• Kenosha History Center
  • Kenosha History Center
  • Kenosha History Center
  • Kenosha History Center
  • Kenosha History Center
  • Kenosha History Center
  • Kenosha History Center
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Kenosha History Center

220 51st Place
Kenosha, WI 53140
(262) 654-5770
Website

Hours:

Open Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 12-4 p.m.

Pricing:

Suggested donation: $2 adults / $1 students & children.

Museum on Kenosha’s harbor features the history of Kenosha County, including its early settlement and industrial history, and a gift shop. Visit the Yesteryear Gallery – from settlement to 1900 see how Kenosha County developed and grew. See the Upson Oxcart, a Barn Raising & Fanning Mill, Blacksmith Shop, Railroad Depot, General Store, Barbershop, One Room School, and more. Learn about Christopher Latham Sholes and the Bain Wagon Company. The Lyman Gallery in the lobby features various shop fronts, including a Photography Studio, a Millenary, and more.
 
In the Rambler Legacy Gallery – see how Kenosha’s auto-making legacy shaped history through the 20th Century. Displays on the perimeter of the gallery include the Peter Pirsch Company with a 1934 Pirsch Fire Engine, the Sterling Bicycle Company and Jeffery Company with a 1902 Rambler, Model C convertible on display, and more. Click on the “events” tab for the current exhibit information and upcoming events.
 
The Kenosha County Historical Society was founded in 1878 to preserve, research and present the cultural heritage of Kenosha County and Southeastern Wisconsin. The Society moved to its present location in 2001; naming its museum the Kenosha History Center. The building was built in 1917.
 
Visit the archives by appointment. Adult and school group tours welcomed. Facility rentals available. Free parking. The grounds include the Southport Light Station Museum (open seasonally and by appointment).

Visit us on Facebook for photos, event information, and more!

Click here for directions to Kenosha History Center.

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Kenosha History Center Exhibit: Transportation Innovation

December 8, 2012 - September 29, 2013

This Kenosha History Center exhibit in the Rambler Legacy Gallery is a very special one. Kenosha was the home for manufacturing of not only automobiles but also 4 wheel drive trucks and bicycles. The exhibit features a rare 1918 Winther four-wheel drive truck, two one-of-a-kind AMX prototypes, and Sterling bicycles.

Southport Light Station Museum Open for the Season

Saturdays and Sundays May 11, 2013 - October 27, 2013

The lighthouse and maritime museum, inside the keeper's house, documents Kenosha's lighthouse keepers, shipping and fishing history. Also climb the 1866 Southport Lighthouse. The tower stands 55 feet above the lighthouse grounds. See Kenosha, Lake Michigan and into Illinois and Racine County.

Muntzenberger Beer Fest

June 8, 2013

Enjoy the Kenosha History Center’s beer tasting. Featuring 14 Microbreweries with over 45 beers and music by Acoustic Soul with Paul Emersun. Food will be available to purchase. Tickets $30 at the door / $25 in advance.

Triple Dipper Ice Cream Social

August 3, 2013

Triple Dipper: Ice Cream, Music & Fun! Celebrate National Lighthouse Day at the Southport Light Station Museum. This event is free to the public. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy!! More details to come.

Kenosha History Center Chili Cook-Off

October 19, 2013

Join the Kenosha History Center for an evening of music, beverages, and great chili. Chili tasting will be from 6 p.m. until it’s gone. Taste and vote for your favorite chili for the People’s Choice Traveling Trophy. A panel of judges will also pick their favorite for the Judges Choice Trophy. All proceeds go to help preserve Kenosha County history.