Exploring the Clapp Database

What did everyday life really look like in early Wauwatosa? What concerned the newest residents, what brought them joy, and how did they navigate the gap between their expectations of the west compared to the realities of the new frontier? 

You’re invited to dive into the Clapp Letters – personal correspondence that reveals how early settlers really lived, what they valued, and how they navigated life in Wauwatosa. Learn how primary sources like these letters help us move beyond textbook narratives to uncover the authentic voices of those who shaped our community, and those who continue to shape it. From earlier settlers and beyond, the Clapp Letters help us to answer questions about our community in a way that is both appropriate and personal. 

Presented by WHS Researcher Rowen Mullins. Rowen is an aspiring history professor with a deep knowledge of public history and the value of the archives to the community. While they hope to eventually study Medieval history with an emphasis on Women’s work, they are just as eager to learn about the local history and deepen the accessibility our community has to primary sources. For the past 7 months, Rowen has been working on a large indexing project for the Wauwatosa Historical Society – The Clapp Letters – which will help to accomplish these goals. Having read hundreds of letters, and with hundreds still being indexed, Rowen is eager to share important things they’ve found between the lines and explore what that means about our community. 

Doors open 30 minutes prior to the start of the presentation.