Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum

If you are with the media and have questions regarding the Museum or any information below, please contact the President of the Board of Trustees Dave Frazer at dfrazer@wchsm.org

Contact: Jim Hahn
Waukesha County Museum
412-716-1880
jhahn@wchsm.org

Waukesha County Museum names new development and marketing director
Anticipation for growth begins with new exhibit of John Lennon’s Art
and Beatles Memorabilia

WAUKESHA, WI – July 22, 2008 – The Waukesha County Historical Society and Museum today announced the selection of Jim Hahn, CFRE, as its new director of development and marketing. Hahn brings over twelve years of experience in non-profit marketing and fundraising to the position, including his most recent tenure as the development director for the Guest House of Milwaukee. He has held the Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credential from CFRE International since 2004 – a designation held by less than 5,000 professional fundraisers worldwide.
“Jim will bring energy and expertise to our marketing and development efforts,” said Kirsten Lee Villegas, the museum’s executive director. “We expect great things from Jim as we look to the long term sustainability of the Waukesha County Museum.”
Villegas is restructuring the staff such that community relations, visitor services and merchandising staff will now report to Hahn.
“I am extremely proud to join such a terrific organization, particularly as they launch the upcoming exhibit of John Lennon’s original art for a limited run,” Hahn said. “This exhibit is attracting a great deal of interest that we will channel into lasting relationships with visitors who are not yet aware of what a true community asset the museum is for all of southeastern Wisconsin.”
Hahn hopes to see many more new exhibits and programs offered by the museum in the coming months to revitalize its position as a leader in fostering civic pride and expanding regional tourism. He sees the organization’s new leadership coupled with the rising costs of travel as the perfect occasion to reintroduce the community to its hometown museum. And he notes what a fantastic resource the on-site research facility provides to area homeowners, genealogy enthusiasts, and other hobbyists.
“Few museums of this size can boast such a comprehensive archive of historic photographs, county court records, manuscripts and organizational papers,” he notes. “I’m eager to explore ways that the museum can partner with local and regional businesses to showcase the very best aspects of life in this part of the state.”
In addition to his work at the museum, Hahn is a member of the board of directors of the local chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and Community Shares of Greater Milwaukee. He also sits on the board of directors for Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity and volunteers as their national marketing director. He can be contacted by calling the museum: (262) 521-2859, ext. 228 or by e-mail: jhahn@wchsm.org.

About the Waukesha County Museum:
The 1893 castle-like structure at East Avenue and Main Street in Waukesha, Wisconsin is home to the Waukesha County Museum. Originally constructed as the county’s second courthouse, the building is owned and operated by the Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum, Inc., a not-for-profit organization.

Three floors of exhibits cover such topics as the Civil War, early settlement in the county, architecture, toys from many generations, and technology. The Museum offers educational programs throughout the year including spring and summer camps, Scout programs, and guided tours. The Research Center contains over 28,000 printed documents and over 9,000 photographs for researchers to reference.

The Museum’s 75,000 square foot building is a complex of three structures. The oldest portion is the shell of Waukesha County’s second jail built in 1885, which had been converted to office space in the 1980s. With its stunning turrets, the 1893 Richardson Romanesque courthouse captures the attention of all. Connecting the two older buildings is a 1938 WPA structure, stark by contrast in its Art Moderne/Art Deco style architecture. The building presents an opportunity to discover and contrast architectural details reflecting the culture of the times.

The Waukesha County Museum has been in the same building since its opening in 1914. The building was placed on the National Register of Historical Places in 1975. The Historical Society purchased the building from Waukesha County in 2003.

The Waukesha County Museum is located at 101 W. Main Street at East Avenue in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Exhibits and the Museum Store are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. General admission is $3 for adults, $2 for seniors aged 62 and above, $1 for students aged 6-17 and free for children 5 and under.

For additional information, call (262) 521-2859 or visit www.wchsm.org

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Contact: Jim Hahn
Waukesha County Museum
412-716-1880
jhahn@wchsm.org

“Coming Together through the art of John Lennon”
and Beatles Memorabilia to open soon at
Waukesha County Museum
New exhibit will feature exclusive public showing of Lennon’s art and
rare collections of Beatles’ memorabilia

WAUKESHA, WI – July 16, 2008 – The new John Lennon original art and Beatles memorabilia exhibit is rapidly evolving at the Waukesha County Museum. Entitled “Coming Together through the art of John Lennon”, the display will debut with a grand opening ceremony on August 15, 2008, followed by an opening to the general public on August 16, 2008 at 10:00 am.
The exhibit will feature two distinct showings:
Original art of John Lennon
A collection of Lennon’s original drawings, serigraphs, and lithographs – purported to be the third largest collection in the world – have been held by an anonymous private collector for decades.
Fans will recognize the titles of several of Lennon’s original drawings, such as “Double Fantasy” and “Give Peace a Chance” as well as other loving portraits of Lennon with wife, Yoko Ono, and sons Julian and Sean. Four original drawings (similar to drawings) from the Bag One series (on display for viewers over 18 only) include some nudity, which resulted in the originals being confiscated by Scotland Yard during a 1970 exposition.
Beatles memorabilia
A remarkable collection of actual recorded singles and albums by the Fab Four, as well as original U.S. concert tour programs, newsreels and photographs documenting the group’s visit to Milwaukee in 1964 will be included in a collection on loan from former Milwaukee DJ Bob Barry and other collectors. In the gallery -- perhaps most exciting will be the display of the actual studio microphone used by Lennon to record his iconic single, “Imagine”.
“The Beatles span generations of fans, and we are excited to bring these collections to the public,” said Kirsten Lee Villegas, executive director, Waukesha County Museum. “When the doors open, we will have created an interesting, eclectic presentation.”
Just a few weeks into her new position, Villegas is already infusing the organization with a renewed sense of vibrancy that will draw visitors from all over the Midwest.
“This exhibit will be one of the many new and exciting displays and opportunities we plan to deliver over the coming months and years,” added Villegas.
Tickets for “Coming Together through the art of John Lennon” will be available beginning Thursday, July 17, with pricing ranging from $12 for adults (discounts for seniors and students) to $6.00 for children. Tickets can easily be purchased online at the museum’s website or through the museum gift shop during regular business hours. For more information, call (262) 521-2859 or visit www.wchsm.org.

For additional information, call (262) 521-2859 or visit www.wchsm.org

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PRESS RELEASE Contact: Leslie Rohloff
For Immediate Release (262) 521-2859 #226
July 1, 2008 lrohloff@wchsm.org
“Beatlemania” begins at the Waukesha County Museum

WAUKESHA, WI – The Waukesha County Museum is pleased to announce the exhibit Ladies and Gentleman…The Beatles. This exhibit will explore the “Beatlemania” phenomenon with a unique display of rare memorabilia and photographs. The exhibit will be in conjunction with a retrospective display of the amazing career of local DJ and “fifth Beatle” Bob Barry along with the exhibit Coming Together Through the Art of John Lennon.

Coming Together Through the Art of John Lennon is an exclusive showing of 25 pieces of original artwork created by the musician John Lennon. This is reported to be the third largest private collection in the world, the largest belonging to Lennon’s wife Yoko Ono. There will be a number of original sketches from the infamous "Bag One" collection.

In 1969 as a wedding gift for Yoko, John drew the "Bag One" portfolio, a chronicle of their wedding ceremony, honeymoon, and subsequent "Bed-In." The suite also contained erotic sketches. The series of images were first published and exhibited in January 1970 at the London Art Gallery.

Also on display will be collectibles from both John Lennon’s years with the Beatles and from his later career with his wife Yoko Ono, including lithographs, autographed photos, and the original microphone used during the recording of John Lennon’s hit song “Imagine.” This will be the only time these pieces will be shown together as a collection, so don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity! The exhibit will run just over two weeks and is scheduled to be open during the Harley-Davidson anniversary festivities. Be sure to mark your calendars, because it won’t be here for long! Coming Together Through the Art of John Lennon was made possible through the generosity of a local anonymous collector. He is quoted as saying, “As a part of our community, it gives me a great deal of pleasure helping the Waukesha Historical Society and Museum with their efforts.”

The exhibit is scheduled to run from August 16th through September 1st. The museum will be open for extended hours during this exciting presentation. Tickets to the museum during the run of the exhibit will be $18 for adults, $12 for Senior Citizens 62 years old and over and college students with a valid ID, and $6 for children under 18 years of age. There will be no free admissions or passes to the museum during the run of the exhibit. For more information, call (262) 521-2859 or email us at msprecher@wchsm.org. The Research Center is by appointment only during the run of this exhibit: to schedule an appointment call (262) 521-2859 ext. 223. Sponsorships are available. Please contact (262) 521-2859 ext. 226, or email lrohloff@wchsm.org.

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PRESS RELEASE Contact: Leslie Rohloff
For Immediate Release
June 17, 2008 Phone: (262) 521-2859 x226

Executive Director of the Waukesha County Museum Announced

WAUKESHA, WI – The Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum Board of Trustees is proud to announce Kirsten Lee Villegas [pronounced Kie-rsten] as the new Executive Director.

Villegas brings an extensive background in areas of non-profit public relations, marketing, fundraising, organizational development, and senior management. Villegas most recently served as President of her own firm, Lake Country Consulting, which specialized in helping non-profit organizations reorganize and grow their organizational development, marketing, and fundraising operations.

Villegas is honored to have been asked to lead the Museum in new, positive directions. She stated “The potential at this Museum and Historical Society is quite impressive. It is my goal to work with the Board of Trustees and talented staff to transform this Museum and Historical Society into the cultural center that it can be for Waukesha County residents and beyond. Waukesha County is rich in its history and the opportunities for bringing in exciting exhibits and diverse educational programming is wide-open. It is my hope that this organization becomes a source of community pride and a place of bustling energy and inspiration for many years to come. That vision needs to come to fruition for the benefit of those who call Waukesha County home and those who visit this beautiful area throughout the year.”

The Waukesha County Museum is located at 101 W. Main Street at East Avenue in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

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For Immediate Release
June 17, 2008
Summer Programs at the Waukesha County Museum

WAUKESHA, WI – The Waukesha County Museum staff would like to extend their empathy to those who have experienced loss or damage due to recent flooding. In light of this natural disaster, the Museum is offering discounts on their regular summer programs for children. The Museum complex has been fortunate enough not to have been affected by the recent flooding. We can offer children a safe, dry haven away from storm swept homes during this difficult time.

The following are two day camps for ages 4-5. Cost for members is $15.00 per session; non-members are $18.00 per session.
• Session 1- Pioneer Camp: June 18 & 19, 10 a.m.-noon
• Session 2- Cow County: July 9 & 10, 10 a.m.-noon
• Session 3: Country Life Today: August 6 & 7, 10 a.m.-noon

The following are four-day sessions available for campers ages 6-12 with *early arrival option. Cost for members is $60 per session; non-members are $75 per session.
• Session 1- Pioneer Camp: June 24-27, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Session 2- Cow County: July 15-18, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Session 3: Country Life Today: August 12-15, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
*Early arrival from 8:15 a.m.-9 a.m.
This week young explorers can step back in time and experience the life of a pioneer child in Pioneer Camp. Children will learn about songs, toys and games from pioneer days. In the next session discover why Waukesha County was once known as “Cow County” and learn about farm life in the mid 1900s. Country Life Today demonstrates modern day farmers, 4-H and the County Fair.

Registration is required for all camps. Class size is limited so sign up today! For additional information, call (262) 521-2859 ext. 224

The Waukesha County Museum is located at 101 W. Main Street at East Avenue in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Exhibits and the Museum Store are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for seniors aged 62 and above, $1 for students aged 6-17 and free for children 5 and under. Waukesha County residents have free admission on Saturdays.

We need volunteer tour guides! learn more here!