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A Look Back: 1950s Milwaukee
2025-06-07 13:00:00 2025-06-07 15:00:00 America/Chicago A Look Back: 1950s Milwaukee Explore Milwaukee's history in the 1950s as described by local history resources. Central Library - Other - See description for location

Saturday, June 07
1:00pm - 3:00pm

Add to Calendar 2025-06-07 13:00:00 2025-06-07 15:00:00 America/Chicago A Look Back: 1950s Milwaukee Explore Milwaukee's history in the 1950s as described by local history resources. Central Library - Other - See description for location

Central Library

Other - See description for location

Explore Milwaukee's history in the 1950s as described by local history resources.

Join Milwaukee Public Library for a look back at our city’s history. Learn more about the people, businesses, events, and culture that made up Milwaukee more than seventy years ago. Specifically focusing on 1950s Milwaukee, a variety of materials, including photos, pamphlets, maps, yearbooks, and other publications, will be on display. No registration necessary for this open house program held in the Art, Music and Recreation Room on the 2nd floor of Central Library.

 

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | History & Genealogy |

TAGS: | |

Central Library
Branch manager
Marian Royal
Hours

Today's hours

We're open 10:00AM to 6:00PM

Mon, May 26 Closed
(Memorial Day Weekend)
Tue, May 27 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Wed, May 28 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Thu, May 29 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Fri, May 30 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, May 31 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Jun 01 1:00PM to 5:00PM
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Upcoming Events

Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art - MATA - 83rd Annual Member Exhibit
Thu, May 29, All day
Main Street - First Floor,Mozart's Grove
The 83rd annual member exhibition opens at Milwaukee Public Library's Central Library on Saturday, May 3 and runs through Friday, June 13.
Job Search and Resume Assistance - Provided by Goodwill Workforce Connection Center
Thu, May 29, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Main Street - Second Floor
A Goodwill Consultant will be available to provide job search assistance, resume-building help, and interview preparation.
Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art - MATA - 83rd Annual Member Exhibit
Fri, May 30, All day
Main Street - First Floor,Mozart's Grove
The 83rd annual member exhibition opens at Milwaukee Public Library's Central Library on Saturday, May 3 and runs through Friday, June 13.
Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art - MATA - 83rd Annual Member Exhibit
Sat, May 31, All day
Main Street - First Floor,Mozart's Grove
The 83rd annual member exhibition opens at Milwaukee Public Library's Central Library on Saturday, May 3 and runs through Friday, June 13.
Summer with Milwaukee Public Library Kickoff
Sat, May 31, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center,Children's Room,Children's Room - Back Area,Children's Story Steps,Grand Staircase Area,Main Street - Second Floor,Paul Gottfried Krikelas Technology Conference Room,Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Room
Gather the whole family for a day of interactive learning and fun! Sign up for our summer reading program and pick up a book to take home to jumpstart your summer of learning! 
Docent Tour - Guided Central Architectural Tour
Sat, May 31, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Central Library Tours
Join a Docent Tour Guide on a tour of the Central Library! The Docent will share the history of the Milwaukee Public Library and provide insight on architectural points of interest.
Green Roof Tour
Sat, May 31, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Green Roof
Enjoy a short tour of the library's Green Roof! 
Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art - MATA - 83rd Annual Member Exhibit
Sun, Jun 01, All day
Main Street - First Floor,Mozart's Grove
The 83rd annual member exhibition opens at Milwaukee Public Library's Central Library on Saturday, May 3 and runs through Friday, June 13.
Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art - MATA - 83rd Annual Member Exhibit
Mon, Jun 02, All day
Main Street - First Floor,Mozart's Grove
The 83rd annual member exhibition opens at Milwaukee Public Library's Central Library on Saturday, May 3 and runs through Friday, June 13.
My Pride Letters
Mon, Jun 02, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
It's Pride Month! Inspired by Pride Puppy! by Robin Stevenson, let's explore the letters of the alphabet that make up our lives as we create colorful banners to celebrate our unique identities.
Back to Business: Microsoft Word and Excel - Word Level 1
Mon, Jun 02, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Innovation and Learning Lab
This series of classes will give an overview of the two most popular office suite programs.
Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art - MATA - 83rd Annual Member Exhibit
Tue, Jun 03, All day
Main Street - First Floor,Mozart's Grove
The 83rd annual member exhibition opens at Milwaukee Public Library's Central Library on Saturday, May 3 and runs through Friday, June 13.
Breaking Free: Understanding & Overcoming Bankruptcy
Tue, Jun 03, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Innovation and Learning Lab
Join our two-part series on bankruptcy. Learn about the process, alternatives, and scams in Session One (6/3). In Session Two (6/17), discover strategies for rebuilding credit and financial stability.
Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art - MATA - 83rd Annual Member Exhibit
Wed, Jun 04, All day
Main Street - First Floor,Mozart's Grove
The 83rd annual member exhibition opens at Milwaukee Public Library's Central Library on Saturday, May 3 and runs through Friday, June 13.
Central Library Walking Club
Wed, Jun 04, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Join us at Central library for a weekly walk. We will meet under the dome of the Central Library and take a two-mile loop through this historic neighborhood. The club meets rain or shine.
Worker Connection Program: Job Assistance
Wed, Jun 04, 10:30am - 4:00pm
Innovation and Learning Lab
Get one-on-one help with job searching, resume writing, online applications and more! Drop-in, no registration required!
Green Roof Tour
Wed, Jun 04, 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Green Roof
Enjoy a short tour of the library's Green Roof! 
Rescheduled
You Build It
Wed, Jun 04, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
New date Wednesday, June 04, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Come build with us! We'll supply a variety of building materials and you'll bring the creativity. Meet friends and see what you can create together.
You Build It
Wed, Jun 04, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Children's Room - Back Area
Come build with us! We'll supply a variety of building materials and you'll bring the creativity. Meet friends and see what you can create together.
Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art - MATA - 83rd Annual Member Exhibit
Thu, Jun 05, All day
Main Street - First Floor,Mozart's Grove
The 83rd annual member exhibition opens at Milwaukee Public Library's Central Library on Saturday, May 3 and runs through Friday, June 13.
Chair Yoga
Thu, Jun 05, 10:30am - 11:30am
Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Room
Join us at the beautiful Central Library for an adaptive yoga class suitable for people of all abilities. Registration is encouraged, but not required.
Job Search and Resume Assistance - Provided by Goodwill Workforce Connection Center
Thu, Jun 05, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Main Street - Second Floor
A Goodwill Consultant will be available to provide job search assistance, resume-building help, and interview preparation.
Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art - MATA - 83rd Annual Member Exhibit
Fri, Jun 06, All day
Main Street - First Floor,Mozart's Grove
The 83rd annual member exhibition opens at Milwaukee Public Library's Central Library on Saturday, May 3 and runs through Friday, June 13.
Back to Business: Microsoft Word and Excel - Word Level 1
Fri, Jun 06, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Innovation and Learning Lab
This series of classes will give an overview of the two most popular office suite programs.
Central Film Club
Fri, Jun 06, 3:00pm - 5:30pm
Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Room
Join us at MPL Central to watch an exciting selection of movies, twice a month, all summer long!
Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art - MATA - 83rd Annual Member Exhibit
Sat, Jun 07, All day
Main Street - First Floor,Mozart's Grove
The 83rd annual member exhibition opens at Milwaukee Public Library's Central Library on Saturday, May 3 and runs through Friday, June 13.
ABC Academy
Sat, Jun 07, 10:30am - 11:30am
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
Stories and a fun letter craft help build pre-reading and fine motor skills to support early literacy. This interactive program focuses on letter recognition. Each week, learn all about a new letter!
Docent Tour - Guided Central Architectural Tour
Sat, Jun 07, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Central Library Tours
Join a Docent Tour Guide on a tour of the Central Library! The Docent will share the history of the Milwaukee Public Library and provide insight on architectural points of interest.
A Look Back: 1950s Milwaukee
Sat, Jun 07, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Other - See description for location
Explore Milwaukee's history in the 1950s as described by local history resources.
Green Roof Tour
Sat, Jun 07, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Green Roof
Enjoy a short tour of the library's Green Roof! 
Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art - MATA - 83rd Annual Member Exhibit
Sun, Jun 08, All day
Main Street - First Floor,Mozart's Grove
The 83rd annual member exhibition opens at Milwaukee Public Library's Central Library on Saturday, May 3 and runs through Friday, June 13.
Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art - MATA - 83rd Annual Member Exhibit
Mon, Jun 09, All day
Main Street - First Floor,Mozart's Grove
The 83rd annual member exhibition opens at Milwaukee Public Library's Central Library on Saturday, May 3 and runs through Friday, June 13.
Cancelled
Milwaukee County Aging and Disability Resource Center Table
Mon, Jun 09, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
An Outreach Social Worker from the Milwaukee County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) will be available at the Central Library.
Community Art
Mon, Jun 09, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
Celebrate the creativity in your community! Join us as we read "Hey Wall! A Story of Art and Community" by Susan Verde and help create something beautiful together!
Back to Business: Microsoft Word and Excel - Word Level 2
Mon, Jun 09, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Innovation and Learning Lab
This series of classes will give an overview of the two most popular office suite programs.
Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art - MATA - 83rd Annual Member Exhibit
Tue, Jun 10, All day
Main Street - First Floor,Mozart's Grove
The 83rd annual member exhibition opens at Milwaukee Public Library's Central Library on Saturday, May 3 and runs through Friday, June 13.
Aurora Mobile Health Clinic
Tue, Jun 10, 10:30am - 1:30pm
Main Street - Second Floor
Your health matters. Come talk to us! Aurora Mobile Health is providing free health services at Milwaukee Public Library Central Library for community members.
Story Time and Play Group
Tue, Jun 10, 10:30am - 11:15am
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
A 20-minute story time for young children is followed by open play time. For children ages 3 and under, with a caregiver.
Tech-splanation @ MPL
Tue, Jun 10, 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Business Commons, Gift of Schoenleber Foundation and Elaine C. Lange - Collaboration Table #1
Do you have a question about your smartphone, tablet, or other electronic device? Need help accessing library resources? We can help!
Monthly Makers
Tue, Jun 10, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
Feeling crafty? Drop in to hang out with other crafters, sample new crafts, or bring your own work-in-progress!
Cybersafe - Online Security for Small Business Owners
Tue, Jun 10, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Innovation and Learning Lab
Small business owners are increasingly being targeted by cyber criminals. With valuable assets at stake and often limited resources for robust security, these businesses can be more vulnerable.
Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art - MATA - 83rd Annual Member Exhibit
Wed, Jun 11, All day
Main Street - First Floor,Mozart's Grove
The 83rd annual member exhibition opens at Milwaukee Public Library's Central Library on Saturday, May 3 and runs through Friday, June 13.
Central Library Walking Club
Wed, Jun 11, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Join us at Central library for a weekly walk. We will meet under the dome of the Central Library and take a two-mile loop through this historic neighborhood. The club meets rain or shine.
Green Roof Tour
Wed, Jun 11, 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Green Roof
Enjoy a short tour of the library's Green Roof! 
Rescheduled
You Build It
Wed, Jun 11, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
New date Wednesday, June 11, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Come build with us! We'll supply a variety of building materials and you'll bring the creativity. Meet friends and see what you can create together.
You Build It
Wed, Jun 11, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Children's Room - Back Area
Come build with us! We'll supply a variety of building materials and you'll bring the creativity. Meet friends and see what you can create together.
Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art - MATA - 83rd Annual Member Exhibit
Thu, Jun 12, All day
Main Street - First Floor,Mozart's Grove
The 83rd annual member exhibition opens at Milwaukee Public Library's Central Library on Saturday, May 3 and runs through Friday, June 13.
Story Time
Thu, Jun 12, 10:30am - 11:00am
Children's Story Steps
Young children and their caregivers are invited to story time filled with fun stories, songs, and finger plays.
Chair Yoga
Thu, Jun 12, 10:30am - 11:30am
Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Room
Join us at the beautiful Central Library for an adaptive yoga class suitable for people of all abilities. Registration is encouraged, but not required.
Baby Story Time
Thu, Jun 12, 11:00am - 11:20am
Children's Room - Back Area
Share simple stories, playful songs and gentle movement in this lapsit story time for babies aged 0-18 months, with a caregiver.
Patent Search Made Simple: A Workshop for Inventors
Thu, Jun 12, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Innovation and Learning Lab
Learn how to use the United State's Patent and Trademark Office's Patent Public Search tool to perform your prior art patent search.
Job Search and Resume Assistance - Provided by Goodwill Workforce Connection Center
Thu, Jun 12, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Main Street - Second Floor
A Goodwill Consultant will be available to provide job search assistance, resume-building help, and interview preparation.
Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art - MATA - 83rd Annual Member Exhibit
Fri, Jun 13, All day
Main Street - First Floor,Mozart's Grove
The 83rd annual member exhibition opens at Milwaukee Public Library's Central Library on Saturday, May 3 and runs through Friday, June 13.
Back to Business: Microsoft Word and Excel - Word Level 2
Fri, Jun 13, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Innovation and Learning Lab
This series of classes will give an overview of the two most popular office suite programs.
Hot Days...Cool Reads Summer 2025 Used Book Sale - Friends of MPL
Fri, Jun 13, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Room
Summer days are on their way! Join us at the Hot Days...Cool Reads Summer 2025 Friends of MPL Used Book Sale.
Hot Days...Cool Reads Summer 2025 Used Book Sale - Friends of MPL
Sat, Jun 14, 9:00am - 4:00pm
Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Room
Summer days are on their way! Join us at the Hot Days...Cool Reads Summer 2025 Friends of MPL Used Book Sale.
ABC Academy
Sat, Jun 14, 10:30am - 11:30am
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
Stories and a fun letter craft help build pre-reading and fine motor skills to support early literacy. This interactive program focuses on letter recognition. Each week, learn all about a new letter!
Docent Tour - Guided Central Architectural Tour
Sat, Jun 14, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Central Library Tours
Join a Docent Tour Guide on a tour of the Central Library! The Docent will share the history of the Milwaukee Public Library and provide insight on architectural points of interest.
Green Roof Tour
Sat, Jun 14, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Green Roof
Enjoy a short tour of the library's Green Roof! 
Kindness Rocks!
Mon, Jun 16, 2:00pm - 2:45pm
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
Kindness Rocks! Let's decorate Milwaukee for summer and spread some positivity along the way by painting rocks with messages of kindness and goodwill.
Back to Business: Microsoft Word and Excel - Excel Level 1
Mon, Jun 16, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Innovation and Learning Lab
This series of classes will give an overview of the two most popular office suite programs.
Beyond Books - Exploring Archives at the Milwaukee Public Library
Mon, Jun 16, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Other - See description for location
Explore some of the Milwaukee Public Library's unique archives and special collections in our Art, Music and Recreation Room on the 2nd floor of Central Library. 
Story Time and Play Group
Tue, Jun 17, 10:30am - 11:15am
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
A 20-minute story time for young children is followed by open play time. For children ages 3 and under, with a caregiver.
Tech-splanation @ MPL
Tue, Jun 17, 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Business Commons, Gift of Schoenleber Foundation and Elaine C. Lange - Collaboration Table #1
Do you have a question about your smartphone, tablet, or other electronic device? Need help accessing library resources? We can help!
Breaking Free: Understanding & Overcoming Bankruptcy
Tue, Jun 17, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Innovation and Learning Lab
Join our two-part series on bankruptcy. Learn about the process, alternatives, and scams in Session One (6/3). In Session Two (6/17), discover strategies for rebuilding credit and financial stability.
Worker Connection Program: Job Assistance
Wed, Jun 18, 10:30am - 4:00pm
Innovation and Learning Lab
Get one-on-one help with job searching, resume writing, online applications and more! Drop-in, no registration required!
Central Library Walking Club
Wed, Jun 18, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Join us at Central library for a weekly walk. We will meet under the dome of the Central Library and take a two-mile loop through this historic neighborhood. The club meets rain or shine.
Green Roof Tour
Wed, Jun 18, 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Green Roof
Enjoy a short tour of the library's Green Roof! 
You Build It
Wed, Jun 18, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Children's Room - Back Area
Come build with us! We'll supply a variety of building materials and you'll bring the creativity. Meet friends and see what you can create together.
Back to Business: Microsoft Word and Excel - Excel Level 1
Fri, Jun 20, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Innovation and Learning Lab
This series of classes will give an overview of the two most popular office suite programs.
Central Film Club
Fri, Jun 20, 3:00pm - 5:30pm
Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Room
Join us at MPL Central to watch an exciting selection of movies, twice a month, all summer long!
ABC Academy
Sat, Jun 21, 10:30am - 11:30am
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
Stories and a fun letter craft help build pre-reading and fine motor skills to support early literacy. This interactive program focuses on letter recognition. Each week, learn all about a new letter!
Docent Tour - Guided Central Architectural Tour
Sat, Jun 21, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Central Library Tours
Join a Docent Tour Guide on a tour of the Central Library! The Docent will share the history of the Milwaukee Public Library and provide insight on architectural points of interest.
Green Roof Tour
Sat, Jun 21, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Green Roof
Enjoy a short tour of the library's Green Roof! 
Dinosaur Discoveries
Mon, Jun 23, 2:00pm - 2:45pm
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
Be a paleontologist for a day! Learn a little about the Scientific Method before practicing it by identifying fossils and footprints and imagining what the animals that left them behind looked like.
Back to Business: Microsoft Word and Excel - Excel Level 2
Mon, Jun 23, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Innovation and Learning Lab
This series of classes will give an overview of the two most popular office suite programs.
Aurora Mobile Health Clinic
Tue, Jun 24, 10:30am - 1:30pm
Mozart's Grove
Your health matters. Come talk to us! Aurora Mobile Health is providing free health services at Milwaukee Public Library Central Library for community members.
Story Time and Play Group
Tue, Jun 24, 10:30am - 11:15am
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
A 20-minute story time for young children is followed by open play time. For children ages 3 and under, with a caregiver.
Tech-splanation @ MPL
Tue, Jun 24, 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Business Commons, Gift of Schoenleber Foundation and Elaine C. Lange - Collaboration Table #1
Do you have a question about your smartphone, tablet, or other electronic device? Need help accessing library resources? We can help!
Worker Connection Program: Job Assistance
Wed, Jun 25, 10:30am - 4:00pm
Innovation and Learning Lab
Get one-on-one help with job searching, resume writing, online applications and more! Drop-in, no registration required!
Central Library Walking Club
Wed, Jun 25, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Join us at Central library for a weekly walk. We will meet under the dome of the Central Library and take a two-mile loop through this historic neighborhood. The club meets rain or shine.
Green Roof Tour
Wed, Jun 25, 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Green Roof
Enjoy a short tour of the library's Green Roof! 
You Build It
Wed, Jun 25, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Children's Room - Back Area
Come build with us! We'll supply a variety of building materials and you'll bring the creativity. Meet friends and see what you can create together.
Story Time
Thu, Jun 26, 10:30am - 11:00am
Children's Story Steps
Young children and their caregivers are invited to story time filled with fun stories, songs, and finger plays.
Chair Yoga
Thu, Jun 26, 10:30am - 11:30am
Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Room
Join us at the beautiful Central Library for an adaptive yoga class suitable for people of all abilities. Registration is encouraged, but not required.
Baby Story Time
Thu, Jun 26, 11:00am - 11:20am
Children's Room - Back Area
Share simple stories, playful songs and gentle movement in this lapsit story time for babies aged 0-18 months, with a caregiver.
Job Search and Resume Assistance - Provided by Goodwill Workforce Connection Center
Thu, Jun 26, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Main Street - Second Floor
A Goodwill Consultant will be available to provide job search assistance, resume-building help, and interview preparation.
Anime Club
Thu, Jun 26, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
Do you have a favorite anime series you can't stop talking about? Join us to meet other anime and manga fans, watch your favorite series, and practice your own anime art or make a fun craft.
Small Business Resources 101
Thu, Jun 26, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Innovation and Learning Lab
Learn about free business resources!
Back to Business: Microsoft Word and Excel - Excel Level 2
Fri, Jun 27, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Innovation and Learning Lab
This series of classes will give an overview of the two most popular office suite programs.
ABC Academy
Sat, Jun 28, 10:30am - 11:30am
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
Stories and a fun letter craft help build pre-reading and fine motor skills to support early literacy. This interactive program focuses on letter recognition. Each week, learn all about a new letter!
Docent Tour - Guided Central Architectural Tour
Sat, Jun 28, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Central Library Tours
Join a Docent Tour Guide on a tour of the Central Library! The Docent will share the history of the Milwaukee Public Library and provide insight on architectural points of interest.
Green Roof Tour
Sat, Jun 28, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Green Roof
Enjoy a short tour of the library's Green Roof! 
See all events