Milwaukee County Historical Society


The Milwaukee County Historical Society, also known as MCHS, is a local historical society in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. Founded in 1935, the organization was formed to preserve, collect, recognize, and make available materials related to Milwaukee County history. It is located in downtown Milwaukee in the former Second Ward Savings Bank building.
MCHS houses the Harry H. Anderson Research Library and a museum. The library collects and preserves manuscripts, records, photographs, and family history information. The museum preserves three-dimensional artifacts related to Milwaukee County history, including paintings, ribbons, uniforms, flags, furniture, and china in a collection of over 20,000 items.

Locations

In addition to the main museum and research library, the MCHS owns three historic house museums and one historic site: the Lowell Damon House in Wauwatosa; the Kilbourntown House in Estabrook Park; and the Jeremiah Curtin House and Trimborn Farm in Greendale.

Benjamin Church House

The Benjamin Church House, a wood and brick residence, was built during 1843–1844 by a pioneer carpenter of that name in Kilbourntown, a settlement on the west side of the Milwaukee River. In 1846, Kilbourntown merged with Juneautown on the east side of the river and Walker's Point to the south to create Milwaukee, today the largest city in Wisconsin.
The house, located on Fourth Street between West Cherry and West Galena Streets, was constructed in Greek Revival style architecture with four front columns and symmetry of floor plan. This style was also known as Greek temple or national style.
In the 1930s, the house was recognized as having historical value worthy of rescue, with local Cream City brick and hand-hewn timbers among its distinctive features. In 1972, the Benjamin Church House was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Trimborn Farm and the Jeremiah Curtain House

is a Victorian era estate located in Greendale, Wisconsin. Spanning 7.5 acres and nine buildings, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The farm is also a State Historic Site and designated Milwaukee County Landmark.
Property highlights include:
The Jeremiah Curtin House is an unusual stone building built in 1846. The boyhood home of noted American linguist and folklorist Jeremiah Curtin, it was later sold to the Trimborn family and has remained part of the Trimborn estate ever since. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Lowell Damon House

The Lowell Damon House is the oldest in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. It was built by Oliver Lowell, who came to Wauwatosa from New Hampshire, and his son-in-law, Jonathon Wainwright. Lowell Damon, Oliver's son, added on to the house in 1846.

Activities

The MCHS hosts events throughout the year, including educational programs, fundraisers, and a Civil War reenactment and an arts and crafts fair at Trimborn Farm. The MCHS celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2010 with a series of events and online exhibits.
In 2012, the Milwaukee County Historical Society unveiled a historical blog, titled MKE Memoirs, to chronicle events and exhibits held at MCHS and to share stories from its archives and collections.

Building renovation and restoration

The building underwent renovation to accommodate the film, Public Enemies. The ceilings and floors were restored on the main and upper levels. In 2012, a piece of the building broke off and fell onto the street below. Protective guards were placed around the building to protect pedestrians while Milwaukee County decided how to properly and safely restore the facade.
The building that houses the MCHS celebrated its 100th anniversary on February 3, 2013.