Milwaukee County Historical Society Welcomed 215 Participants for Citizenship & Civics Student Summit and Naturalization Ceremony
MILWAUKEE, Wis. (July 27, 2026) – The Milwaukee County Historical Society (MCHS) proudly welcomed 215 visitors to its downtown Historical Center on July 15 for a powerful day dedicated to civic education, immigration history, and the enduring meaning of American citizenship.
Held in partnership with the Federal Magistrate Judges Association (FMJA), the Citizenship & Civics Student Summit brought together 60 middle school, high school, and university students for a day of civic learning and exploration. The program was developed in collaboration with U.S. Magistrate Judge Nancy Joseph of the FMJA and Professor Melissa Love Koenig of Marquette University Law School, who helped bring the day’s programming to life.
Throughout the day, students participated in interactive civics activities, toured MCHS’s current exhibition, We the People: Milwaukee Stories of Immigration, Citizenship, and Community, and participated in “Journeys to the Bench,” an inspiring conversation with 30 federal judges who shared their personal paths to the judiciary, discussed the role of the federal courts, and encouraged students to consider the importance of civic engagement and public service.
The day culminated in an official U.S. Naturalization Ceremony, where 50 individuals from around the world took the Oath of Allegiance and became United States citizens in the presence of family members, students, judges, and community supporters.
“As Milwaukee’s history museum, we’re proud to preserve the stories of our past while helping people connect them to the world we live in today,” said Ben Barbera, Executive Director of the Milwaukee County Historical Society. “Seeing students learn about our nation’s founding principles and watching 50 people become U.S. citizens was a powerful reminder that history isn’t just something we study; it’s something we continue to make together. It was a true honor to host a day that celebrated new citizens while encouraging the next generation to stay informed, engaged, and connected to their communities.”
The event comes at a meaningful moment as the United States commemorates its 250th anniversary. Across the country, communities are reflecting on the nation’s history while looking toward its future. At MCHS, that reflection is embodied in We the People: Milwaukee Stories of Immigration, Citizenship, and Community, a semi-permanent exhibition that explores the experiences of immigrants who have shaped Milwaukee from its earliest days to the present.
About the Milwaukee County Historical Society
Founded in 1935, the Milwaukee County Historical Society collects, preserves, and shares Milwaukee County history through exhibitions, educational programming, research resources, and community engagement. Located in Milwaukee’s historic Second Ward, the Society inspires meaningful connections between the past and present by telling the stories that have shaped our community.
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.
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