The Wauwatosa Historical Society supports, encourages, and provides historical education and preservation for the Wauwatosa community.

The Wauwatosa Historical Society (WHS) is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) educational organization committed to researching the history of Wauwatosa, and to collecting, preserving, and exhibiting objects and documents from its past. The society was established in 1977 with 25 charter members.

We Honor & Educate

We coordinate and disseminate historical materials related to Wauwatosa while supporting, encouraging, and providing historical education for the community.

We Preserve

We manage two of Wauwatosa’s most historic properties, the Kneeland-Walker House and the Little Red Store, providing tours and rentals for the community.

We Engage

Through community events, like our Speaker Series and Firefly Art Fair, we seek to engage the public in the history of Wauwatosa, all while having a good time.

In 1987, the Wauwatosa Historical Society purchased a stately Victorian house, coach house, and 1.5 acres of gardens and grounds. The Kneeland-Walker House is used for educational programs, preservation work, archival storage, artifact displays, and community events. This treasure stands as one of Wauwatosa's greatest community assets.

The Little Red Store is part of Wauwatosa's earliest history. This building has served as post office, railroad station, general store, library, political meetings, harness shop, grocery, and plumbing shop. Owned by the City of Wauwatosa, the Little Red Store is operated by the Wauwatosa Historical Society.