The New Berlin Historical Society was chartered in 1965, and is an affiliate of the Wisconsin Historical Society. Its first home was the Miller farmhouse on Cleveland Avenue. In 1970 the City of New Berlin purchased the 3.5 acre Sprengel property, now known as Historical Park, in the Prospect Hill Settlement District. The Society has since Restored the house to its early 1900's period, Recreated a Country Store in the Carriage Building, Moved and Restored a local Log House, and Rescued and Restored the1863 One Room School House. The Society also Rescued and Restored Theodora Winton Youmans' childhood home. Ms. Youmans was Wisconsin's nationally famous suffragist and is credited with leading the Wisconsin legislators to a speedy vote and become the first state to approve the United States 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote.

A  major project of the society has been the transformation of the former fire station at 19885 National Ave. to a museum/office complex. In 2020  the existing building was renovated and a major addition was completed. The west bay of the station houses displays featuring the former volunteer fire department, The remaining exhibit space is devoted to showing the life and times of New Berlin's past through exhibits that include a country store, police and military history and  agricultural history told through the extensive Cornfalfa Farms collection of artifacts and images. These exhibits, and others under consideration, are works in progress as this is written (November 2021). The museum also houses office space, a conference room/library and a gift shop. 

The Society welcomes new members; the only requirement is an interest in New Berlin history. We have many projects that can use a variety of talents, so why not call and find out how you can help preserve our history for future generations. Contact Ann Marquardt  for more information.

The Society holds four special open houses a year: our June Open House, the July Ice Cream Social, Historic Day on the first Sunday after Labor Day, and Applefest, the first Sunday in October. During these events we station knowledgeable volunteers in the buidings to inform our visitors. Please consult the Event Calendar for details. Also consider joining us to help staff these events.

There are two annual full membership meetings, each with a program open to the public. You will find these listed on our Calendar.

The 14-member Board of Directors meets monthly. Members are welcome, and encouraged, to attend board meetings. The meeting schedule is posted on our Calendar.

The New Berlin Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization staffed entirely by volunteers. Please consider becoming a member and a volunteer.