Jewish Museum Milwaukee to Host Helen Bader Day: Belonging and Becoming May 20
MILWAUKEE – May 14, 2026 – Jewish Museum Milwaukee will host A Tribute to Helen Daniels Bader: Belonging and Becoming on Wednesday, May 20, a free, daylong program honoring one of Milwaukee’s most influential philanthropists through art, reflection, and community engagement.
Held on what would have been Helen Daniels Bader’s birthday, the program brings together themes of identity, mental health awareness, and Jewish heritage through interactive experiences, shared storytelling, and creative exploration. The event also coincides with Mental Health Awareness Month and Jewish American Heritage Month, offering a timely opportunity to reflect on how identity is shaped by personal experience, culture, and community.
Bader, a social worker and early advocate for individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease, dedicated her life to advancing dignity, care, and inclusion. Her legacy continues through Bader Philanthropies, which supports initiatives that strengthen communities and improve the quality of life.
Throughout the Museum, visitors will be invited to engage with activities designed to encourage reflection and connection. Drop-in experiences are available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and include affirmation card exchanges, curated literary reflections, identity-based storytelling prompts, symbolic self-portrait drawing, a collaborative coloring wall with artist Jac Lahav, a recipe and memory sharing station, and a community resource table focused on wellness and support.
Scheduled programs include docent-led tours at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., each limited to 20 participants. A featured Lunch & Learn from noon to 1 p.m. will include a conversation with Lahav, whose work in the current exhibition, 48 Jews: Layers of Identity, explores the complexities of identity, memory, and cultural representation. Attendance for the Lunch & Learn is limited to 40 participants and includes a kosher buffet.
“This day is an invitation to pause and reflect on the many ways identity is shaped by our experiences, our communities, and our care for one another,” said Cassie A. Sacotte, Director of Archives, Operations & Special Projects at Jewish Museum Milwaukee. “By honoring Helen Bader’s legacy, we hope to create space for connection, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the role mental health plays in all of our lives.”
Admission is free. Advance registration is encouraged, as space for select programs is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. More information and reservations are available at jewishmuseummilwaukee.org/event/a-tribute-to-helen-daniels-bader-belonging-and-becoming/.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by Jewish Museum Milwaukee
Jewish Museum Milwaukee Presents 48 Jews: Layers of Identity
Feb 26th, 2026 by Jewish Museum MilwaukeeExhibit opens March 6; opening-night reception and artist talk set for March 5
