Finding History in MKE
One of my greatest sources of inspiration is travel. Wherever I go, no matter how large or small, near or far, I try to stop for at least one delightful piece of local history. If you pay attention, history is everywhere. Just look! On my most recent excursion, I didn’t have to look hard to find a city resplendent with treasures. Milwaukee is one of my favorite places on earth, and I love to stroll the streets and buildings and absorb its vibe.
In December, I had the opportunity to tag along with my partner, who was tasked with boring seminars all day, leaving me free to roam and learn. Armed with Uber and Google maps, I set out to find museums, large and small and find inspiration. And boy, did I. My adventures began at the Milwaukee Public Museum, a huge repository of natural history specimens, but also with extensive historical and ethnological exhibits. I wandered the galleries for hours, thankful for both the professional installations and the warmth (it was 20 degrees outside - a fair bit colder than this desert-dog is accustomed to). http://www.mpm.edu/ From there, I went to the Milwaukee County Historical Society, housed in a fantastic building near the river. Besides getting totally sidetracked by their research room, I was mesmerized by their open storage and workroom areas in the basement. My advice for when you go - enjoy the main level and mezzanine, but don’t forget a trip to the washrooms - its there you will see the behind-the-scenes magic and get to watch curators and archivists doing their thing. http://milwaukeehistory.net/
That evening, I ventured to Downtown Books, a joyfully cluttered bookstore that would tug the heartstrings of any bibliophile. The official mascot, a book-cat greeted me at the door, and I was off to lose myself in the stacks. https://www.downtownbooksonline.com/
Day two dawned bright and cold, so I tasked Uber with transport to my next spot. Milwaukee boasts the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum. Honestly, I was skeptical. Bobbleheads do not hearken to mind serious scholarship. To my delight, however, the Bobblehead Museum is a great adventure! I had no idea the breadth of this pop culture phenomenon, and I was thrilled to not only find my favorite characters, but plenty of interpretation and narrative. https://www.bobbleheadhall.com/
With only a few priceless days to explore the city, I had to choose carefully. I managed to find the Pabst Historic Brewery and took a tour, slipped into Saint Kate, https://www.saintkatearts.com/, a newer boutique arts hotel with fantastic galleries, and of course, City Hall. City Hall is a sight to behold, with its massive bell tower. Built in that wondrously over the top decade of the 1890s, I couldn’t resist tons of photos from every angle. My Uber driver had suggested I not forego seeing the interior as well, and it did not disappoint. https://city.milwaukee.gov/BasicFacts#.XhXyYUdKg2w
By Friday morning, I knew I had missed so much, and yet, with only hours before my flight, I chose the Milwaukee Jewish Museum. Its temporary signature show was Houdini, and I couldn’t resist. I walked there, past decades of history, and pondered about the people and events that shaped this interesting city. A few of the faces that accompanied me are pictured below. Once at the Museum, I was delighted to find not only an incredible Harry Houdini/Erik Weisz exhibition, but one of the most beautifully-fabricated permanent shows I’ve seen. The Jewish Museum took advantage of every corner to tell a big story in a small space. https://jewishmuseummilwaukee.org/
Praise for MKE could continue - but here, I will stop. This severely disappoints the foodie in me, having neglected to write about Public Market, Birch and Butcher, The Pfister Hotel, The Old German Beer Hall…..and on and on. I’ll save something for next time. And there will be a next time! MKE Love!
