WELS Historical Institute

Museum

The WHI works on the restoration and preservation of Salem Lutheran Landmark Church, constructed in 1865 and located in Milwaukee near the site of our synod's founding in 1850. The synod museum, on the lower level of the church, houses more than 1,000 artifacts and pictures from our synod's past.

The church and museum are open for tours, which need to be arranged in advance with the museum curator, Charlotte Sampe, 414/464-3559.

About
Started in 1982, the purpose of the WELS Historical Institute is to preserve and present the story of God’s grace to WELS. Membership currently consists of 26 organizations (congregations, school libraries, etc.) and 342 individuals.

Journal
The institute publishes two issues of the WELS Historical Institute Journal and two Historical Institute newsletters each year. The Journal is designed to appeal to pastor, teacher, and layperson alike. It includes heavily researched articles interspersed with personal reminiscences and translations of old letters and documents.

To subscribe to the WELS Historical Institute Journal, contact Pastor Ray Schumacher at 414-615-5708; schumacherr [at] nph [dot] wels [dot] net.