Learn about our community history through an exploration of the people who shaped it. Use the biographies below to explore the settlement of our region, beginnings of the Springs Era, women’s suffrage, medicine, immigration, entertainment, contemporary history, and more.
WI Content Standards (3rd – 5th Grade)
SS.BH1.a.4 | SS.BH1.b.4 |SS.Hist1.b.i| SS.Hist2.b.i | SS.Hist2.c.i | SS.Hist3.a-c | SS.PS1.b.4-5 | SS.Econ1.a.i | SS.Econ2.b.4-5 | SS.Inq2.a.i | SS.Inq3.b.i |
Objectives
Define what “famous” and “infamous” means, and explain different reasons why people are remembered through time.
Describe ways that a community/city/state can recognize “famous” individuals. ex. Road names, parks, monuments, holidays.
Use biographies as a tool for understanding larger historic events: Pioneer Era | Springs Era | Women’s History & Suffrage Movement | Comedy & Entertainment | Contemporary History
Associate identities with individuals – pioneer, entrepreneur, leader, suffragist, professional, entertainer – and explain how those identities are assigned or claimed.
Learn how fame is constructed and needs to be continually supported overtime.
Identify why some people are considered famous to some people, but not to others.
Contemplate how famous people affect Waukehsa County in the long term.
Video & Recorded Media
Morris Cutler & Richard Dunbar. Run time 11:31
Dr. Margaret Caldwell & Theodora Winton Youmans. Run time 17:14
Russell Oakes aka Professor I.M. Nuts aka the Wiley Wizard of Waukesha. Run time 8:57
From WCHSM Innovation Waukesha exhibits, courtesy of Popular Science. Run time 3:37
Activities & Downloads
Was it Worth It? Economic Impact of Famous Waukeshonians
From Diaries to Newspapers: Primary vs Secondary sources
Fifteen Minutes of Fame
A Product of Their Environment: Does Waukesha Make Famous People Alone
And Beyond, resources outside of WCHSM’s collections
1880 History of Waukesha County
1894 Portrait and Biographic Record of Waukesha County
1907 Memoirs of Waukesha
Reading List
Get in Touch:
If you have questions, suggestions or want more information email our Education Department at education@wchsm.org.
