Nethercut Family Collection
Explore the Nethercut Collection — personal letters, photos, and genealogy tracing the Warren-Nethercut family, Wauwatosa’s earliest settlers, from 1838 through multiple generations.
March 2026
Newspaper Collection
he Wauwatosa Historical Society’s collection includes bound copies of two local newspapers: the Wauwatosa News, starting in 1900, and the Wauwatosa News-Times, through 1994. In addition, we hold the only existing index to these papers, spanning 1900 to 1917, which has been digitized and is searchable by personal or corporate name.
Oral History Project
The Wauwatosa Historical Society’s Oral History Project preserves the voices and memories of community members through volunteer-recorded interviews. Residents share firsthand accounts of social and cultural events, local business and government, and the rhythms of daily life — capturing stories that traditional historical records often miss.
Photograph Collection
The Wauwatosa Historical Society’s photograph collection contains hundreds of photographs spanning from the 1800s to the present day, documenting the people, places, and things that make up Wauwatosa’s history. Subjects range from homes and families to rivers, bridges, landmarks, and significant events such as the 2025 flood.
Postcards
Explore nearly 600 vintage postcards from the Wauwatosa Historical Society’s searchable online collection. Browse images of iconic buildings, historic businesses, city parks, distinguished homes, churches, and more from decades past. Donated by community members, these postcards offer a fascinating glimpse into Wauwatosa’s history, from horse-drawn wagons and street cars to landmarks we still visit today. Postcard image reproductions are available for a fee.
Sarah Clapp Quilt
Discover the story of the Sarah Clapp quilt, a Victorian crazy quilt crafted in silk and velvet for the daughter of a prominent Wauwatosa pastor. Sarah Clapp traveled to China as a missionary in 1879, where she founded the Goodrich School for Girls. Now in the care of the Wauwatosa Historical Society, this fragile quilt is undergoing careful preservation and restoration.
Sheet Music
Browse 420 pieces of early-to-mid 20th century sheet music, complete with digitized cover scans. Visit the Wauwatosa Historical Society to view full scores in person — with more being added over time.
Brady J – Wauwatosa West, 2026
Read how a Wauwatosa West student reflects on how the familiar places we pass every day are quietly shaping who we are.
Benjamin R – Wauwatosa East, 2026
For one Wauwatosa student, understanding local history didn’t just improve reading skills—it revealed what makes a community truly feel like home.