Historical Institute
Salem Landmark Church and WELS Museum

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Cemetery Tour
Highlighting WELS history from 1851 to present.

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Started in 1982, the purpose of the Institute is to preserve and present the story of God’s grace…

About the Institute WELS 175th Anniversary

Salem Landmark Church & WELS Museum

The WHI works to restore and preserve Salem Lutheran Landmark Church, constructed in 1863 and located in Milwaukee near the site of our synod’s founding in 1850.

The WELS Museum, on the lower level of the church, houses many artifacts and pictures from our synod’s past. Church and school groups of all ages are welcome to visit. The church and museum are open for tours, which need to be arranged in advance.

About Salem Book a Tour

WELS Historical Institute Journal & Newsletter

Since 1983 the Institute has published the WELS Historical Institute Journal and the Historical Institute Newsletter. Two issues of each appear every year for members. The Journal is designed to appeal to pastor, teacher, and layperson alike. It includes heavily researched articles interspersed with personal reminiscences, diaries, and translations of old letters and documents from leaders and laypeople—men and women of faith who have a story to tell. The Newsletter shares information about upcoming events, meetings, and matters of special interest to members of the Institute.

Access Journal & archive

Events

The 175th Anniversary planning committee discuss the history of the synod. Learn more

175 Anniversary Dinner

May 28 @ 4:00 pm - 9:00 pmSalem Landmark Church & WELS Museum

Union Cemetery Tour 2025

May 31 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 pmUnion Cemetary

Our Great Heritage: Worker Training Schools Series – The History of Martin Luther College

July 22 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pmMartin Luther College

WELS Archives

The WELS Archives preserves WELS past for future generations.

A sister entity to the Institute is the WELS Archives. In 2016, the Wisconsin Synod hired its first official synod archivist and began moving the synod archives from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wisconsin, to a purpose-built archival space, designed to preserve and organize historical WELS documents, books, and artifacts at the WELS Center for Mission and Ministry, Waukesha, Wisconsin.

Are you conducting research? The WELS Archivist may be able to help!

In conjunction with the archives, a visitor’s center was built to help show the history and mission of WELS. The visitor center is open for tours during weekdays.

About WELS Archives & tour Visitor Center

A SPOTLIGHT ON THREE OF OUR