Milwaukee County Historical Society Announces Full 2026 SPARK! Calendar for People with Memory Loss and Their Care Partners

Milwaukee, WI – The Milwaukee County Historical Society (MCHS) is proud to announce a full year of SPARK!, a free creative engagement program designed specifically for people with early to mid-stage memory loss and their care partners.

SPARK! at MCHS offers interactive experiences rooted in the museum’s exhibitions and collections, encouraging participants to share stories, engage their senses, and create meaningful moments together. Each program begins with a 30-minute social gathering over light refreshments, providing a welcoming space for participants to connect and feel comfortable.

Specially trained museum staff lead the sessions, incorporating lively discussions, object handling, and multi-sensory activities. The program emphasizes creativity, conversation, and community, with each month exploring a new theme. Programs are held the first Tuesday of each month at 11:00 a.m.

The 2026 SPARK! calendar includes:

• January 6th – Civil Rights Movement in MKE
• February 3 – Artist in Focus: Clarence Boyce Monegar
• March 3 – MKE Irish History
• April 7 – Illustrating Our Stories
• May 5 – History of Menomonee River Valley
• June 2 – Immigrating to MKE
• July 7 – City of Festivals
• August 4 – MKE Rivers
• September 1 – Latine History in MKE
• October 6 – Artist in Focus: Lyle Oberwise
• November 3 – Oral History
• December 1 – Holiday Traditions

“SPARK! is all about creating opportunities for people living with memory loss and their care partners to enjoy engaging, enriching experiences together,” said Olivia Hoff, Programs Manager at MCHS. “We’re excited to offer a full year of programming in 2026 and to connect participants with Milwaukee County’s history in fun and meaningful ways.”

SPARK! is part of a larger regional initiative supported by museums and cultural organizations, with all facilitators trained by Alzheimer’s care professionals. Programs are designed to stimulate conversation, foster peer support, and inspire creativity through hands-on activities such as cooking, art-making, music, storytelling, and more.

Program Details:

• When: First Tuesday of each month at 11:00 a.m.
• Where: Milwaukee County Historical Society, 910 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Milwaukee, WI
• Cost: Free
• Registration: Required in advance. Space is limited to 20 participants.

To register, contact Olivia Hoff, Programs Manager, at ohoff@milwaukeehistory.net or 414-409-9563.

About the Milwaukee County Historical Society
Founded in 1935, the Milwaukee County Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and sharing Milwaukee’s history through exhibitions, programs, and collections. The Society’s mission is to recognize and preserve local history, promote a greater appreciation of Milwaukee County’s heritage, and develop a deeper understanding of the issues and challenges shaping our community today.

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.