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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Read how a Wauwatosa West student reflects on how the familiar places we pass every day are quietly shaping who we are.
For one Wauwatosa student, understanding local history didn’t just improve reading skills—it revealed what makes a community truly feel like home.
Alice Underwood Nelson’s handwritten journal, held at the Wauwatosa Historical Society, preserves intimate family memories of Rev. Enoch Underwood — abolitionist, father, and freedom seeker harborer.
Enoch’s daughters Sarah Underwood Curtis and Emma Gray assembled this section from family papers. They focus on their father’s life in Danville, Illinois and his early years in Wauwatosa.
Rev. Enoch Downs Underwood, Virginia-born pioneer, co-founded Wauwatosa’s First Baptist Church, sheltered freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad, and became a prominent Wisconsin abolitionist.
