She built a Club where women could gather learn lead serve belong shape MKE
Join us as we celebrate over 150 years of creating impact before women could vote. Each brick tells a story, and the marks remain in the walls. Discover the traditions, the service, the friendships, and the people who continue to shape what comes next.
Historic Gallery
Where Stories Shaped Milwaukee
"“Your daughters and future women will enter in at the door you have opened, and your names will be mentioned with affection.” "
Mrs. S. S. Merrill (born Sarah Kidder) made history as the first woman elected to the Milwaukee School Board; she was very involved with many philanthropic endeavors, including raising funds for the National Soldiers’ Home during the Civil War, helping to setup the School for Nurses through the Club in 1888, and credited with starting the treadion of the American flag flying outside Milwaukee’s public schools.
This house was their mark on history.
Discover the History
From its 1876 founding in Milwaukee as a women-built civic institution to its 150th anniversary and future-focused legacy, the Woman’s Club of Wisconsin timeline traces nearly 150 years of women gathering, learning, leading, serving, preserving history, shaping culture, and leaving their mark on Milwaukee and beyond.
In 1886, the women of WCW formed a women-owned stock company and built a Club that gave women room to gather, lead, learn, serve, and shape the community around them.
Inside these walls, friendships formed. Civic ideas grew. Community service expanded. Culture found a home. Women made their mark.
Today, that legacy still lives here.
Not as something we simply remember, but as something we feel, share, and pass on.
Era One | 1876–1900
Founded in Milwaukee in 1876, WCW became a women-built civic landmark where prominent women gathered, organized, learned, served, and helped shape the city before women had the right to vote.
Era Two | 1901–1925
As Wisconsin women gained greater civic power, WCW formally became the Woman’s Club of Wisconsin and strengthened its role in Milwaukee through dining, war service, fundraising, and women-led institutional leadership.
Era Three | 1926–1950
Through the Depression, World War II, cultural programs, fashion, lectures, and changing social customs, WCW remained a resilient Milwaukee gathering place for women, ideas, service, and connection.
Era Four | 1951–1975
WCW expanded its cultural, educational, fashion, theater, and philanthropic impact, establishing the Woman’s Club Foundation and earning recognition as a City of Milwaukee landmark.
Era Five | 1976–2000
From its Centennial celebration to National Register recognition, outreach grants, cultural travel, member programming, and evolving women’s identity, WCW carried its historic legacy into a modern Milwaukee era.
Era Six | 2001–2025
WCW continued to bring members together through arts, dining, philanthropy, community gifts, themed events, and service, enduring COVID while preserving its role as a historic Milwaukee women’s institution.
Era Seven | 2026 and Beyond
As WCW celebrates 150 years, the Club continues blending social life, philanthropy, civic purpose, cultural programming, preservation, and women gathering with purpose to leave their mark on Milwaukee’s future.
Your Mark Belongs in What Comes Next
For nearly 150 years, women have gathered at WCW to learn, lead, serve, connect, and shape Milwaukee’s story.
Now, the legacy continues through the women, members, guests, donors, and community friends who choose to step inside, show up, and carry it forward.
Be the legacy. Live the legacy. Leave it stronger.