The Wisconsin Black Historical Society collects Black history artifacts. Here's what to expect on a visit
Clayborn Benson, a retired photojournalist, opened the Wisconsin Black Historical Society in 1987. Benson was inspired to start the society — which collects and preserves artifacts of Wisconsin's Black history, displays exhibits and hosts tours and lectures — after he researched and produced a documentary called "Black Communities" in the 1980s.
Benson told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in February 2024 that his love of history started as a child growing up in Milwaukee. He said, "My father would tell me stories of the people who lived here, and then, when he taught me to drive, we would drive past different places where things had happened in Milwaukee’s history."
Here's what you should know about the Wisconsin Black Historical Society and Museum.
Where is the Wisconsin Black Historical Society?
The Wisconsin Black Historical Society is at 2620 W. Center St., Milwaukee.
What are the hours for the Wisconsin Black Historical Society?
The society is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. It's closed Sunday. The society is also closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
How much does admission cost?
Admission costs $10. Members receive free admission.
Annual membership levels are available at different price points. Individual memberships ($25), senior/student memberships ($15) and family memberships ($50) entitle holders to free admission, invitations to exhibition openings and preview days, and discounts on merchandise, lectures, trips and tours. Memberships at the contributor ($150), patron ($350) and business ($500) levels entitle holders to the same benefits as well as being listed as supporters of the museum. There are also several corporate level memberships available.
Are tours available?
The historical society offers guided tours to groups from schools, community organizations and others. To schedule a group tour, visitors should call the museum at least two weeks in advance at (414) 372-7677 and fill out the online group tour form and email it to info@wbhsm.org.
What kinds of exhibits are at the Wisconsin Black Historical Society?
There are several exhibits showcasing artifacts of Black history and providing context for Wisconsin's place in American history. Some of those exhibits include:
Work’n in the promised land: The African American labor experience in Wisconsin: This exhibit focuses on historical events that have affected Black workers, particularly in Wisconsin.
Ancient Egypt to Modern Milwaukee: This mural by artist George Gist is described on the society's website as "a larger-than-life panorama of African American history" that traces the stories of Black people from ancient civilizations to rural Wisconsin settlements to modern-day Milwaukee.
NAACP Civil Rights Tribute Bus Exhibit: In 2004, the Milwaukee County Transit system created a Civil Rights tribute bus to honor the 2005 NAACP convention that was held in Milwaukee. The bus depicted Civil Rights pioneers, including Milwaukee legends Lloyd Barbee, Vel Philips and Father James Groppi.
Does the Wisconsin Black Historical Society have resources for students?
The Black historical society website has a learning center with links to lesson plans, articles and worksheets regarding people and events in Wisconsin's Black history. Examples include:
a lesson plan about Milwaukee's abolitionist movement
a 1950 guide to African American businesses in Wisconsin
the transcript of an interview with a woman who moved to Beloit from Mississippi during the Great Migration
several biographies of prominent people in Wisconsin's Black history
What if I have an artifact to donate?
Because the society documents local history, they welcome people's donations of artifacts or documents. According to the society's website, they're particularly interested in the following items from the 19th century:
Photographs depicting neighborhoods of early Black Milwaukee
Materials that document Black-owned businesses in early Milwaukee
Everyday garments worn by early Black Milwaukeeans
Uniforms and any other work-related items
Materials depicting the Civil Rights struggle, sit-ins and the March on Milwaukee
If you have something to donate, call or write to the museum to describe the item. Calls can be made to (414) 372-7677. Letters should be sent to the Wisconsin Black Historical Society at 2620 W. Center St., Milwaukee, WI, 53206.
Although the museum does not guarantee items will be displayed, they will be preserved at the society.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Your guide to visiting Wisconsin Black Historical Society in Milwaukee
