The Hales Corners Historical Society

The Hales Corners Historical Society is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1978 with the mission of preserving and sharing the history of the community. Located in the village of Hales Corners, Wisconsin, the society has been instrumental in promoting the heritage of the village and preserving its rich history for future generations.

The history of the Hales Corners Historical Society dates back to the 1970s, when a group of local residents began to express concern about the rapid development taking place in the village. They were worried that the community’s heritage would be lost if steps were not taken to preserve it. To address these concerns, they formed the Hales Corners Historical Society with the aim of preserving and sharing the village’s history.

One of the society’s earliest accomplishments was the acquisition of the Hales Corners Depot, a historic train station that had fallen into disrepair. The society purchased the depot and worked to restore it, transforming it into a museum that showcases the history of the village’s railway system. Today, the depot serves as the headquarters of the society and houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits that illustrate the history of Hales Corners.

Over the years, the society has been involved in a variety of activities and programs aimed at preserving and promoting the history of the village. One of its most successful programs is the Historic Home Tour, which takes place every two years and showcases some of the village’s oldest and most historic homes. The tour allows visitors to step back in time and experience the rich history of Hales Corners firsthand.

The society also sponsors a variety of other events throughout the year, including lectures, workshops, and exhibits. These events are designed to educate the community about its history and encourage them to get involved in preserving it. The society’s annual Heritage Fest, for example, celebrates the village’s history with live music, food, and activities for all ages.

In addition to its public events and programs, the Hales Corners Historical Society has also played a key role in preserving the history of the village through its research and archival efforts. The society maintains a large collection of photographs, documents, and other artifacts related to the history of Hales Corners. This collection is open to the public and serves as an invaluable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the village’s history.

Another important aspect of the society’s work is its efforts to promote the preservation of historic buildings and landmarks in the village. Through advocacy and outreach, the society has helped to raise awareness of the importance of preserving these buildings and landmarks for future generations.

In recent years, the society has expanded its outreach efforts to engage younger generations in the preservation of Hales Corners’ history. The society’s youth education program provides opportunities for local students to learn about the village’s heritage through hands-on activities and field trips. The program aims to instill a sense of pride and ownership in the community’s history among younger generations.

The Hales Corners Historical Society has had a significant impact on the preservation and promotion of the history of the village. Through its many programs and activities, the society has helped to raise awareness of the rich history of Hales Corners and to encourage the community to get involved in its preservation. The society’s efforts have ensured that the village’s heritage will be passed down to future generations, preserving the unique character of Hales Corners for years to come.