yesterday and shape tomorrow. Please consider supporting the Museum today!
Welcome to the Waukesha County
Historical Society & Museum
Since 1914 the Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum has preserved and shared the histories of our diverse community. Starting with one room in the 1893 Courthouse at the corner of W. Main and East Ave. in downtown Waukesha, the museum and archive has grown to more than 15,000 artifacts and over a million documents.
Victorian Tea Gala – Honoring Mayor Shawn Reilly
JOIN US FOR THE GALA!
April 15, 2026, 4:00 to 6:00 pm
At the Museum, 101 W. Main St., Waukesha WI 53186
The Waukesha County Historical Society and Museum invites you to a Victorian Tea Gala honoring Mayor Shawn Reilly on April 15, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. This elegant afternoon celebrates Mayor Reilly’s legacy of leadership and service to Waukesha since first taking office in 2012—a tenure defined by civic pride, community building, and lasting impact.
Inspired by the tradition of Victorian tea, once a cherished social custom during Waukesha’s Springs era, the gala reflects a time when tea gatherings brought people together in conversation and fellowship. Guests will also enjoy a preview of our upcoming Springs Exhibit, highlighting the healing reputation and cultural significance of the Waukesha Springs. Join us for this special event to honor Mayor Reilly, celebrate Waukesha’s history, and gather in the spirit of community.
The Les Paul Exhibit is once again OPEN after an enhancement of the exhibit. Stop down and see what’s new.
Click on the image above to hear Ellenbecker Investment Group Director of Community Relations, Jill Economou, speak with Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum’s Executive Director Nicki Ciurro and Waukesha County Community Fund’s Executive Director Melissa Baxter to learn more about the stories of Waukesha County, and how we are building a stronger community.
Reviews
Loved looking at all the historical artifacts and reading the history behind them. The staff is very friendly. The Les Paul exhibit is wonderful!
I am a photographer doing some historical research on the City of Waukesha to photograph. I inquired about various subjects relating to historical landmarks throughout the city. I scheduled an appointment to see some historical data the week prior and when I arrived the staff was very helpful and friendly with several items of interest out on display for me to review.
Absolutely charming. Great care has been taken to present historical items and ideas in a creative, engaging way. The Les Paul exhibit was very colorful and incredibly interesting. It was presented in a bright, colorful way that feels in line with many (larger) modern museums, the multimedia approach which presumably caters to younger people. So bring the kids! It’s not a huge overwhelming museum but there’s plenty to experience. I really like this balance.
County museums can be a mixed bag, but this one was quite delightful! Great exhibit on Les Paul, a Waukesha native, plus other interesting local highlights. Staff was friendly and helpful. We really enjoyed our visit!
