About Memory Cafés

Do you or a loved one have memory loss? Imagine a community of individuals experiencing memory loss actively engaging in singing, games, activities, conversation, and creative fun. Memory Cafés provide an innovative form of social engagement for people living with dementia, cognitive decline, or other forms of memory loss.

This engaging experience is designed to be enjoyed by those with memory loss as well as their care partners, family, and friends. Memory Cafés create a rich, diverse environment where friendships are built and enjoyed among all those experiencing the journey of memory loss.

What to Expect at a Memory Café

Memory Cafés consist of facilitated activities, informal conversation, and light refreshments. There is no cost to participate. Designed to be interactive, Memory Cafés allow for the person with memory loss and their care partner to interact in ways they had prior to the memory loss. Café themes have included guest speakers and presentations, musical performances, art projects, and games and activities that engage those with memory loss. An experienced facilitator and additional volunteers lead the cafés. The settings are relaxed and comfortable with accessibility for those with mobility limitations. The environment and activities are optimized to help people with memory loss engage in the social gathering. Please visit our Gallery for great photos of our Memory Cafés!

What are the results of participating?

memory loss memory cafe event

Based on survey data from café attendees, they report that cafés aid in combating a major challenge in living with memory loss or caring for someone living with memory loss – social isolation. They also state that the café activities often help with recall of personal memories and provide engaging opportunities that are not otherwise available due to memory loss. Memory Cafés also provide family and care partners with a shared experience and fosters meaningful connections among loved ones and friends.

How did Memory Cafès start?

Memory Cafés were developed in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands and have been found to reduce social isolation, provide enjoyable interaction without stigma, act as an entry point for needed resources, and offer access to education and information throughout each person’s memory loss journey.

Memory Café Locations

Outagamie County

Meade Street Bistro

1st & 3rd Thursday of the month

2729 N Meade St

Appleton, WI 54911

Thompson Center on Lourdes

2nd Wednesday of the month

2331 E Lourdes Dr.

Appleton, WI 54915

Greenville Fox West YMCA 

1st Wednesday of the month

W6931 School Road 

Greenville, WI 54942

Heart of the Valley YMCA

2nd Thursday of the month

225 W Kennedy Avenue, Kimberly 54316

Kaukauna Public Library

2nd Monday of the month
111 Main Avenue
Kaukauna, WI 54130

Kimberly Public Library

4th Wednesday of the month

515 W Kimberly Avenue

Kimberly, WI 54136

New London Mosquito Hill Nature Center 

2nd Wednesday of the month

N3880 Rogers Road

New London, WI 54961

Calumet County

AriensCo Museum

3rd Tuesday of the month

109 Calumet St,

Brillion, WI 54110
 

Brillion Nature Center

1st Tuesday of the month

W1135 Deer View Rd,

Brillion, WI 54110

Chilton Ledge View Nature Center

2nd Tuesday of the month
W2348 Short Rd
Chilton, WI 53014

Winnebago County

Menasha – Elisha D. Smith Public Library 
3rd Wednesday of the month

440 First Street
Menasha, WI 54952

 Neenah Public Library 
3rd Monday of the month

240 E Wisconsin Ave
Neenah, WI 5495

Oshkosh Public Library

2nd Wednesday of the month

106 Washington Avenue

Oshkosh, WI 54901

Oshkosh YMCA 20th Avenue

Last Monday of the month

3303 W 20th Avenue

Oshkosh, WI 54904

Waupaca County

Fremont – Neuschafer Community Library of Fremont
1st Monday of the month

317 Wolf River Drive
Fremont, WI 54940

New London Senior Center 

4th Monday of the month

600 W Washington Street

New London, WI 54961 

Manawa – Sturm Memorial Library, Location at Little Wolf Town Hall E6325 County Rd N, Manawa

2nd Thursday of the month

Little Wolf Town Hall E6325 County Rd N, Manawa

Waupaca Senior Center

2nd Monday of the month

407 School St., Waupaca 

Questions? Call 920-225-1711 or e-mail [email protected]