Wauwatosa’s Polar Bears

In late 1918, five Wauwatosa men joined American troops heading to North Russia’s remote reaches. Their mission: guard Allied supplies and stop communist revolutionary advances during the Great War’s final months. These soldiers fought in deep snow near Archangel. They battled disease. They survived a brutal Arctic winter. History remembers this as the Polar Bear Expedition.

Independent researcher Marguerite Helmers presents this program. She brings over thirty years of university-level teaching experience. Helmers has authored numerous academic publications. She shares her research through talks and lectures locally, nationally, and internationally. She specializes in early 20th century English and Irish literature and visual arts. Her interests also extend to 19th century America. Helmers makes complex historical topics accessible to general audiences. She joined the Wauwatosa Historical Society research team in 2025.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., program starts at 6:00 p.m.