Port Washington Historical Society

05/23/2026

Port Washington Historical Society's new exhibit chronicles the history of newspapers in Port Washington. A selection of Ozaukee Press issues from 1941 were shown off by Jackie Oleson (left) and Geri Zehren at the Port Washington Resource Center, which recently debuted the exhibit. One of the most astonishing things is the number of newspapers that once called Port Washington home, Oleson said. In 1898 the city had a population of 3,400 people and four newspapers, the Zeitung, Herald, Star and Pilot. Full story: https://bit.ly/4drPhcu

05/06/2026

Looking for an outdoor umbrella table and chairs for the 1860 Lighthouse patio.

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04/28/2026

📰 **Almost Ready!**📰
Our new historical exhibit, "Newspapers of Port Washington" is putting the final touches in place—and we’re excited to share it with you!
📅 First opening day: Thursday, April 30
Step back in time and explore the stories, headlines, and voices that helped shape Port Washington’s past. We can’t wait to welcome you! Stay tuned for more details.

03/31/2026

🐰✨ Hippity Hop Downtown Treat Hop ✨🐣

We loved welcoming some very special little visitors to the research center during Hippity Hop Downtown Treat Hop on March 28th! 🌸🍬 Smiles, giggles, and springtime fun filled the halls as families hopped by to say hello and collect treats.
Thanks to everyone who stopped in and made the day so egg‑stra special! 💛

03/26/2026

✨ A Night to Remember: The Search for the Linda E. ✨

Thank you to everyone who joined us for an engaging and well‑attended presentation, “The Search for the Linda E.,” with historian Brennan Christianson. We were thrilled to see such a strong turnout and enthusiastic discussion around this powerful piece of Great Lakes history.

Brennan Christianson—Collection Coordinator at the Door County Maritime Museum and a UWM graduate with a master’s in Public History and a certificate in Museum Studies—shared his extensive research on the mysterious disappearance of the commercial fishing vessel Linda E.

On December 11, 1998, what began as a calm, sunny day on Lake Michigan ended in tragedy. Three experienced commercial anglers left Port to fish for chubs and never returned. No debris. No oil slick. No trace. Their disappearance launched an eighteen‑month search that continues to capture the attention of maritime historians and the public alike.

Thank you again to and to everyone who came out to learn, reflect, and honor this haunting chapter of local maritime history. We look forward to seeing you at future programs!

02/21/2026

Wow! What an emotional evening at Inventors on Tuesday, February 17. The PWHS Speaker Series welcomed Kate Erickson, faculty member at MATC and member of the Oneida Tribe. Everyone there was deeply touched by her family story told through generations of denial and acceptance of their heritage as Indigenous. She is a superb storyteller.

Attendees who are deaf and hard of hearing were pleased with the quality of the ASL interpreters who were present through grant funding. We plan to have certified interpreters for the April and June speaker presentations. Learn more and register on our website pwhistory.org under Events.

02/17/2026

First event in this year's speaker series!
Join us on Tuesday (tomorrow), February 17 at Inventors Brewpub as we welcome Kate Erickson, member of the Oneida Nation and MATC faculty, for her powerful talk:
✨ “Stories That Still Speak: A Personal Journey Through the Legacy of Boarding Schools” ✨
Come learn, connect, and engage with an important and deeply personal story that continues to shape communities today. We hope to see you there!

02/16/2026

Spring is in the air. Spring baseball training has started. Opening Day is March 26th. If you are a baseball fan, come to Grafton Historical Society's presentation of the history of Opening Day in Milwaukee.

Grafton Area Chamber of Commerce
Rose-Harms Legion Post 355 Grafton, WI
Grafton Lions Club of Wisconsin
Ozaukee County Tourism
Port Washington Historical Society
All Things 53024. Grafton, WI

01/11/2026

Congratulations to Barb Joosse and Mike Keller, our past and present board members! 🎉 Both were recently recognized by the City of Port Washington for their incredible volunteer service.
Mike received a certificate “in appreciation of your work spearheading, fundraising, and organizing the Rededication Ceremony following the completion of the restoration of the Pillar of Honor World War II Memorial at Coal Dock Park.”
Barb was also honored for her dedication to maintaining and beautifying Rotary Park—her efforts make a huge difference in our community! 🌿
Thank you both for your commitment to preserving and enhancing the spaces that bring us together. 👏

12/24/2025

🎄✨ Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from the Port Washington Historical Society! ✨🎄
As we wrap up another year of preserving and sharing Port Washington’s rich history, we’re filled with gratitude for everyone who plays a part in our mission—our members, volunteers, partners, and community friends.
Your support helps keep our stories alive through our museums, programs, collections, and the many meaningful moments we’ve shared throughout 2025.
May this holiday season bring you warmth, joy, and time spent with the people and traditions you treasure most.
Here’s to a bright and inspiring 2026 filled with connection, curiosity, and continued appreciation for the history that shapes our community.
🎁 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at the Port Washington Historical Society!

Photos feature our wonderful volunteers at the December Xmas party.