The Milwaukee County Historical Center (MCHC) offers a unique setting featuring an elegant main hall, a cozy mezzanine level, and a patio with a spectacular view of Pere Marquette Park that is perfect for weddings, meetings, and corporate events.
Founded in 1935, MCHC was originally the repository for County records. Since that time, it has continued to expand its services to the community. Its graceful interiors offer an elegant and welcoming setting to host your guests. The Historical Center has received praise from leading wedding industry publications, including the Knot, the Wedding Channel and Married in Milwaukee, and is sure to make your special day one to remember.
We had the chance recently to sit down with Morgan, the Development and Events Manager, to get to know more about her, why she loves her job, and about the team of event assistants with whom she works weddings.
The Interview
What is your adult beverage of choice? Lakefront Beer
What is your junk food of choice? Falafel
What is your favorite animal? Cats, she has one named Lucy
What is the best trip you’ve ever
What do you like to do for fun? My husband and I like to play board games and trivia and go on brewery tours
History of the Venue
1913 – Built as a bank, known as the Brewers Bank because all the big breweries kept their money there.
1965 – The building was donated to the Historical Society, is now a repository for Milwaukee artifacts and a museum with historical exhibits. They also manage several other historical sites in and around Milwaukee
2005 – Major renovations began, now completed
Public Enemy (Dillinger movie with Johnny Depp) filmed there!
What styles of weddings are the best fit for the Milwaukee County Historical Society?
Elegant, Romantic, want to expose their guests to historic Milwaukee. They have only been renting the space for events for about 5 years so most guests have never attended an event here. Seating available for 275 guests
Fabulous Features
The marquee letters featured in the space are the original letters that were once mounted on City Hall. They were featured in Laverne and Shirley! The historical society has 106 letters, numbers and a few punctuation marks.
Your guests will love exploring the bank vaults and there are lots of fun ways to incorporate them into your wedding. The door is a great ceremony backdrop, and you can use it as a lounge or photo booth area during cocktail hour or dancing!
I love the view of the ceiling from the top of the stairs and thinks it’s a fantastic photo op!
What’s your favorite thing about weddings at Milwaukee County Historical Society
Having two floors promotes movement of guests from one area to another and gives a sense of flow to your event. You can have your ceremony on the main floor, dinner upstairs, and come back down for dancing!
What are your favorite wedding trends?
Escort board for dinner seating instead of cards, donuts instead of cake.
What is your best advice for brides and grooms?
Don’t sweat the details, no one but you will ever know! Schedule more time for photos than you think you need. Putting on and bustling the dress may take more time than you bargained for.
Please visit Milwaukee County Historical Society website for more information. You can reach Morgan at (414) 273-8288or email her at morgan@milwaukeehistory.net.