A community celebration of the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the historic Kenosha County Courthouse building will be held Sunday, Aug. 24, County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced.
The festivities, to begin at noon, will include an ice cream social across the street from the Courthouse in Civic Center Park, a 12:30 p.m. program featuring speakers on the Courthouse steps, musical performances, an open house in the Courthouse building, and more.
“One hundred years ago, our county’s leaders had the vision and foresight to design and build a magnificent Courthouse that would stand the test of time,” Kerkman said. “I invite the community to join us in celebrating the building’s rich history and the bright future that lies ahead.”
The festivities were planned by Kerkman and a special Courthouse Centennial Committee that she appointed earlier this year. That group includes current and retired members of the county judiciary, the current and former county executives, County Board leadership, representatives of local historical societies, and others.
County Board Chairman Monica M. Yuhas, a member of the Centennial Committee, said the Courthouse represents more than just brick and stone — it has been the backdrop of history, the forum for justice, and the seat of county government.
“Generations of residents have passed through its halls to fulfill civic duties, seek justice, or witness democracy in action,” Yuhas said. “Through the decades, the Courthouse has reflected the strength, resilience, and evolving story of Kenosha County, and I look forward to celebrating that with the entire community at this centennial event.
The event is scheduled to begin with a performance by members of the University of Wisconsin Marching Band, with the open house inside the building beginning immediately following the 12:30 p.m. speaking program and continuing until 3:30 p.m. Ice cream will be served in the park, courtesy of Jockey International, as long as supplies last. Snap-on Incorporated and Niagara Bottling are also supporting the event.
Current and retired employees who have worked in the Courthouse over the years are invited to join together on the front steps for a group photo at 1:30 p.m.
A one-hour performance by the Kenosha Pops Concert Band will conclude the festivities beginning at 4 p.m. on the Courthouse steps.
Traffic will be closed on 56th Street between Sheridan Road and 10th Avenue throughout the events, providing space for the public to view the program and concert.
The Kenosha Area Transit streetcar will continue running on its normal route, with free rides available throughout the day. Guests are encouraged to park for free at the City of Kenosha parking structure at Eighth Avenue and 56th Street or at the Kenosha County structure on 54th Street and 10th Avenue, and to ride the streetcar to the event if they choose.
Historic displays curated by the Kenosha History Center will be on display, and visitors to the open house will have the opportunity to view courtrooms and learn about jury service. A performance by the Prairie String Quartet will be held in the second-floor corridor.
Among the guests expected to attend the festivities are numerous members of the family of the late Joseph Lindl, the Kenosha architect who designed the Courthouse and many other prominent buildings that were constructed in the area during the first half of the 20th century.
In the event of inclement weather, the speaking program will be moved inside the Courthouse.
The Courthouse building is located at 912 56th St., in Kenosha’s Civic Center Historic District.
The centennial celebration comes as work is underway on a restoration of the building’s grand Ceremonial Courtroom, a project that is being funded in part by donations from community members and corporations, and grants from the Jeffris Family Foundation and the TAWANI Foundation. A dedication of that space will be held in 2026.
The members of the Courthouse Centennial Committee are:
- County Executive Samantha Kerkman
- Retired County Executive John R. Collins
- Retired County Executive Jim Kreuser
- Retired Judge Mary Kay Wagner
- Retired Judge Barbara Kluka
- Judge Chad Kerkman
- Clerk of Circuit Court Rebecca Matoska-Mentink
- County Board Chairman Monica M. Yuhas
- County Board Vice Chairman Daniel Gaschke
- Alderman Bill Siel
- Michael Bond, Snap-on Incorporated
- Jake McGhee, Jockey International
- Joan Wilk, Civic Member
- Chris Allen, Kenosha History Center
- Earlene Frederick, Western Kenosha County Historical Society
- John McCabe, Bristol Wisconsin Historical Society
- Jean Werbie-Harris, Pleasant Prairie Historical Society
