Annual Robert B.L. Murphy Legacy Circle Luncheons Honor Murphy Desmond Founder

The Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS) and Wisconsin Historical Foundation held the 2026 Annual Robert B.L. Murphy Legacy Circle Luncheons at Nakoma Golf Club in Madison on May 12, 2026, and the Wisconsin Club-Country Club in Milwaukee on May 14, 2026. Murphy Desmond once again sponsored these two luncheons that bear our founder’s namesake and relay the work of the WHS.

As a lover of history, Mr. Murphy was deeply committed to the cause of the WHS, where he volunteered on boards and committees for over 50 years and helped establish the Wisconsin Historical Foundation as a fundraising arm of the WHS.

Murphy Desmond Vice President and Shareholder Matt Fleming addressed attendees at the Madison luncheon about the firm’s appreciation for this event. It allows us an opportunity to keep Mr. Murphy’s legacy alive and to continue our support for a cause dear to Mr. Murphy, who passed in 2001.

Matt also informed guests that Murphy Desmond is recognizing our 95^th anniversary this year. He acknowledged significant U.S. and worldwide historical moments the firm has witnessed since our beginnings, including the Great Depression, WWII, technology advances, environmental changes, and more. Matt announced the firm’s Madison office relocation later this year from the Capitol Square to the Hills Farm neighborhood off University Avenue.

This year’s program featured the WHS Press Director Josh Leventhal who discussed the 170-year history of the WHS Press and its future.

The events gather longtime WHS members, WHS and Foundation staff and board members, Murphy Legacy Circle members (who have included the Wisconsin Historical Foundation in their estate plans), and other high-level giving members. Over 160 people attended the events this year.

Murphy Desmond table at the 2026 Robert B.L. Murphy Legacy Circle Luncheon in Madison, Wisconsin, on May 12, 2026 (clockwise starting bottom left): Teri Venker, Larry Bechler, Matt Fleming, Liam Gilhooly, Lydia Thompson, Lane Rideout, Katie Jens, Kathy Brickl, Sarah DeKraay, and Gretchen Burgess.

Murphy Desmond Vice President and Shareholder Matt Fleming addressed attendees at the 2026 Robert B.L. Murphy Legacy Circle Luncheon on May 12, at Nakoma Golf Club in Madison, Wisconsin.