An A-Z visitors guide to Milwaukee Wisconsin. Sponsored by Key Magazine Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/146479
Wizard of Waukesha Life of musician Les Paul celebrated in his hometown LES PAUL REVOLUTIONIZED the sound of the electric guitar and pioneered innovative recording techniques used worldwide, but he never forgot his hometown of Waukesha, Wis. "I was on top of the world…and it all began right here in Waukesha. And wherever I went, I took Waukesha with me," said the 1988 Inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. At the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, Les Paul's career, inventions and innovations are celebrated in a special section dedicated to the "Architects of Rock and Roll." And this year, the musician/inventor's accomplishments and loyalty to his hometown are woven through a special permanent exhibit at the Waukesha County Museum. Les Paul: The Wizard of Waukesha tells the story of this remarkable musician, from birth to his death in 2009 at age 94. The exhibition "goes beyond traditional exhibits by connecting guests of all ages with his life story, including one of the biggest influences on his career – his hometown," explains Kirsten Lee Villegas, president and CEO of the museum. "It's like nothing else created to honor him, because it focuses on who Les was and how he thought, inspiring people to pursue their dreams." The 2,000-square-foot exhibit takes guests on an experiential journey through Les Paul's life, featuring eight chapters presented in the musician's own words. A special section is dedicated to his mother, Evelyn Polsfuss, and to his wife, Mary Ford, two women who profoundly influenced him. Interactive elements throughout the exhibit include a Dream Wall, sponsored by American Family Insurance. The Dream Wall encourages guests to share their dreams with the world, as Les Paul did. One-of-a-kind artifacts and memorabilia, including rare guitars, Les Paul's personal belongings and original inventions are also on display. Several valuable artifacts on loan from the Les Paul Foundation are in the Treasures Gallery section. These artifacts make The Wizard of Waukesha the most comprehensive exhibit of Les Paul's life in the country. 30 Photo by Erol Reyal "At one point the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. attempted to work with Les Paul to create an exhibit, but Les always wanted his legacy to be preserved and his story told in Waukesha," said Villegas. "The extraordinary feedback and support from our sponsors helped make that dream a reality." Visitors to the museum and the exhibit can spend a day visiting other points of interest. A self-guided tour prepared by the Les Paul Foundation follows streets the young Lester William Polsfuss (Les Paul) walked and includes stops at the famous Club 400 bar, where Les played, and his burial site at Prairie Home Cemetery. The Waukesha County Museum, 101 W. Main St., Waukesha, is housed in an 1893 castle-like structure that originally was the county courthouse. Hours are 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Admission, including the Les Paul exhibit, is $7/adults, $6/seniors (62 and older), $5/college students with ID and teens 13-17, $4/children 6 to 12 and free for children under 5. To reach the museum, take Exit 295 from I-94, go south on Hwy. F toward Waukesha. Hwy F becomes St. Paul Avenue. Continue straight on St.Paul to Barstow Street, turn left onto Barstow and after three blocks turn left onto Main Street. The museum is on the right, with free four-hour street parking in front. For more information, call 262-521-2859 or visit lespaulexperience.org or waukeshacountymuseum.org.