Support the WCHSM


At the Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum (WCHSM) we foster an understanding of the American Experience through the stories of Waukesha County.

#MAKEHISTORY

Thank you for supporting the Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum and our work to preserve and share the stories of Waukesha County.

We are only funded through our memberships, donations, admissions, and program fees. Your incredible support and donations allow us to continue to tell the stories of Waukesha County.

Our work is made possible through investment from the community – individuals and donors like you.

Your donation, membership, or attendance at programs demonstrates that you value the preservation of our stories, and the importance of this organization to the community.

Donate

Your monetary donation provides vital funding for day-to-day operations of the Historical Society. Donations directly support:

  • Museum exhibits, including Les Paul, Wizard of Waukesha
  • Public Research Center serving hundreds of patrons annually
  • NEW Education Partnerships with SHARP Literacy Inc, and ERA’s Inter-generational Folk Art Fairs.
  • Collaborations with Kenosha Public Museum, Waukesha Highland Games, Waukesha Janboree, and Waukesha Preservation alliance to bring artifacts and exhibits into the community.
  • Museum ToGo programs that bring historic materials and content to schools, scout groups, and senior centers throughout the region.
  • Preservation and conservation of artifacts and manuscripts which capture the unique history of Waukesha County.
  • Landmark Magazine, quarterly publication, published by our society since 1959.

Multiply your gift

See if your gift can be matched by your company! Many companies offer partial or full match programs for their employee’s charitable contributions. The link below has a list of area businesses that offer such programs. Please inquire with your HR department or Community Engagement office with specific program inquiries.

Matching Gift Programs

Jean Penn Lorke Memorial Fund for Education

The Jean Penn Loerke Memorial Fund, established by Pete Loerke, honors the memory and legacy of the Wisconsin historian and long-time Waukesha County Museum Director’s remarkable career.  Please visit the Facebook page to view updates on the fund.  All proceeds from the fund go to the museum’s Education Programming which serves students of all ages throughout our community.

Jean Penn Loerke worked at the Historical Society from 1972-1990, and was an advocate for the role historic sites play as sites of education and livelong learning. This fund honors her work, and seeks to ensure that every student in our community has an opportunity to visit and learn from the collection and exhibits of the museum.

Donations to the Jean Penn Lorke fund can be sent directly to WCHSM, please include a note with the donation indicating the desired use of the donation toward the fund.

Additional information about the fund can be found on Facebook

Other ways to give

 

Membership

You can also support us by becoming a member. Learn more by visiting our  Membership page.

For inquiries regarding our artifact and archival collection please visit our COLLECTIONS page.


The Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum is a 501(c)(3) organization. Your gift is tax-deductible less the fair market value of any benefits you receive. To give a gift, use WCHSM tax ID number 39-6056461.