It perhaps gets less press than James Cameron's American Black Holocaust Museum, but Clayborn Benson III's Wisconsin Black Historical Society/Museum is one of the state's premier institutions for the study of African-American contributions and life in Wisconsin.

The museum, located at 2620 W. Center St., was founded by Benson in 1987 and became an affiliate of The State Historical Society the following year. Making its home in a restored 1898 firehouse, which later served as a neighborhood library, the museum underwent expansion and renovation a few years ago.

In addition to a permanent exhibit -- conceived by Benson and executed by artist George Gist -- that traces African history from ancient Egypt to African-Americans in contemporary Wisconsin, the museum features changing shows such as "Work'n in the Promised Land: African American Labor Struggles in Wisconsin," which examines the social, economic and historical forces that influenced the state's African-American workers.

The Wisconsin Black Historical Society archives and library houses articles, books, documents, artifacts, videos and other materials available for use by scholars, researchers, writers, students and the community. One highlight is "Black Communities/Wisconsin," a two-and-a-half-hour video that focuses on the African-American experience in America's Dairyland.

Serving also as a community cultural center, the museum hosts a wide range of events, programs and activities open to the public. Groups can also use the facility for events, seminars, conferences and community events.

All Milwaukeeans are encouraged to support the museum by becoming a supporting member. Information is available on the Web (see below).

The Wisconsin Black Historical Society is open Tuesday-Friday, noon-6 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information, call (414) 372-7677 or visit the museum's Web site at wbhsm.org.