Wauwatosa Historical Society

05/31/2026

We are so excited for the 40th Annual Firefly Art Fair, located on the beautiful grounds of the Wauwatosa Historical Society.

In addition to the fine artwork created by over 70-80 talented artisans and makers, guests will enjoy a unique garden setting, food and beverages, music, a silent auction, and the opportunity to participate in special activities — all on the grounds of the historic Kneeland-Walker House.

The Fair will feature a wide array of art, including paintings, pottery, ceramics, and glass, as well as basketry, jewelry, fiber art, mosaics, photography, pen-and-ink drawings, metalwork, woodwork, and hand-crafted specialty items by quality makers.

The two-day event is held on August 1st, 10 am-4 pm & August 2nd, 10 am-4 pm

Tickets are required and can be purchased here and are good for either day: https://wauwatosahistoricalsociety.org/event/40th-annual-firefly-art-fair/

Come join us as we celebrate the 40th year of this annual summer fun event!

05/27/2026

Our Speaker Series may be on a pause for the summer, but we have so many exciting events to look forward to in the fall!

Take a look at our upcoming events and sign up for one or all of them!

🗓 Tuesday, September 15, Tuesday, October 13, and Wednesday November 11
📍 Firefly Room, Wauwatosa Public Library
⏰ 6:00-7:30 pm
🔗 FREE admission - but we encourage pre-registration here: https://wauwatosahistoricalsociety.org/events/month/2026-09/ (Click on the calendar to see the other month's events)

Special thanks to our 2026 Speaker Series sponsor, Champine Realty Group of Keller Williams for making this event possible!

05/26/2026

Looking for something a little different to do this Thursday evening? 👀

Take a walk through Wauwatosa history with us at the historic Wauwatosa Cemetery — listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2023.

This guided walking tour explores the stories of the people who helped shape our community, from early settlers and civic leaders to veterans whose service dates back to the Revolutionary War. Along the way, you’ll visit the final resting places of families whose names still live on throughout Wauwatosa today: Clapp, Fisher, Gilbert, Hart, Harwood, Hoyt, Underwood, Warren, Wheeler, and more.

You’ll also learn about unique areas of the cemetery connected to the Lutheran Kinderheim Society and Lutheran Altenheim, offering a fascinating glimpse into Wauwatosa’s social history.

Whether you’re a history lover, architecture enthusiast, genealogy buff, or just looking for a meaningful evening outdoors, this tour is a great way to connect with the stories that built our city.

📍 Wauwatosa Cemetery
📅 Thursday
🚶 Guided walking tour led by trained volunteers

Come curious — and comfortable walking shoes are encouraged!

Book your tickets here: https://wauwatosahistoricalsociety.org/event/wauwatosa-cemetery-tour-2/

05/13/2026

🌿VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - THIS WEEKEND!🌿

The grounds and gardens at the Kneeland-Walker House are getting ready for another season of Brews & Blooms — and we could use a few helping hands this Saturday! 🌿

Our AMAZING Brews & Blooms Committee will be tackling a yardwork project on the west side of the house after removing several large overgrown bushes that had taken over part of the lawn. We’ll be raking, grading, and seeding the area to help restore the space ahead of summer events.

We also have two donated benches that need to be assembled and placed on the grounds!

📍 Kneeland-Walker House
📅 Saturday, May 16
⏰ Starting at 9:00 a.m.

If you’re able to help, please bring a rake and/or shovel if you have one. Come when you can, stay as long as you can — every bit of help makes a difference.

To help us plan, please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050E4FAFA72EA2F58-64111953-yardwork

or JUST SHOW UP!

This work helps keep our historic grounds beautiful, welcoming, and ready for the community to enjoy all summer long. Thank you for supporting the Wauwatosa Historical Society!

05/11/2026

Join us for a fascinating journey through time on Monday May 11th as Jeff and Diane Roznowski explore the stories behind two of Wauwatosa's historic burial grounds: Wauwatosa Cemetery and Oak Hill Cemetery.

They'll discuss how these cemeteries came to be, who is buried there, and what their lives reveal about the people and events that shaped our community.

From early settlers to notable residents, this talk uncovers the rich local history preserved in these sacred spaces.

This is presented by Jeff and Diane Roznowski, who have been very active and involved residents of Wauwatosa for over 40 years. Jeff is a local historian, former Alderman, former WHS Board President and conducted extensive research on Oak Hill Cemetery for a podcast on Radio Milwaukee last year. Diane is a Master Gardener who leads a team that maintains the gardens at Wauwatosa Cemetery. She also coordinates the WHS 19th Century Schoolhouse program, including serving as a teacher. Together, Diane and Jeff have conducted numerous informative tours of Wauwatosa Cemetery.

🗓 Monday May 11th
📍 Firefly Room, Wauwatosa Public Library
⏰ 6:00-7:30 pm
🔗 FREE admission - but we encourage pre-registration here: https://wauwatosahistoricalsociety.org/event/sacred-ground-the-story-of-wauwatosas-cemeteries/

Special thanks to our 2026 Speaker Series sponsor, Champine Realty Group of Keller Williams for making this event possible!

05/09/2026

Did you know that in 1908, over 677 million postcards were mailed in the US alone? 📬 The Wauwatosa Historical Society's Judith A. Simonsen Research Library is home to a remarkable collection of 200+ postcards donated by the late deltiologist Len Borkowski — a WHS founder. Street scenes, trolleys, churches, and businesses all preserved on postcards. Read the full story at the link below! 👇 https://wauwatosahistoricalsociety.org/postcards-of-wauwatosa

05/09/2026

Join us for a fascinating journey through time on Monday May 11th as Jeff and Diane Roznowski explore the stories behind two of Wauwatosa's historic burial grounds: Wauwatosa Cemetery and Oak Hill Cemetery.

They'll discuss how these cemeteries came to be, who is buried there, and what their lives reveal about the people and events that shaped our community.

From early settlers to notable residents, this talk uncovers the rich local history preserved in these sacred spaces.

This is presented by Jeff and Diane Roznowski, who have been very active and involved residents of Wauwatosa for over 40 years. Jeff is a local historian, former Alderman, former WHS Board President and conducted extensive research on Oak Hill Cemetery for a podcast on Radio Milwaukee last year. Diane is a Master Gardener who leads a team that maintains the gardens at Wauwatosa Cemetery. She also coordinates the WHS 19th Century Schoolhouse program, including serving as a teacher. Together, Diane and Jeff have conducted numerous informative tours of Wauwatosa Cemetery.

🗓 Monday May 11th
📍 Firefly Room, Wauwatosa Public Library
⏰ 6:00-7:30 pm
🔗 FREE admission - but we encourage pre-registration here: https://wauwatosahistoricalsociety.org/event/sacred-ground-the-story-of-wauwatosas-cemeteries/

Special thanks to our 2026 Speaker Series sponsor,Champine Realty Group of Keller Williams for making this event possible!

05/08/2026

05/07/2026

Our last Speaker Series for the spring is next Monday May 11th!

Join Jeff and Diane Roznowski for a fascinating journey through time as they explore the stories behind two of Wauwatosa’s historic burial grounds: Wauwatosa Cemetery and Oak Hill Cemetery.

Learn how these cemeteries came to be, who is buried there, and what their lives reveal about the people and events that shaped our community. From early settlers to notable residents, this talk uncovers the rich local history preserved in these sacred spaces.

Jeff and Diane Roznowski have been very active and involved residents of Wauwatosa for over 40 years. Jeff is a local historian, former Alderman, former WHS Board President and conducted extensive research on Oak Hill Cemetery for a podcast on Radio Milwaukee last year. Diane is a Master Gardener who leads a team that maintains the gardens at Wauwatosa Cemetery. She also coordinates the WHS 19th Century Schoolhouse program, including serving as a teacher. Together, Diane and Jeff have conducted numerous informative tours of Wauwatosa Cemetery.

🗓 Monday May 11th
📍 Firefly Room, Wauwatosa Public Library
⏰ 6:00-7:30 pm
🔗 FREE admission - but we encourage pre-registration here: https://wauwatosahistoricalsociety.org/event/sacred-ground-the-story-of-wauwatosas-cemeteries/

Special thanks to our 2026 Speaker Series Champine Realty Group of Keller Williams for making this event possible!