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The Menomonee Falls Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to the collection, preservation and dissemination of the history of the town and Village of Menomonee Falls. Since our founding in 1966, the organization has served to support Old Falls Village Historic Park and Museum. Celebrating 60 years as an organization in 2026 we remain dedicated to our mission and the community.
Our Story
In November 1964, Mrs. Emma Davidson, spouse of Walter Davidson, the founder of Harley-Davidson, expressed her intention to sell her Summer Home located on County Line Road in Menomonee Falls. After learning of its historic value, the Women's Club intervened and petitioned the Village of Menomonee Falls to acquire the property. Given that the property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Mrs. Davidson hoped that the home and its surrounding land would be transformed into a historic park and museum.
In 1966, after many meetings and negotiations, the property was purchased by the Village of Menomonee Falls For $70,000. Needing a loan to afford the purchase, the Woman's Club offered to pay for the loan interest.
During the course of these negotiations, a decision was made to establish a Historical Society, which would aid in the preservation of the park, conduct tours, and open the Miller-Davidson house as a museum. Necessary documents were submitted to the IRS and the Wisconsin Historical Society. Members of the Woman's Club and other interested parties got to work. In 1966, the Menomonee Falls Historical Society was inaugurated as a 501 (c)(3) organization and a Wisconsin Historical Society affiliate society. The Society's members promptly raised sufficient capital to compensate the Woman's Club for the interest paid on the Village's loan.
For the past six decades, society members have been diligently contributing to the park, advocating for the relocation of additional buildings to the park, curating displays, hosting reenactment and fundraising events, and disseminating the history of Menomonee Falls to the neighboring community.
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The year 2026 brings a new chapter to our organization. A legacy gift given by Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Louise Reis has been donated to the Society. This legacy gift ensures that our mission will continue to thrive well into the future. We are deeply grateful to Joseph and Louise Reis for their commitment to supporting the arts, education and the preservation of history.
About Us
The Menomonee Falls Historical Society is an organization operated solely by volunteers. The executive board consists of a President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. Nine additional board members complement the board's composition.​
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Annual Reports
Contact
For more information about the park and Menomonee Falls Historical Society, please contact us: