• 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

(262) 654-5770

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).

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Kenosha History Center Exhibit: Shake Rattle & Roll – Kenosha Auto Making in the 50’s

December 10, 2011 - September 30, 2012

Take a trip back to the 1950’s at this exhibit featuring a 50’s diner along with a jukebox to play all your favorite hits of the day. On display are autos that represent the best of the 50’s production by Nash-Kelvinator and AMC. Suggested donation: $2 adults / $1 students & children. Closed holidays.

Southport Light Station Museum Open for the Season

Saturdays and Sundays May 12, 2012 - October 28, 2012

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 Brewfest

June 16, 2012

“165 Years of Beer Brewing in Kenosha!” Enjoy the Kenosha History Center’s inaugural beer tasting. Those attending will find 15 microbreweries present with over 50 beers to sample. A logo tasting glass will come with the tickets. Rustic Road Brewery, the new downtown brew pub, will also be there, along with other local brewers.

Triple Dipper: Ice Cream, Music & Fun (Lighthouse Ice Cream Social)

August 4, 2012

Celebrate National Lighthouse Day at the Southport Light Station Museum. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy free entertainment!


The Kenosha History Center invites the public to participate in this family day of activities. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch, lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy the grounds of the lighthouse. Tours to climb the lighthouse tower will be free to residents of Kenosha County and half price for out of county visitors ($5 adults). Children must 8 years or older to climb.

 

Kenosha History Center Chili Cook-Off

October 20, 2012

Don't miss the 8th Annual Chili cook-off between the 2011 winning entry, fire departments, and some of Kenosha's best restaurants. Featuring great chili (until it's gone), microbrews, wine, soda and live music.