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.
Welcome New Executive Director, Peter Zehren!
Waukesha, WI – The Waukesha County Historical Society and Museum (WCHSM) is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Zehren as Executive Director, effective September 9, 2025. With an impressive background encompassing philanthropy, leadership, and a love for history, Peter Zehren is poised to guide the museum in its mission to foster an understanding of the American Experience through the stories of Waukesha County.
Peter Zehren is highly regarded for his contributions to public radio and has earned multiple accolades, including Wisconsin Broadcasters Awards and a Corporation for Public Broadcasting award. His career highlights an inspiring intersection of storytelling and fundraising, including roles as an ambassador for a U.S. fundraising delegation to India and raising substantial philanthropic support across New York City and Wisconsin.
His academic credentials include an Executive MPA from Baruch College, a Mass Communications degree from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, and a Bachelor of Arts in Ballroom Dance from Terpsichore in London. Zehren's extensive travel, engagements with diverse cultural figures, and conference presentations have built a robust foundation for his leadership role at WCHSM.
Ronda Baxter, Board Chair shared, “WCHSM is very excited to welcome Peter to our organization. His extensive education and professional experiences will be a great match with the high hopes we have set for the organization. We look forward to Peter’s leadership as we grow to the next level and create the best possible museum experience for Waukesha County. Our mission remains to help every resident discover the past, embrace the present, and shape the future.”
As the new Executive Director, Peter Zehren is committed to enhancing the museum’s offerings and strengthening community relationships to promote historical understanding throughout Waukesha County.
Notice: the Les Paul Exhibit will be closed for enhancement from August 23rd – October 18th. We apologize for any inconvenience.
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
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.
Loved looking at all the historical artifacts and reading the history behind them. The staff is very friendly. The Les Paul exhibit is wonderful!
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!
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.
