Wauwatosa Historical Society Collections
The Wauwatosa Historical Society collects, preserves, and stores objects, documents, and images to help us share Wauwatosa’s stories. The special collections reflect the history of Wauwatosa from its beginnings to the present. We house physical collections at the Judith A Simonsen Research Library, including school yearbooks, biographical files, the Wauwatosa Times newspaper, cemetery records, maps, and more. We also house an extensive digital collection, accessible online.
We invite you to explore our collections!
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Lefeber Glass Plate Collection
This collection of more than 2,000 glass plate negatives provides a unique look at Wauwatosa from 1900 to 1935 through the eyes of one of the city’s most well-known families. Unlike much of the photography of this time, the Lefebers, owners of a longtime Village general store, took casual shots in addition to posed pictures, creating a visual time machine of life in our city more than 100 years ago.
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Manuscripts
Our collection houses a variety of manuscripts ranging from personal papers—such as correspondence, memorabilia, and ephemera—to the official records of businesses, institutions, and organizations. These collections may also include photographs, books, maps, and artifacts. These primary source materials offer a wealth of historic information, much of which is not found elsewhere.
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Maps Collection
Our collection includes the 1876 Historical Atlas (plat map book) of Milwaukee County. In addition, there is a listing for maps that include pre-1900 and post-1900 Wauwatosa, Milwaukee County, and Wisconsin. There are many more maps in our research library.
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Nethercut Family Collection
This collection of more than 2,000 glass plate negatives provides a unique look at Wauwatosa from 1900 to 1935 through the eyes of one of the city’s most well-known families. Unlike much of the photography of this time, the Lefebers, owners of a longtime Village general store, took casual shots in addition to posed pictures, creating a visual time machine of life in our city more than 100 years ago.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Sheet Music
This collection of more than 2,000 glass plate negatives provides a unique look at Wauwatosa from 1900 to 1935 through the eyes of one of the city’s most well-known families. Unlike much of the photography of this time, the Lefebers, owners of a longtime Village general store, took casual shots in addition to posed pictures, creating a visual time machine of life in our city more than 100 years ago.
If you’re interested in learning more about our collections or searching in our library, please contact us.