Preserving the Past to Teach the Future. Our mission is to collect and preserve Kenosha County's history through education, programs and exhibits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you for visiting the Kenosha History Center. Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions.

After you have read thought all of the FAQs, if you are still in need of support, feel free to get in touch with us. Use the following link to head on over to the contact page and fill out the form. We will reply within 24hrs during normal business hours Tuesday through Friday.

Contact Us

1: Where is the Kenosha History Center Located?

The Kenosha History Center is located at 220 51st Place in Kenosha, Wisconsin. From I-94, exit onto Highway 158, and head east into the the City of Kenosha. Highway 158 becomes 52nd Street. Continue east on 52nd Street until its end, at 6th Avenue. Turn left on 6th Avenue and continue north for 2 blocks. At the traffic lights, turn right onto 50th Street and go over the bridge. Continue on 50th Street and curve to the right onto 4th Ave. Fourth Avenue will then turn left at the bottom of the hill and become 51st Place. The History Center is the first building on the left. A parking lot is located across the street. Click here for a location Map.

2: How do I become a member?

Membership forms are available at the Kenosha History Center or you may click here to download a PDF-fillable form. Members receive the Southport newsletter, a 10% discount in the gift shop, advance notification of special events or exhibits and the satisfaction that you are helping to preserve Kenosha's history for future generations.

3: How can I volunteer at the History Center or the Southport Light Station Museum?

Volunteers are a vital part of our success at the Kenosha History Center. The Center tries to match your individual talent to our needs. Those interested in becoming a volunteer at the History Center or in the future, at the Lighthouse Keeper's Dwelling, may call Chris Allen at (262) 654-5770, ext 102 or may complete this application.

4: Is there an admission charge for the History Center or the Southport Light Station Museum?

The Kenosha History Center does not charge admission. However, we do appreciate donations to help support our efforts. Tours to the top of the Southport Lighthouse do have a charge of $10.00 for adults who are not members, and $5.00 for children or History Center members. The Southport Light Station Museum is also free, but the Museum does appreciate donations to help maintain the building and grounds.

5: What are the benefits of becoming a member of the History Center and the Southport Light Station Museum?

Membership includes many benefits, including the Southport newsletter, a 10% discount in our gift shop and advance notification of our many events and new exhibits. Members of the Kenosha History Center also receive a discount at State of Wisconsin Historic Sites. For more information on membership levels and an on-line fillable form, click here.

6: Are Group Tours Available at the Kenosha History Center and Southport Light Station Museum?

Group tours are available subject to the following rules.

What is a group size?

A visit with 10 or more people is considered a group; reservations are required for all groups. For student groups we do ask for one chaperone to every 8 students

How do I book a group visit?

Plan to book your visit by phone 262-654-5770; or email Chris Allen
You may also email Lynn Burton

What is the fee for a group tours?

Tour prices vary to accommodate the requests and needs of each group. We want to ensure the experience provides a rewarding and beneficial visit for everyone. We accept credit cards, cash and checks (payable to Kenosha History Center).

When can I book a tour?

We offer tours 7 days a week; Sunday – Saturday; we are closed on holidays

Where is the History Center and Southport Lighthouse located?

Kenosha History Center
220 51st Place
Kenosha, WI 53140

Southport Light Station Museuem
5117 4th Avenue
Kenosha, WI 53140

Can we accommodate special needs?

Yes, please let us know if you have any special requirements or needs prior to your visit and we will try to accommodate to our best ability

What resources are available for schools?

Yes, school kits are available; all of the following resources can be borrowed by local schools for 2 weeks free of charge.

  • Living Traditions (Indians arts and crafts
    Life without Video Games (pioneer children
    Family Time (pioneer family leisure & works
    Discovery (lifestyle of Wisconsin pioneers
    Stitch in Time (pioneer clothing
    Gifts for the Earth (Indian foods)
    Housing & Settlement (settler’s everyday life)
    German Settlers (influence of Germans)
    Pioneer Homework (daily tasks of pioneers)

Where can we have lunch or dinner in the area?

There are a number of offsite dining options available; Please visit Downtown Kenosha or Kenosha Convention & Visitor's Bureau to learn more about the restaurants and hours of business.

7: What is the Privacy Policy of the Kenosha History Center?

What information do we collect?

We collect information from you when you place an order, subscribe to our newsletter, respond to a survey or fill out a form.

When ordering or registering on our site, as appropriate, you may be asked to enter your: name, e-mail address, mailing address, phone number or credit card information. You may, however, visit our site anonymously.

What do we use your information for?

Any of the information we collect from you may be used in one of the following ways:

; To improve our website
(we continually strive to improve our website offerings based on the information and feedback we receive from you)

; To improve customer service
(your information helps us to more effectively respond to your customer service requests and support needs)

; To process transactions
Your information, whether public or private, will not be sold, exchanged, transferred, or given to any other company for any reason whatsoever, without your consent, other than for the express purpose of delivering the purchased product or service requested.

; To administer a contest, promotion, survey or other site feature


; To send periodic emails
The email address you provide for order processing, may be used to send you information and updates pertaining to your order, in addition to receiving occasional company news, updates, related product or service information, etc.


How do we protect your information?

We implement a variety of security measures to maintain the safety of your personal information when you place an order or enter, submit, or access your personal information.

We offer the use of a secure server. All supplied sensitive/credit information is transmitted via Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology and then encrypted into our Payment gateway providers database only to be accessible by those authorized with special access rights to such systems, and are required to?keep the information confidential.

After a transaction, your private information (credit cards, social security numbers, financials, etc.) will not be kept on file for more than 60 days.

Do we use cookies?

We do not use cookies.

Do we disclose any information to outside parties?

We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer to outside parties your personally identifiable information. This does not include trusted third parties who assist us in operating our website, conducting our business, or servicing you, so long as those parties agree to keep this information confidential. We may also release your information when we believe release is appropriate to comply with the law, enforce our site policies, or protect ours or others rights, property, or safety. However, non-personally identifiable visitor information may be provided to other parties for marketing, advertising, or other uses.

Your Consent

By using our site, you consent to our online privacy policy.

Changes to our Privacy Policy

If we decide to change our privacy policy, we will post those changes on this page.

Contacting Us

If there are any questions regarding this privacy policy you may contact us using the information below.

kenoshahistorycenter.org
Kenosha History Center
220 51st Place
Kenosha, WI 53140
United States
kchs@kenoshahistorycenter.org
262-654-5770