Museums, and others, to celebrate the Wizard of Waukesha, Les Paul, on his 110th birthday

Like an unforgettable song, Les Paul has remained on the minds of local history and musical buffs, though other people are still tuned in as well. At least, Sue Baker, the program director for the Les Paul Foundation, has seen the lingering connection that the Wizard of Waukesha has with people in general and especially with those whose own lives revolve around music.

Some seek music grants through the foundation. But there are others. As Baker sees it, Paul’s life, sprinkled with troubles early on but later an inspiration to those facing their own challenges, builds even deeper connections. Their devotion probably would’ve surprised Paul himself.

“In one of the last conversations I had with Les, he said to me, ‘Oh, I don’t know if anyone is going to remember me after I pass.’ And I said, ‘Well, you’re wrong,'” Baker said in a May 27 phone interview. “He said, ‘How can you be so sure?’ So I said, ‘Because I’m going to tell your story.'”

“Les Paul celebrating 110 years,” a new 72-page booklet, offers a personal look at Les and his inventions. The story includes Paul’s years in Waukesha, snippets of personal conversations between Les Paul and writer Sue Baker and photos.

For what would have been Paul’s 110th birthday, on June 9, Baker is still telling his story now nearly 16 years after his death. She led an effort to put together a 12-day series of events — a mix of activities in Waukesha, Milwaukee and wholly online — for his milestone birthday.

“I’m always delighted when more people can know the backstory of Les,” she said. “He’s more than a guitar.”

Waukesha Historical Society celebrates Les Paul in life and stories

Three events in Waukesha are all tied to the Waukesha County Historical Society and Museum, 101 W. Main St., where a Les Paul exhibit remains a cultural centerpiece in the city where he has been remembered in so many ways.

In this 2013 photo, Waukesha County Museum CEO Kirsten Lee Villegas takes Diana Robertson, the Southeast Wisconsin regional director for U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, on a tour of the Les Paul exhibit. The museum exhibit is included in a series of events in honor of Les Paul’s 110th birthday in June 2025.

From 6:30 to 9 p.m. June 6, the museum will staff a booth during Friday Night Live in downtown Waukesha to promote Paul, including the exhibit.

As part of a free day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 7 at the museum, guests can tour the immersive Les Paul exhibit, which explores his innovations and details his steps along the way. Museum staff will also demonstrate the “Les Paulverizer” and Log re-creations made by Dr. VJ Manzo and his students from the Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts. Free Les Paul Maker Kits will be available that allows people to explore for themselves how sound works.

From 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. June 10, Baker, who befriended Paul in his final decade as she helped put together an exhibit honoring him, will share stories about his life and career, which included his solid-body guitar, breakthrough recording techniques and dozens of gold records. It’s a ticketed event.

Discovery World Educator Paul Mech explains one of Les Paul’s inventions. The exhibit is included in a series of events celebrating Les Paul’s 110th birthday in June 2025.

Discovery World in Milwaukee hosts Les Paul celebration as well

Though he hailed from Waukesha, Paul had a presence in Milwaukee County, too, and Discovery World, 500 Harbor Drive, reflects on other aspects of the man.

The first includes hands-on activities from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 14. Civic Music MKE, Girls Rock MKE, Kaltron Synthesizers to follow Paul’s story from his humble beginnings in Wisconsin to his travels around the world. The museum hosts the Les Paul House of Sound exhibit, where from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. visitors can join in an activity exploring sound, music and design, facilitated by Julie Palkowski, Les Paul Foundation education coordinator. Participants also create their own DIY Guitar project in the Kohl’s Design It! Lab, included in price of admission.

Events for educators focuses on Les Paul as an innovator

Educators get two specialized opportunities to celebrate Paul’s birthday.

From 6 to 7 p.m. June 5, they can join what planners are calling “a virtual birthday party.” The online event, which requires pre-registration by May 29 to gain access to link for the virtual session, includes trivia and fun activities, and, of course, music. It’s a nod toward Paul’s role as an innovator, inventor and musical influencer. Palkowski is the contact for those with questions on the program. She can be reached via email at [email protected].

The second event, Morning at the Museum, is from 10 a.m. to noon June 17 at Waukesha County Historical Society and Museum. It features a tour of the Les Paul Experience, with a focus on reinforcing classroom studies, and includes free classroom resources. Those interested must register by June 10.

New book also summarizes Les Paul’s life

Baker will also unveil a new book she penned on Paul. Titled “Les Paul celebrating 110 years,” it’s 72 pages offering insights into his life and inventions, including his years growing up in Waukesha, personal conversations between Paul and Baker and many photos not commonly seen to date.

“Les Paul celebrating 110 years,” a new 72-page booklet, offers a personal look at Les and his inventions. The story includes Paul’s years in Waukesha, snippets of personal conversations between Les Paul and writer Sue Baker and photos.

It’s drawn from many sources, including her own work. She also writes for Paul’s official website, www.les-paul.com, which she said provides “the broadest reach,” with individual tabs covering his history, his music and his foundation. Baker also gives live presentations about Paul.

The $7 booklet will be available at the Waukesha County Historical Society and Museum, beginning June 6. (The gift shop can be accessed without museum admission.)

Foundation’s director discusses why Les Paul still matters

Baker, whose interaction with Paul began in the late 1990s with long planning process for an exhibit the Waukesha museum, grew to be a “good friend” with the icon. She even assisted in helping him decide on his burial site, at Prairie Home Cemetery along with his mother, and the memorial there.

After his death in 2009, she also began working for his estate and two years later with the Les Paul Foundation.

Her connection with Paul gave her a deeper appreciation of his life and what people should likewise appreciate. She even discussed that topic with Paul, addressing how he overcame obstacles, including “a rough childhood,” and how he could serve as an inspiration.

“I said to Les that I worked with little kids when I held other positions, and I have seen so many kids who have felt insecure and lack self-confidence,” Baker said. “They sometimes say it’s because they have had a rough life. … I think that his life is a wonderful inspiration not only for the kids who are going through tough times, but for that little kid that’s inside all of us.

“He persisted. He didn’t give up. And that’s a great message for all of us,” she added.

Contact reporter Jim Riccioli at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Museums, and others, to celebrate the Wizard of Waukesha, Les Paul, on his 110th birthday

Reporting by Jim Riccioli, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

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