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X-WR-CALNAME:Waukesha County Historical Society &amp; Museum
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://waukeshacountymuseum.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Waukesha County Historical Society &amp; Museum
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BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:UTC
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TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:UTC
DTSTART:20250101T000000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260122
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260202
DTSTAMP:20251219T164202Z
CREATED:20251217T214508Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251219T164202Z
UID:616-1769040000-1769990399@waukeshacountymuseum.org
SUMMARY:Visit Milwaukee: Museum Week 2026
DESCRIPTION:Join us for Museum Days: January 22-February 1st.\nEscape the winter blues and support your local history center. \nEnjoy discounted museum admission ($5) entry and rarely seen Les Paul artifacts on exhibit for a limited time
URL:https://waukeshacountymuseum.org/event/visit-milwaukee-museum-week-2026/
LOCATION:Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum\, 101 W Main Street\, Waukesha\, WI\, 53186\, United States
ORGANIZER;CN="Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum":MAILTO:director@wchsm.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260204T170000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260204T190000
DTSTAMP:20260121T211805Z
CREATED:20251217T215056Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260121T211805Z
UID:618-1770224400-1770231600@waukeshacountymuseum.org
SUMMARY:Spring City Soiree: Celebrating 130 Years of the City of Waukesha
DESCRIPTION:Celebrate the 130th Anniversary of the City of Waukesha!\n\nJoin the Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum for the Spring City Soirée\, a FREE community celebration marking the 130th anniversary of the City of Waukesha. The event will be held on Wednesday\, February 4\, 2026\, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Museum. This special evening invites guests to explore Waukesha’s journey from our healing-springs origins to the vibrant city it is today. \nEnjoy an exclusive preview of the museum’s new Springs exhibit\, highlighting the era when Waukesha’s renowned waters attracted visitors seeking health and renewal and helped shape the city’s identity. Guests may also explore the museum’s galleries\, participate in hands-on activities for children\, and enjoy refreshments and giveaways throughout the evening. \nA brief program at 5:30 p.m. will feature remarks from Peter Zehren\, Executive Director of the Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum; Mayor Shawn Reilly; and local historian John Schoenknecht\, offering reflections on 130 years of Waukesha history and the legacy of the springs. \n\nPreview the new Springs exhibit at the museum\, enjoy activities and games for kids\, sample refreshments and more!
URL:https://waukeshacountymuseum.org/event/spring-city-soiree-celebrating-130-years-of-the-city-of-waukesha/
LOCATION:Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum\, 101 W Main Street\, Waukesha\, WI\, 53186\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://waukeshacountymuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/spring-city.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum":MAILTO:director@wchsm.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260212T173000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260212T183000
DTSTAMP:20260203T215454Z
CREATED:20260102T173138Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T215454Z
UID:622-1770917400-1770921000@waukeshacountymuseum.org
SUMMARY:February 2026 History after Dark
DESCRIPTION:Beginning in 2026\, join us every other month for programs that bring history to life.\nOur schedule alternates between: \n\nHistory After Dark – second Thursday evenings\, starting February 2026\n(5:30–6:30 p.m.\, $10 admission or $8 for Members\, limited seating)\nLunch and Learn – second Tuesday afternoons\, starting March 2026\n\nBy alternating these programs month‑to‑month—History After Dark in February\, Lunch and Learn in March\, and so on—you’ll enjoy a steady rotation of engaging daytime and evening opportunities to connect with history. \nAdmission is $10\, $8 for WCHSM Members. Seating is limited to 40 guests\, with additional standing room available. \nPlease join us for our first History after Dark with author and WCHSM Volunteer: John Schoenknecht. \n✨Movie Night at WCHSM✨ \nWCHSM is fortunate to possess many 16MM movies made by Warren O’Brien in the 1920s. O’Brien documented parades and festivities from the 1920s – 100 years ago! The films have been converted to digital form by Society member Bill Schley. They have been analyzed\, enhanced\, and slowed down to present to the public. O’Brien photographed the last living Civil War veterans at Cutler Park\, and they are shown in this movie. \nIf time permits\, we will be able to watch other Waukesha movies – some taken by Norman Schley in the 1950s\, a Waukesha Beach film\, and movies from the 1959 125th Celebration. \nYou can purchase tickets three ways: 1) Call the museum at (262) 521-2859\, 2) purchase tickets from greeter during museum open hours\, or 3) buy tickets online
URL:https://waukeshacountymuseum.org/event/february-2026-history-after-dark/
LOCATION:Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum\, 101 W Main Street\, Waukesha\, WI\, 53186\, United States
CATEGORIES:Evening Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://waukeshacountymuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/February-2026-History-after-Dark.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum":MAILTO:director@wchsm.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260310T113000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260310T123000
DTSTAMP:20260225T194828Z
CREATED:20260216T134211Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T194828Z
UID:694-1773142200-1773145800@waukeshacountymuseum.org
SUMMARY:March 2026 Lunch and Learn: Roosevelt’s Timber Army Marches on the Badger State: The CCC in Wisconsin
DESCRIPTION:Roosevelt’s Timber Army Marches on the Badger State: The CCC in Wisconsin \nMarch 10th  |  11:30am-12:30pm \nThe Civilian Conservation Corps was one of several federal responses to the economic and environmental crisis facing the United States during the Great Depression. Guests will get a glance at how it served a dual purpose of employing millions of men and women\, not only providing steady pay and job training\, but also establishing and restoring parks and natural resources. During this presentation we will look at how the CCC and similar programs not only benefited tens of thousands of Wisconsinites during the Great Depression\, but also how their hard work can still be seen today throughout the state. \nEvan studied General History during his undergraduate studies at Grand Valley State University and completed his graduate program in Public History & Museum Studies from UW-Milwaukee in 2024. In the past 8 years he has worked and volunteered at historic sites around the Great Lakes\, from Fort Mackinac to Old World Wisconsin\, all the way back to WCHSM as an education intern in 2024. Much of his work includes frontline experiences\, with a passion for living history\, historic interpretation and educational program development. More recently Evan has been volunteering at WCHSM in collections processing & assisting with new exhibits whenever needed. \nTickets: $28 – includes a box lunch from Rochester Deli – NON-MEMBER\, $25 – includes a box lunch from Rochester Deli – MEMBER\, $10 – Program Ticket ONLY \nRochester Deli’s box lunches include a sandwich\, chips\, and a dessert (water will be provided). All sandwiches are on multi-grain bread* with leaf lettuce\, tomato\, with mayo and brown mustard on the side. Sandwich options include: turkey\, roast beef\, ham\, chicken salad\, tuna salad\, egg salad\, and grilled veggies. \nHow to purchase tickets: 1) call the museum during open hours\, 2) purchase a ticket from the front desk during open hours\, or 3) buy tickets online. \nFAQ \nWho can I contact for more information? Give us a call at 262-521-2859 and ask to speak to someone about Lunch & Learn. \nWhat if I need to cancel my order? Rochester Deli needs the lunch order by the Friday before the Lunch & Learn date. While you could cancel after that date\, we will not issue a refund if you ordered a meal. \nRefund Policy – Contact the organizer to request a refund.
URL:https://waukeshacountymuseum.org/event/march-2026-lunch-and-learn-roosevelts-timber-army-marches-on-the-badger-state-the-ccc-in-wisconsin/
LOCATION:Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum\, 101 W Main Street\, Waukesha\, WI\, 53186\, United States
ORGANIZER;CN="Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum":MAILTO:director@wchsm.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260408T160000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260408T180000
DTSTAMP:20260323T232929Z
CREATED:20260116T212956Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T232929Z
UID:632-1775664000-1775671200@waukeshacountymuseum.org
SUMMARY:Victorian Tea Gala - Honoring Mayor Shawn Reilly
DESCRIPTION:  \n\n\n\nVICTORIAN TEA GALA – HONORING MAYOR SHAWN REILLY\nJoin us on Wednesday\, April 8th\, from 4-6pm at the Waukesha County Historical Society and Museum for a one-of-a-kind celebration of Mayor Shawn Reilly. This elegant Victorian Tea Gala honors the mayor’s years of service while benefiting our museum. Enjoy afternoon tea\, our newly opened Springs Exhibit\, and a memorable gala experience. \n\nTables available now\, individual seats soon.\nDon’t miss this extraordinary event. \nA WORD ON TEA\n \nIn the Victorian tradition\, tea was never merely a beverage\, but a ceremony—a pause in the day that invited conversation\, civility\, and connection. Guests will enjoy a classic afternoon tea\, thoughtfully prepared and served with light fare\, recalling the social rituals once enjoyed during Waukesha’s celebrated Springs era\, when visitors and residents alike gathered to share refreshment and refined company.\n \nHONORING MAYOR SHAWN REILLY \nAs he concludes his service to the City of Waukesha\, we are proud to honor Mayor Shawn Reilly\, who has served with clarity\, resolve\, and deep commitment since 2012. Known for his direct leadership and steady hand\, Mayor Reilly guided the city through significant growth\, infrastructure achievements\, and community investment—always with a clear eye toward Waukesha’s future. This afternoon offers a fitting moment to reflect\, celebrate\, and offer our gratitude—with warmth\, wit\, and more than a touch of good humor. \n\n\n  \nReserve your table or seat TODAY!
URL:https://waukeshacountymuseum.org/event/victorian-tea-gala-honoring-mayor-shawn-reilly/
LOCATION:WI
CATEGORIES:Afternoon Tea
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://waukeshacountymuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/B-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260409T173000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260409T183000
DTSTAMP:20260312T120025Z
CREATED:20260312T115947Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260312T120025Z
UID:708-1775755800-1775759400@waukeshacountymuseum.org
SUMMARY:April 2026: History after Dark
DESCRIPTION:✨History after Dark✨ \nCopper in North America and Europe: An Exploration of the Importance of Copper in Prehistoric Wisconsin and Europe as well as Indigenous Practice \nGlobally\, copper has been an important resource for people from now into Antiquity. Copper objects have been found by archaeologists from Southeast Asia to Britain and across the pond to our backyard in Wisconsin. This discussion will focus on the importance of copper and those who used it during the Old Copper Complex (~4\,000-1\,000 BCE) that spanned the western Great Lakes with its heart in Wisconsin\, the Chalcolithic (~5\,000-2\,000 BCE) and Bronze Ages (~2\,200-800 BCE) of western Europe\, and the Potlatches of Indigenous groups in northwestern America and southwestern Canada. \nTim Piatek is a UW–Milwaukee graduate with a Master’s in Anthropology and a Certificate in Museum Studies. His thesis examined Old Copper Complex artifacts from Sheboygan County\, drawing on collections housed at the Milwaukee Public Museum and the Sheboygan County Historical Society & Museum. He has also interned and volunteered at many museums across Wisconsin\, gaining extensive hands-on experience in collections care and museum administration. \nAdmission is $10\, $8 for WCHSM Members. Seating is limited to 40 guests\, with additional standing room available. \nYou can purchase tickets three ways: 1) Call the museum at (262) 521-2859\, 2) purchase tickets from greeter during museum open hours\, or 3) buy tickets online
URL:https://waukeshacountymuseum.org/event/april-2026-history-after-dark/
LOCATION:Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum\, 101 W Main Street\, Waukesha\, WI\, 53186\, United States
ORGANIZER;CN="Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum":MAILTO:director@wchsm.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260512T113000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260512T123000
DTSTAMP:20260403T201044Z
CREATED:20260403T200851Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260403T201044Z
UID:723-1778585400-1778589000@waukeshacountymuseum.org
SUMMARY:May 2026 Lunch and Learn: America’s Supreme Dessert: The Rise and Fall of Jiffy-Jell 
DESCRIPTION:  \n \nTuesday\, May 12th 2026|11:30AM-12:30 PM \nOne of the most simple and popular desserts in American households is gelatin\, in which the brand JELL-O has almost become synonymous with the ingredient. Over a hundred years ago\, the city of Waukesha was home to a brand named Jiffy-Jell\, which rivaled JELL-O and other companies as the top gelatin dessert manufacturer in the country. However\, Jiffy-Jell’s commercial success was quickly met with internal struggles that led to their rapid decline. \nAdam Tredeau is a 2024 graduate of Carroll University and is currently working at Aries Industries. He started volunteering with the Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum in 2023\, joining the Board of Directors in 2024. He has contributed to the Society’s Landmark Magazine\, helping share and preserve the history of Waukesha County. Adam is passionate about Waukesha history and furthering the Museum’s mission of discovering the past\, embracing the present\, and shaping the future. \nTickets: $28 – includes a box lunch from Rochester Deli – NON-MEMBER\, $25 – includes a box lunch from Rochester Deli – MEMBER\, $10 – Program Ticket ONLY \nRochester Deli’s box lunches include a sandwich\, chips\, and a dessert (water will be provided). All sandwiches are on multi-grain bread* with leaf lettuce\, tomato\, with mayo and brown mustard on the side. Sandwich options include: turkey\, roast beef\, ham\, chicken salad\, tuna salad\, egg salad\, and grilled veggies. \nHow to purchase tickets: 1) call the museum during open hours\, 2) purchase a ticket from the front desk during open hours\, or 3) buy tickets HERE. \nWho can I contact for more information? Give us a call at 262-521-2859 and ask to speak to someone about Lunch & Learn. \nWhat if I need to cancel my order? Rochester Deli needs the lunch order by the Friday before the Lunch & Learn date. While you could cancel after that date\, we will not issue a refund if you ordered a meal. \nRefund Policy – Contact the organizer to request a refund.
URL:https://waukeshacountymuseum.org/event/may-2026-lunch-and-learn-americas-supreme-dessert-the-rise-and-fall-of-jiffy-jell/
LOCATION:Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum\, 101 W Main Street\, Waukesha\, WI\, 53186\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://waukeshacountymuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/May-Lunch-and-Learn.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum":MAILTO:director@wchsm.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260606
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260607
DTSTAMP:20260531T160732Z
CREATED:20260529T192355Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260531T160732Z
UID:738-1780704000-1780790399@waukeshacountymuseum.org
SUMMARY:FREE DAY!
DESCRIPTION:🎸✨Celebrate Les Paul’s Birthday With Us! ✨🎸 We’re throwing open the doors for a FREE day at the museum\, and you’re invited. Come explore\, play\, discover\, and enjoy a day with treats\, activities\, and crafts dedicated to the Wizard of Waukesha himself. Stop by and join the fun! \n 
URL:https://waukeshacountymuseum.org/event/free-day/
LOCATION:Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum\, 101 W Main Street\, Waukesha\, WI\, 53186\, United States
ORGANIZER;CN="Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum":MAILTO:director@wchsm.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260611T173000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260611T183000
DTSTAMP:20260508T163859Z
CREATED:20260508T163859Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260508T163859Z
UID:729-1781199000-1781202600@waukeshacountymuseum.org
SUMMARY:June 2026- History after Dark
DESCRIPTION:✨History after Dark✨ \nWar on Western Waters: USS Eastport and the Civil War navy on the Mississippi \nWhile many are familiar with the iconic duel of the Monitor and the Merrimac at the Battle of Hampton Roads\, far fewer are aware of the Union Navy’s critical role in the western theater and its connections to Wisconsin. To disrupt the Confederacy’s vital trade network along the Mississippi River\, the Union Navy undertook the construction of a specialized riverine fleet designed to operate in this challenging environment. This presentation examines the development of the Union’s “brown water” navy\, their strategic deployment in western campaigns\, and its connections to Wisconsin through the experience of a young sailor serving aboard the USS Eastport. \nChristian Jensen has been working for the Milwaukee County Historical Society for over three and half years\, becoming a full-time Educator in 2025. He holds a Master of Public History degree and a certification in Museum Studies. In his role as an Educator at MCHS\, Christian teaches elementary school Hands on History\, organizes family friendly museum events\, and manages Trimborn Farm. Throughout his academic career\, Christian has held a deep interest in the naval side of the American Civil War\, particularly in the Western theater and its connections to the Midwest. \nAdmission is $10\, $8 for WCHSM Members. Seating is limited to 40 guests\, with additional standing room available. \nPurchase tickets online\, calling the museum\, or walk-in hours.
URL:https://waukeshacountymuseum.org/event/june-2026-history-after-dark/
LOCATION:Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum\, 101 W Main Street\, Waukesha\, WI\, 53186\, United States
ORGANIZER;CN="Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum":MAILTO:director@wchsm.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260613T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260613T120000
DTSTAMP:20260529T192019Z
CREATED:20260529T192019Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260529T192019Z
UID:736-1781344800-1781352000@waukeshacountymuseum.org
SUMMARY:Buchnerfest
DESCRIPTION:We will have free crafts and a Discovery Box available for any children or adults attending! We hope to see you there.
URL:https://waukeshacountymuseum.org/event/buchnerfest/
LOCATION:Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum\, 101 W Main Street\, Waukesha\, WI\, 53186\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260613T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260613T190000
DTSTAMP:20260529T192811Z
CREATED:20260529T192811Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260529T192811Z
UID:739-1781352000-1781377200@waukeshacountymuseum.org
SUMMARY:Guitar Town Music Festival
DESCRIPTION:  \n \nThe Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum is excited to be part of the Guitar Town Music Festival on June 13th. We’ll be sharing a special\, personalized exhibition that highlights Les Paul’s life\, his Waukesha roots\, and the groundbreaking musical innovations that changed sound forever. \nOne of the highlights of our display will be a reproduction of Les Paul’s original log guitar—the instrument that helped spark a revolution in modern music. \nIf you’d like to explore more of Les Paul’s story and legacy\, we’d love to welcome you to the Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum.
URL:https://waukeshacountymuseum.org/event/guitar-town-music-festival/
LOCATION:Cutler Park\, Cutler Park\, Downtown Waukesha\, WI
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260714T113000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260714T123000
DTSTAMP:20260612T171643Z
CREATED:20260612T171548Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260612T171643Z
UID:748-1784028600-1784032200@waukeshacountymuseum.org
SUMMARY:July 2026 Lunch and Learn: Ancient Grains
DESCRIPTION:Ancient Grains: Pre-Columbian Foods of the Central and South Americas \nThrough the examination of dietary staples such as maize\, manioc\, and potatoes\, a unique window into the pre-Columbian world of the Maya\, Aztec\, and Inca can be found. Supported by proteins and produce\, familiar dishes such as Pozole and Champurrado\, or sweet treats such as Alegria reveal how religious beliefs across communities were informed by food and flavor. These familiar tastes in turn shaped indigenous world views and speaks to the interconnected nature of the central and south-American peoples. \nEmily Barker is a dedicated public historian specializing in the intersection of food and culture. She believes food is a vital component to our cultural identity\, and a powerful connector between people across time. In the museum\, it acts as a bridge between generations and cultures\, encourages critical thinking around one’s heritage\, and builds community through unique stories. \nShe graduated from the University of Wisconsin\, Milwaukee in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts degree\, having double majored in History and Religious Studies. She completed her Museum Studies Certificate in May of 2026\, and has begun work on her Masters’ thesis: a comparative analysis among three historical cookbooks. It analyzes the role of recipes as contemporary artifacts and investigates how recipes produce important windows into cultural and historical events. \nTickets: $28 – includes a box lunch from Rochester Deli – NON-MEMBER\, $25 – includes a box lunch from Rochester Deli – MEMBER\, $10 – Program Ticket ONLY \nRochester Deli’s box lunches include a sandwich\, chips\, and a dessert (water will be provided). All sandwiches are on multi-grain bread* with leaf lettuce\, tomato\, with mayo and brown mustard on the side. Sandwich options include: turkey\, roast beef\, ham\, chicken salad\, tuna salad\, egg salad\, and grilled veggies. \nHow to purchase tickets: 1) call the museum during open hours\, 2) purchase a ticket from the front desk during open hours\, or 3) buy tickets HERE. \nWho can I contact for more information? Give us a call at 262-521-2859 and ask to speak to someone about Lunch & Learn. \nWhat if I need to cancel my order? Rochester Deli needs the lunch order by the Friday before the Lunch & Learn date. While you could cancel after that date\, we will not issue a refund if you ordered a meal. \nRefund Policy – Contact the organizer to request a refund.
URL:https://waukeshacountymuseum.org/event/july-2026-lunch-and-learn-ancient-grains/
LOCATION:Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum\, 101 W Main Street\, Waukesha\, WI\, 53186\, United States
ORGANIZER;CN="Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum":MAILTO:director@wchsm.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260812T173000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260812T183000
DTSTAMP:20260724T184623Z
CREATED:20260724T184623Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260724T184623Z
UID:767-1786555800-1786559400@waukeshacountymuseum.org
SUMMARY:Phantom Lake: 130 Years of Impacting Waukesha County Kids and Families
DESCRIPTION:Join us August 12th at 5:30 for a special presentation hosted by Jeff Spang and Phantom Lake YMCA! \nPhantom Lake: 130 Years of Impacting Waukesha County Kids and Families \n  \nPhantom Lake YMCA Camp\, the oldest YMCA camp in North America\, this year marks it’s 130th anniversary in Waukesha County. Founded in 1896 on 10 acres along the shores of Phantom Lake in Mukwonago\, the camp has survived two World Wars\, two pandemics and more\, shaping generations through programs that build confidence\, leadership\, belonging\, and a lifelong love of the outdoors. During the early years\, Phantom Lake YMCA Camp functioned as an all-boys camp for decades. It opened a dedicated girls camp in 1931 and eventually introduced co-ed sessions in 1976. A pivotal moment in it’s modern history occurred in 1985\, when alumni and community members purchased the property from Waukesha YMCA to establish Phantom Lake YMCA Camp as an independent camp. Today\, the camp has expanded to 72 acres. Join us for 130 years of history through the prism of summer camp. Learn how Phantom Lake YMCA Camp has adapted to survive when many other summer camps are closing. \n  \nJeff Spang\, Phantom Lake YMCA Camp CEO \n  \nFor 20 years\, Jeff Spang has served kids\, families\, and the greater Waukesha community as Phantom Lake YMCA Camp CEO. The organization’s financial stewardship and fiscal responsibility has provided more than 400 scholarships for children of diverse backgrounds and abilities to attend Phantom Lake YMCA Camp. Spang is deeply committed to ensuring that every child\, regardless of their background\, has the opportunity to experience the life-changing impact of a week at camp. These scholarships support special accommodations for kids with a variety of challenges\, including kids whose parents are experiencing financial distress. \nTicket pricing: \n\nMuseum Members: $8\nNon-members: $10\n\nYou can purchase tickets through Humantix (Link below) or reserve a seat by calling our museum! \nhttps://events.humanitix.com/phantom-lake-130-years-of-impacting-waukesha-county-kids-and-families
URL:https://waukeshacountymuseum.org/event/phantom-lake-130-years-of-impacting-waukesha-county-kids-and-families/
LOCATION:Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum\, 101 W Main Street\, Waukesha\, WI\, 53186\, United States
ORGANIZER;CN="Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum":MAILTO:director@wchsm.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260813T173000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260813T183000
DTSTAMP:20260722T201606Z
CREATED:20260722T194551Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260722T201606Z
UID:763-1786642200-1786645800@waukeshacountymuseum.org
SUMMARY:August 2026 History After Dark
DESCRIPTION:Come join us for our History After Dark in August! \nBehind Enemy Lines? German Prisoners-of-War and German-American Communities\nOften\, accounts of and reflections on World War II keep the division across the Atlantic binary. There were Americans\, and there were Germans\, identities separated from one another especially as the atrocities of the Third Reich continued to come light. But what about those Americans with German ancestry witnessing the current events of their time? Or those Germans captured in battle\, navigating the life of a prisoner-of-war and a new land? Their experiences represent a more realistic view of the conflict between identities as American and German forces fought against one another. Charting the movement of German prisoners-of-war through the United States during and after the war sheds light on the power of identity and the notion of “home.” A German prisoner-of-war has just been freed from an American camp at which he spent years of his life: where will he go next? \nHosted by Maria Scannell: \nMaria Scannell is a senior history student at Carroll University interested in local and German history. She won the 2026 Pioneer Scholar Summer Research Scholarship\, which is currently funding her first history research project. She plans to incorporate some of this work into the capstone paper which will complete her history degree. \nTicket Information: \n\n$8 Museum Members\n$10 Non-Museum Members\n\nYou can purchase tickets through Humantix (Link below) or purchasing tickets in person at the museum. You may also call to reserve your seat and pay at the door. \nhttps://events.humanitix.com/august-2026-history-after-dark \n 
URL:https://waukeshacountymuseum.org/event/august-2026-history-after-dark/
LOCATION:Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum\, 101 W Main Street\, Waukesha\, WI\, 53186\, United States
ORGANIZER;CN="Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum":MAILTO:director@wchsm.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260901
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260902
DTSTAMP:20260529T193053Z
CREATED:20260529T193053Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260529T193053Z
UID:742-1788220800-1788307199@waukeshacountymuseum.org
SUMMARY:Cushing Elementary 5th Graders Celebrate America's 250
DESCRIPTION:Each year\, the Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum partners with Cushing Elementary’s 5th Graders to explore the American Revolution. Students learn about a topic and how to make exhibits in their very own museum! In celebration of America’s 250th birthday\, a number of their exhibits will be on display for the entire summer. Stop in and explore these cute and informative exhibitions through September.
URL:https://waukeshacountymuseum.org/event/cushing-elementary-5th-graders-celebrate-americas-250/
LOCATION:Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum\, 101 W Main Street\, Waukesha\, WI\, 53186\, United States
ORGANIZER;CN="Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum":MAILTO:director@wchsm.org
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260908T113000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260908T123000
DTSTAMP:20260725T193125Z
CREATED:20260725T193125Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260725T193125Z
UID:770-1788867000-1788870600@waukeshacountymuseum.org
SUMMARY:September 2026 Lunch and Learn
DESCRIPTION:Join us for our monthly Lunch and Learn at the museum this September! \nEyeball to Eyeball: How Personal Interests Shaped Cold War History in Waukesha and Around the World \n70 years after the establishment of M-74 (Nike missile base) in Waukesha\, Dr. Kimberly Redding will help us explore the complexity of Cold War policies. While the Soviet-U.S. rivalry stole the headlines\, interpersonal calculations also shaped decisions – in Waukesha\, the Oval Office\, and Kremlin. Redding will share findings of research conducted for “Eyeball to Eyeball: the Cuban Missile Crisis” a live-action role play game published by Central Michigan University Press in 2025. \nDr. Kimberly Redding\, Carroll University \nDr. Redding is a faculty member in European and 20th century history at Carroll University\, and also a former WCHSM board member. Her interest in Waukesha history began while chaperoning her sons’ 3rd grade bus tour of Springs Era sites across the city. Redding and her students regularly partner with the WCHSM to discover links between local people/places and global events. \n  \nLunch orders are through Rochester Deli here in Waukesha. The lunch orders consist of your choice of sandwich which includes a bag of chips and a cookie. \n*Lunch orders must be placed by Friday\, September 4th by 4:00 P.M.*  \nLunch orders: \n\nSliced tavern ham sandwich\nRoast turkey sandwich\nAngus roast beef sandwich\nChicken breast salad sandwich\nTuna salad sandwich\nEgg salad sandwich\nGrilled veggie sandwich\n\nTicket pricing: \n\nTicket ONLY\, no lunch: $10\nMembers with lunch order: $25\nNon-members with lunch order: $28\n\nYou can order tickets in advance through our Humantix (Link below) or feel free to call/stop by our museum during operating hours and place a reservation. \nhttps://events.humanitix.com/september-2026-lunch-and-learn
URL:https://waukeshacountymuseum.org/event/september-2026-lunch-and-learn/
LOCATION:Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum\, 101 W Main Street\, Waukesha\, WI\, 53186\, United States
ORGANIZER;CN="Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum":MAILTO:director@wchsm.org
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