Wisconsin History Gala

Thursday, June 26, 2025 | 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

The Grain Exchange
225 E Michigan St, Milwaukee, WI

A Night for the History Books

Experience an unforgettable evening celebrating Wisconsin’s vibrant history while shaping its future. Your presence at the Wisconsin History Gala will help support the mission of the Wisconsin Historical Society and celebrate progress on the new Wisconsin History Center.

Featuring Special Guest Hosts
Jane Kaczmarek and Tony Shalhoub

Jane Kaczmarek
Tony Shalhoub

Jane Kaczmarek is best known for her role as Lois on the television series Malcolm in the Middle, earning seven consecutive Emmy nominations, multiple Golden Globe and SAG nominations, and two Television Critics Awards. Her extensive screen credits include St. Elsewhere, The Paper Chase, Falling in Love, and recent appearances in The Changeling and the upcoming Netflix series The Burroughs. She also voices Judge Constance Harm on The Simpsons.

Kaczmarek has performed on- and off-Broadway and at major regional theaters. Notable credits include Dinner with Friends, Long Day’s Journey Into Night, Good People, and Our Town. She is an advocate for arts and education, serving on several nonprofit boards and founding the charity Clothes Off Our Back.

Tony Shalhoub is a Tony, Golden Globe, and four-time Emmy Award-winning actor with an acclaimed career across stage and screen. Born and raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin, he is a graduate of the Yale School of Drama and began his career with the American Repertory Theater. Shalhoub recently reprised his iconic role as Adrian Monk in Mr. Monk’s Last Case, earning SAG and Critics Choice nominations.

On Broadway, he starred in The Band’s Visit, The Price, Act One, and Golden Boy, among others. His film work includes Flamin’ Hot, Galaxy Quest, Big Night, The Man Who Wasn’t There, and voicing ‘Luigi’ in CARS. On television, he is known for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Monk, and Wings.

What to Expect

5:00 PM Welcome Reception & VIP Lounge
6:00 PM Dinner & Drinks
6:45 PM Program Begins (Special speeches, live auction, paddle raiser, and more)
8:15 PM Program Ends
9:00 PM Event Concludes

Supporting Wisconsin’s Future

The Wisconsin History Gala is not just a celebration – it’s an investment in the future of Wisconsin’s history. This exclusive event will directly benefit the Wisconsin Historical Society during a critical moment of growth as we prepare to open the new Wisconsin History Center and fundamentally transform how people discover and share history in our state. Your support will ensure future generations can engage with the state’s rich cultural heritage through immersive experiences, educational resources, and world-class collections.

Gallery Image 1
Gallery Image 2
Gallery Image 3

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor

Wisconsin Preservation Fund

Preserving Sponsor

We Energies Foundation

Contributing Sponsors

Kathleen Burke 

Pat & Anne Fee

Godfrey & Kahn

Menominee Tribal Enterprises,

Central Wisconsin Woodworking Corp., 

& Prostar Surfaces Inc.

Table Sponsors

The Bartolotta Restaurants

Greenfire Management Services

J. Jeffers & Company

Milwaukee Bucks Foundation

Dr. Waleed & Janan Najeeb

Dr. Robert S. Smith

SmithGroup

Leonard Sobczak & David Pionke

Cathi Wiebrecht-Searer & Rick Searer