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ONLINE - The Mansions of Milwaukee's Grand Avenue
Apr
23
7:00 PM19:00

ONLINE - The Mansions of Milwaukee's Grand Avenue

Chicago had Prairie Avenue, its “sunny street that held the sifted few.” In Milwaukee, the street of millionaires was Grand Avenue (now known as Wisconsin Avenue). The history of the two streets was remarkably similar - in the late 19th century, they were THE streets to live on, but by the early 20th century, their proximity to growing downtown districts significantly changed the character of the neighborhoods, and ultimately led to the demolition of most of the imposing structures.

This program will showcase the elaborate mansions constructed on Grand Avenue, including those built for the Mitchell, Plankinton, and Pabst families. It will place those houses and families within the context of Milwaukee’s growth and prominence in the late 19th century, and will discuss the razing of the residences for apartment houses, commercial structures, and institutional expansions.

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ONLINE - Black Point Estate: A Preservation Success Story
May
7
7:00 PM19:00

ONLINE - Black Point Estate: A Preservation Success Story

To celebrate National Historic Preservation Month, we are pleased to present this online program focusing on the extraordinary Black Point Estate, located on the shore of Geneva Lake in Wisconsin.

Historic preservation is difficult under the best of circumstances. During this presentation you will learn how Black Point was preserved despite numerous challenges, including legal opposition, over a ten year period. Since 2005, it has been owned and operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society, which opens it seasonally for tours. You will also learn what amazing architecture was lost around Geneva Lake and why historic preservation can be an asset to any community.

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GALA: Celebrating Architect George W. Maher
Jun
9
1:30 PM13:30

GALA: Celebrating Architect George W. Maher

Join us at the Kenilworth Assembly Hall, designed by George W. Maher in 1907, and recently restored to its original grandeur, as we celebrate the 160th anniversary of the birth of this important Prairie School architect. Architectural historian H. Allen Brooks once noted, “His influence on the Midwest was profound and prolonged, and, in its time, was certainly as great as Wright’s.”

The event will include abundant food and beverage (including the iconic Homer’s ice cream, a North Shore tradition), and a chance to view the “Century Homes” exhibit at the Kenilworth Historical Society across the street, which features many houses designed by Maher, including his own, completed in 1893. Attendees will have a rare opportunity to step inside the log cabin playhouse built by Kenilworth founder Joseph Sears for his children, when his family lived across the street from the Glessners on Prairie Avenue in the late 1880s.

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