MILWAUKEE — Wisconsin in pop culture is the focus of a current exhibit at the Milwaukee County Historical Society located at 910 N King Drive.

The memorabilia on display showcases the Badger State’s contributions to television, movies, sports and music.


What You Need To Know

  • The Wisconsin Historical Society and Milwaukee County Historical Society put together a pop-up exhibit featuring Wisconsin pop culture memorabilia

  • The exhibit showcases the Badger State's contributions to television, movies, music and sports

  • The exhibit is on display through March 22 at the Milwaukee County Historical Society

  • Many of the items on display will be part of a permanent exhibit that will be at the Wisconsin History Center that is set to open in 2027

Milwaukee County Historical Society Executive Director Ben Barbera said this exhibit has been several years in the making.

“We decided to look at pop culture, and what we wanted to do was look at the things that would be easily recognizable as iconic to both people from Wisconsin, and then people through the country as well,” Barbera said.

TV hits “Happy Days” and “Laverne and Shirley” were both set in Milwaukee, and there is an ode to both on display. Late comedian Chris Farley, who was born in Madison, is also honored. 

“We have the jacket that he wore in the movie ‘Black Sheep.’ In fact, it even has the tear in the sleeve from the scene where he gets dragged by a car,” Barbera said.

Three big name musical acts from decades ago — Liberace, Les Paul and Hildegarde — are on display as well. Liberace, a famous pianist, singer and actor was born in West Allis. Hildegarde, a highly acclaimed cabaret singer, was born in the Village of Adell in Sheboygan County. Guitarist Les Paul was born in Waukesha and is one of the pioneers of the solid-body electric guitar. One of his guitars is included in the exhibit.

Sports have also been a huge part of Wisconsin pop culture over the years. Former Green Bay Packer Reggie White’s jersey is hanging at the exhibit. The athlete, who helped the Packers win back-to-back Super Bowls in the 1990s, died from cardiac arrhythmia at age 43.

“Maybe people don’t necessarily think of sports as pop culture, but this really is something that is iconic and recognizable all over the country,” Barbera said.

Bowling has a strong history in Wisconsin, too. Earlene Fuller made history as a Black champion bowler from Milwaukee. She also went on to design bowling outfits. Her bowling shirt is part of the Milwaukee County Historical Society’s exhibit.

Part of the state’s pop culture also revolves around food. Wisconsin is known for its cheese curds, beer, brats and Friday fish fries.

Big-name companies that had headquarters in Wisconsin, such as Miller Brewing Company, Harley Davidson and Oscar Mayer, are also featured. 

“One of the really cool pieces that we have on display is the banjo ukulele that was used to compose the Oscar Mayer jingle that we all know so well,” Barbera said.

“Homegrown: Wisconsin Pop Culture” runs through March 22 at the Milwaukee County Historical Society. 

“You hear lots of people saying, ‘Oh, I remember that,’ or ‘I didn’t know that.’ So, it’s been really kind of fun to see people, and they’re enthusiastic response to the exhibit,” he said.

The Wisconsin Historical Society helped contribute to the exhibit, which will be on permanent display when the new Wisconsin History Center opens in Madison in 2027. The new facility is currently under construction.