Heritage Sites
5 Favorites
2333 S. Sixth St.
(414) 645-5623
Some
of Milwaukee’s most fascinating art does not hang on museum and gallery
walls, but rather exists in the opulent interior murals and ornate
stained glass that adorn the Basilica of St. Josaphat. Beneath its
awe-inspiring dome—among the largest in the world—visitors to the minor
basilica can find relics not often found in places of worship:
ornamental brass hardware bearing the U.S. Treasury seal and American
eagles carved into the capitals atop the portico’s columns—reminders of
Father Wilhelm Grutza’s prudent decision to buy salvaged materials from
the demolition of the Chicago Post Office and Customs House at the turn
of the 20th century and use them in the construction of the new church.
Tours of the Basilica are conducted weekly after Sunday’s 10 a.m. Mass.
Contact the Visitor’s Center at 645-5623 to arrange group or
specialized tours. (Sarah Biondich)
Milwaukee Jewish Museum
1360 N. Prospect Ave.
(414) 390-5730
The
first Jews to arrive in Milwaukee came in the 1840s from
German-speaking Central Europe. They found a village at the edge of a
wilderness, far from the centers of the Jewish culture. Within a
generation a full community grew from the seeds of Milwaukee’s first
Jewish settlers. Soon the city elected a Jew to Congress, Victor
Berger, a socialist remembered for his principled stand against
America’s entry into World War I, and would nurture an Israeli prime
minister, Golda Meir. All of this is covered within the compact walls
of the Milwaukee Jewish Museum, yet the institution has a larger
purpose: teaching people of all backgrounds about the value of
community and tolerance. (David Luhrssen)
Turner Hall
1034 N. Fourth St.
(414) 272-1733
Turner
Hall is steeped in Milwaukee’s history. Built in the 19th century, it
has survived economic hardship and fire. In fact, the charred ceiling
and peeling paint only add to the charm. Hosting a variety of bands and
shows, Turner Hall Ballroom is one venue that every Milwaukeean has to
check out. With music upstairs and Historic Turner Restaurant
downstairs, there is no excuse not to make a trip to Fourth Street.
(Emilee Weier)
United Community Center
1028 S. Ninth St.
(414) 384-3100
Forty
years ago, when Latinos were a relatively small minority in Milwaukee’s
ethnic mix, the United Community Center (UCC) was founded to provide
services to the city’s Spanish-speaking residents. In the decades that
followed, the UCC has grown along with the community it serves,
providing a grade school, elder programs, community learning and
outreach to the city as a whole through the Latino Arts series and Café
el Sol, an excellent spot for Mexican and Puerto Rican food. (D.L.)
Ward Irish Music Archives
1532 Wauwatosa Ave.
(414) 476-8999
The
Ward Irish Music Archives have made Milwaukee home to the largest
public collection of Irish music in the United States. With an
impressive 40,000 recordings and music artifacts ranging from 78 R.P.M.
phonograph records, LP albums and concert memorabilia to musical
instruments, sheet music and songbooks, the archives are a dynamic and
growing collection that actively preserves Irish musical heritage in
America. A visit to its current digs in an old Masonic lodge is an
opportunity to hear rare and valuable traditional music, like Patrick
Touhey, one of the world’s best uilleann pipers. (S.B.)
Photo: The Basilica of St. Josaphat | by C.M. DeSpears
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