Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum

Since 1914, the Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum has been dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich and diverse history of Waukesha County. What began as a single-room operation within the historic 1893 courthouse at the corner of West Main Street and East Avenue in downtown Waukesha has evolved into a dynamic institution housing over 15,000 artifacts and more than one million archival documents.

Our collections and exhibits span centuries of history from the earliest interactions between Native American tribes and European and American settlers to the vibrant musical legacy of Les Paul. As a gateway to the past, the Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum offers a space for exploration, education, and inspiration, connecting the community to the stories that have shaped its identity.