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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 05 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Tue, May 06 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Wed, May 07 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Thu, May 08 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Fri, May 09 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, May 10 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, May 11 1:00PM to 5:00PM
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Upcoming Events

Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art - MATA - 83rd Annual Member Exhibit
Fri, May 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.
Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art - MATA - 83rd Annual Member Exhibit
Sat, May 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.
Obstacle Course for Little Ones
Sat, May 10, 10:30am - 11:15am
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center,Children's Room - Back Area
Challenge your little one to use their creative skills to get through a fun obstacle course designed especially for them!
Docent Tour - Guided Central Architectural Tour
Sat, May 10, 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 10, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Green Roof
Enjoy a short tour of the library's Green Roof! 
Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art - MATA - 83rd Annual Members Reception
Sat, May 10, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Room
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
Sun, May 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.
Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art - MATA - 83rd Annual Member Exhibit
Mon, May 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.
Cancelled
Milwaukee County Aging and Disability Resource Center Table
Mon, May 12, 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.
Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art - MATA - 83rd Annual Member Exhibit
Tue, May 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.
Aurora Mobile Health Clinic
Tue, May 13, 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.
Tech-splanation @ MPL
Tue, May 13, 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!
Planning and Planting a Vegetable Garden
Tue, May 13, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Room
A Master Gardener from SEWMG will present an overview on how to get started growing your own herbs and vegetables! Registration encouraged but not required.
Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art - MATA - 83rd Annual Member Exhibit
Wed, May 14, 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, May 14, 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, May 14, 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, May 14, 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Green Roof
Enjoy a short tour of the library's Green Roof! 
Builders' Club
Wed, May 14, 3:00pm - 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.
Monthly Makers
Wed, May 14, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
Feeling crafty? Drop in to sample a variety of new crafts, or bring your own work-in-progress! Learn basic hand-sewing and embroidery stitches, beginner crochet, and more!
Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art - MATA - 83rd Annual Member Exhibit
Thu, May 15, 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 15, 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 16, 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 17, 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.
Celebrating Central - A Brief History of MPL's Downtown Library
Sat, May 17, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Richard E. and Lucile Krug Rare Books Room
Join us for a presentation on the building history of Central Library.
Docent Tour - Guided Central Architectural Tour
Sat, May 17, 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 17, 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, May 18, 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, May 19, 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.
Treasures of the Great Lakes
Mon, May 19, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Room
Learn about a different aspect of the Great Lakes Marine Collection each month. Of interest to divers, genealogists, or anyone interested in learning more about Great Lakes history.
Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art - MATA - 83rd Annual Member Exhibit
Tue, May 20, 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.
Privacy & Security for Your Business
Tue, May 20, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Innovation and Learning Lab
Privacy & Security for Your Business presented by Wisconsin Department of Trade and Consumer Protection
Tech-splanation @ MPL
Tue, May 20, 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!
Financial Power of Attorney - What is it and who should have one?
Tue, May 20, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Innovation and Learning Lab
During this session, UW Credit Union professionals will provide an overview of what a Financial Power of Attorney is, what it does (and does not do), and how to fill one out.
Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art - MATA - 83rd Annual Member Exhibit
Wed, May 21, 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, May 21, 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, May 21, 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, May 21, 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Green Roof
Enjoy a short tour of the library's Green Roof! 
Builders' Club
Wed, May 21, 3:00pm - 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, May 22, 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 22, 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 23, 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 Film Club
Fri, May 23, 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
Tue, May 27, 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, May 27, 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.
ChatGPT unlocked - Discover the potential of ChatGPT!
Tue, May 27, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Innovation and Learning Lab
In this beginner-friendly class, you'll learn what ChatGPT is, how it works, and how you can use it in your daily life.
Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art - MATA - 83rd Annual Member Exhibit
Wed, May 28, 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.
Worker Connection Program: Job Assistance
Wed, May 28, 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, May 28, 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, May 28, 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Green Roof
Enjoy a short tour of the library's Green Roof! 
Builders' Club
Wed, May 28, 3:00pm - 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.
Intellectual Property Brief Advice Clinic
Wed, May 28, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Paul Gottfried Krikelas Technology Conference Room
Attend a free, brief consultation with an IP attorney to ask questions about getting started on protecting your patent or trademark.
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.
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.
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.
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.
See all events