Milwaukee County Historical Society

Housed in the former Second Ward Savings Bank on the corner of West Kilbourn Avenue and North Third Street, the Milwaukee County Historical Society occupies a neoclassical revival landmark building completed in 1913 for what was known locally as the "Brewers' Bank." The interior is finished throughout in black-and-white Paranozzo Italian marble, and six original bank vaults - including one with a 27 1/2-ton door - remain in place across the basement, main floor, and mezzanine. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as both a City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County landmark. Founded in 1935 to collect, preserve, and share the history of the Milwaukee community, the Historical Society operates as a museum with rotating exhibits, a research library, and archives, alongside additional historic sites including Trimborn Farm in Greendale. Its downtown home sits along the Milwaukee River next to Pere Marquette Park, within walking distance of the Theatre District, Water Street, and Fiserv Forum. Beyond its museum programming, the Historical Society opens its landmark building for private events, hosting weddings, parties, and special gatherings among its marble halls and historic vaults.