THE JONATHAN CLARK HOUSE MUSEUM

There are rare opportunities to learn about and to preserve local history in the Mequon-Thiensville area. A group of local history enthusiasts have formed the Friends of Jonathan Clark House with a mission.

The mission is being carried out through the historic 1848 Jonathan Clark House on the corner of Bonniwell and Cedarburg Roads. Perhaps you have driven by it and wondered, “What is in that beautiful stone house?"

The Jonathan Clark House has been developed as a historic house museum of mid-19th century Mequon and Thiensville that interprets the life of the early settlers. Furnishings and accessories throughout the house reflect the era of 1840 to 1860. The Friends of Jonathan Clark House are proud to preserve one of the area’s last available historic landmarks but need financial support to provide educational programming with authentic artifacts.

The Friends of Jonathan Clark House is a non-profit organization led by executive director Dr. Nina Look, preservation manager Frederick Derr, a board of eight directors, and four other volunteer staff members. A cadre of additional volunteers provides a variety of educational and support services year-round. In addition, several middle school and high school students enjoy serving as JCH Young Historians.

Jonathan Clark House Mission Statement

Collect, preserve and share the history of the Jonathan Clark House and the early settlers of Mequon and Thiensville.

Take a tour...

Knowledgeable docents provide tours to groups of children, families, and scout troops. Tours of the house and grounds are available by contacting the staff at jchmuseum@gmail.com or calling 262-618-2051.

2024 JCH YOUNG HISTORIANS

Matthew – Young Historian Ambassador

“Volunteering at the JCH has given me countless fun memories of teaching the history, and having a great time getting to learn more about 1840s Wisconsin!”

Matthew is shown here with his Eagle Scout Project – Two Bicycle Racks for the Jonathan Clark House Grounds

Matthew Seiberlich, HHS Senior

Spencer – with Char & George Bonniwell

“Getting to know our local history helps us understand why many things are the way they are today. A lot of the people, buildings and roads we see everyday are here because of something that happened a long time ago. We also should learn about having to make decisions that affect the future. When we learn about history we see that decisions a long time ago have an impact for many years or even centuries. Helping to see how good or bad these decisions have been, helps us take today’s decisions much more seriously.”

Spencer Holloway, GHS Senior

Soren - Greeter at JCH Open House

Meet our one of our youngest ”Young Historians" in his custom-made costume

“I like all of the artifacts from different times. I like the living history and hands-on activities. I enjoy being able to show kids what it was like during that time in history.”

Soren Damsgaard, Mequon Student

Kolby, Kate and Cousin Augie

"We have personally witnessed the value of the Jonathan Clark House Museum as our children have had their first volunteer experiences helping with preservation projects and museum events. Because of these experiences they have a deeper appreciation of the community and a more significant understanding of the past in relation to the future. They call this having fun at the museum."

Kurt and Suzanne Zellmann, Mequon Parents

John – Volunteer and Event Greeter

John Gattoni, seen here in the Clark House Pantry, is a Thiensville resident, HHS student, and one of our newest Young Historians. In 2022 he served as an event greeter and open house greeter.

In addition, John cleaned and painted the outdoor lights under the mentorship of Mequon Thiensville Optimist Club Member Tom Frank. We look forward to John’s continued help at JCH as he aspires to gain his Eagle Scout Award.

Emerson – Volunteering at Heritage Days

Emerson Trumbull-Holper stepped right up into the role of greeter at the summer Heritage Days event. His job was to make certain that all of the other children had fun with the array of yard games. It seemed that his favorite task was giving out cookies and ice cream to children of all ages.

We look forward to Emerson’s volunteering skills at future outdoor events.

THE JONATHAN CLARK HOUSE MUSEUM

Jonathan Clark House Mission Statement

2024 FRIENDS OF JCH BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tom Daub, President

Margaret Bussone, Vice President

Shaw Bridges, Treasurer

Tammie Strause, Secretary

Bob Blazich, Board Member

Mary Ellen Sampe, Board Member

Brady Seiberlich, Board Member

Terry Schoessow., Board Member

2024 FRIENDS OF JCH VOLUNTEER STAFF