Milwaukee County Historical Society

Research Library

Hours of Operation

Monday – Friday
9:30 a.m. to 12 noon
1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Saturday
10:00 a.m. to 12 Noon
1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Research Library of the Milwaukee County Historical Society has been relocated to 2202 W. Clybourn Street for the duration of the construction period thanks to a generous grant from the Northwestern Mutual Foundation.

Please call 414-273-7487 for directions and to confirm the library will be open. Please note that access to certain records and information may be limited due to our temporary relocation.

The Research Library of the Milwaukee County Historical Society has a wide variety of information about the history of the City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County. Please note that we have records for Milwaukee County only. Visit the Wisconsin State Historical Society to find out where records from other counties are housed. We have no vital records, marriage, birth or death certificates.

When visiting the library in person, a $3.00 user fee for on-site searches (non-members of MCHS on Mondays), and valid photo identification are required. On all other days, the $3 non-member admission fee will cover use of the Library. All materials are for reference use in the library only and may not be checked out.

Whether you are researching your family history or have an interest in a particular part of our local history, our collections may have the information you are looking for. The key to getting the most out of your trip is to come prepared, keep good notes and ask for help. Take a closer look at our collections.

Genealogical and Historical Research Collections
Milwaukee County Records
Photographic Collections

In addition the Research Library at the Milwaukee County Historical Society is the home of several photographic collections. Thousands of images, including individual portraits (indexed by name), city and county views, are included. Photo service available for copying prints.