Impact Story

Waukesha Museum Showcases Dairy Production and Education

The Waukesha County Historical Society and Museum in Waukesha, Wisconsin, located on the western edge of Milwaukee, received funding to help develop a “Cow to Carton” display as part of their Agricultural Legacies of Waukesha County exhibit. The exhibit features signage and interactive features to tell the story of modern dairy production from the farm to consumers’ tables.

It includes a barn with a life-sized dairy cow where guests can learn about animal care, farm toys and a shopping area with replicas of dairy products and ice cream, milk and yogurt containers. A kiosk shows videos of the entire dairy production process from the farm to transportation to processing.

“The interactive elements of the exhibit are so important to tie the story together,” says Nicki Ciurro, executive director of the Waukesha County Historical Society and Museum. “The exhibit is designed to be intergenerational, so guests of all ages can explore and play together, then continue to have conversations later about what they learned.”

The exhibit will also include an oral history project to capture the personal stories of area residents involved in the dairy industry.

The display opened in June 2024. In addition, museum staff has developed a kit of materials that can be taken to local schools, county fairs and other events.