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A Look Back: 19th-Century Milwaukee
2026-03-14 13:00:00 2026-03-14 15:00:00 America/Chicago A Look Back: 19th-Century Milwaukee Explore Milwaukee's history in the 19th-century as described by local history resources. Central Library - Art, Music & Recreation Room

Saturday, March 14
1:00pm - 3:00pm

Add to Calendar 2026-03-14 13:00:00 2026-03-14 15:00:00 America/Chicago A Look Back: 19th-Century Milwaukee Explore Milwaukee's history in the 19th-century as described by local history resources. Central Library - Art, Music & Recreation Room

Central Library

Art, Music & Recreation Room

Explore Milwaukee's history in the 19th-century 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 in its early years. Specifically focusing on 19th-century Milwaukee, a variety of materials, including photos, pamphlets, maps, directories, and other publications, will be on display. No registration necessary for this open house program in Central Library's Art, Music and Recreation Department.

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | History & Genealogy |

TAGS: | |

Central Library
Branch manager
Timothy Fluhr
Hours
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Today's hours

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

Mon, Feb 09 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Tue, Feb 10 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Wed, Feb 11 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Thu, Feb 12 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Fri, Feb 13 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Feb 14 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Feb 15 1:00PM to 5:00PM
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Upcoming Events

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Adaptive Yoga - Yoga Class Suitable For People Of All Abilities
Thu, Feb 12, 10:30am - 11:45am
Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Room
Join us at the beautiful Central Library for yoga and fellowship. Registration is encouraged. Walk-ins welcome.
Story Time
Thu, Feb 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 designed to help little ones develop important early literacy skills.
Baby Story Time
Thu, Feb 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.
Job Search and Resume Assistance - Provided by Goodwill Workforce Connection Center
Thu, Feb 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.
ABC Academy
Sat, Feb 14, 10:30am - 11:30am
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center,Children's Room - Back Area
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!
Central Library Architectural Tour
Sat, Feb 14, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Central Library Tours
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Central Library has many significant architectural features. Join a Docent Tour Guide as they share the splendor of Central Library's past!
Innovative Inventors
Mon, Feb 16, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
This Black History Month celebrate with the book "Inventions to Count On: A Celebration of Black Inventors" by Dana Marie Miroballi and make an invention of your very own!
Cozy Crafting
Mon, Feb 16, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Frank P. Zeidler Humanities Room
Get cozy, craft, and meet up with friends and neighbors @Central Library!
Story Time and Play Group
Tue, Feb 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, Feb 17, 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Business Commons, Gift of Schoenleber Foundation and Elaine C. Lange - Collaboration Table #2
Do you have a question about your smartphone, tablet, or other electronic device? Need help accessing library resources? We can help! 
Drop-In Art with Milwaukee Art Museum
Tue, Feb 17, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Children's Room,Children's Room - Back Area
Drop-in to make art with the Milwaukee Art Museum Kohl's Art Studio in the Community Program. Find inspiration from artworks you can see at the Museum and learn something new together!
Hidden Chapter Book Club
Tue, Feb 17, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Frank P. Zeidler Humanities Room,Old Board Room
The Hidden Chapter Book Club gathers monthly to read, sip, and discover. February meeting will discuss James: a novel by Percival Everett and view special collections that celebrate Black Milwaukee.
Aurora Mobile Health Clinic
Wed, Feb 18, 1:00pm - 3:30pm
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.
Builders' Club
Wed, Feb 18, 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.
Adaptive Yoga - Yoga Class Suitable For People Of All Abilities
Thu, Feb 19, 10:30am - 11:45am
Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Room
Join us at the beautiful Central Library for yoga and fellowship. Registration is encouraged. Walk-ins welcome.
Story Time
Thu, Feb 19, 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 designed to help little ones develop important early literacy skills.
Baby Story Time
Thu, Feb 19, 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, Feb 19, 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.
ABC Academy
Sat, Feb 21, 10:30am - 11:30am
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center,Children's Room - Back Area
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!
Central Library Architectural Tour
Sat, Feb 21, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Central Library Tours
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Central Library has many significant architectural features. Join a Docent Tour Guide as they share the splendor of Central Library's past!
There Was a Party for Langston
Mon, Feb 23, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
Come celebrate 100 amazing years of Langston Hughes! We'll read together, learn about the his life and poetry, listen to the jazz music that inspired him and work on our own poetry.
Story Time and Play Group
Tue, Feb 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.
Black History Story Quilt
Tue, Feb 24, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
Create a story quilt-like collage inspired by Faith Ringgold this Black History Month.
Help for Homeless Veterans - with the VA HCHV Outreach Program
Wed, Feb 25, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Chinese Room,Main Street - First Floor
A coordinator from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Program will provide Veterans with information on resources and programs.
Intellectual Property Brief Advice Clinic
Wed, Feb 25, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
East View Conference Room
Attend a free, brief consultation with an IP attorney to ask questions about getting started on protecting your patent or trademark.
Builders' Club
Wed, Feb 25, 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.
Adaptive Yoga - Yoga Class Suitable For People Of All Abilities
Thu, Feb 26, 10:30am - 11:45am
Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Room
Join us at the beautiful Central Library for yoga and fellowship. Registration is encouraged. Walk-ins welcome.
Story Time
Thu, Feb 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 designed to help little ones develop important early literacy skills.
Baby Story Time
Thu, Feb 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, Feb 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.
Geek Out!
Thu, Feb 26, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
Have a passion for geek media and culture? Come to Geek Out! a monthly program for teens who are enthusiastic for learning, creating and enjoying all things in geek, nerd or pop culture!
ABC Academy
Sat, Feb 28, 10:30am - 11:30am
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center,Children's Room - Back Area
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!
Central Library Architectural Tour
Sat, Feb 28, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Central Library Tours
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Central Library has many significant architectural features. Join a Docent Tour Guide as they share the splendor of Central Library's past!
We Stand on Their Shoulders - A History of Women and Voting
Sun, Mar 01, All day
Main Street - First Floor
The traveling display "'We Stand on Their Shoulders': A History of Wisconsin Women and Voting" explores moments when women in Wisconsin gained political rights and highlights a few key leaders.
We Stand on Their Shoulders - A History of Women and Voting
Mon, Mar 02, All day
Main Street - First Floor
The traveling display "'We Stand on Their Shoulders': A History of Wisconsin Women and Voting" explores moments when women in Wisconsin gained political rights and highlights a few key leaders.
Painting A Symphony
Mon, Mar 02, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
March is Women's History Month! Let's learn about abstract artist Joan Mitchell and create some feelings paintings of our own.
We Stand on Their Shoulders - A History of Women and Voting
Tue, Mar 03, All day
Main Street - First Floor
The traveling display "'We Stand on Their Shoulders': A History of Wisconsin Women and Voting" explores moments when women in Wisconsin gained political rights and highlights a few key leaders.
Story Time and Play Group
Tue, Mar 03, 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, Mar 03, 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Business Commons, Gift of Schoenleber Foundation and Elaine C. Lange - Collaboration Table #2
Do you have a question about your smartphone, tablet, or other electronic device? Need help accessing library resources? We can help! 
We Stand on Their Shoulders - A History of Women and Voting
Wed, Mar 04, All day
Main Street - First Floor
The traveling display "'We Stand on Their Shoulders': A History of Wisconsin Women and Voting" explores moments when women in Wisconsin gained political rights and highlights a few key leaders.
Builders' Club
Wed, Mar 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.
We Stand on Their Shoulders - A History of Women and Voting
Thu, Mar 05, All day
Main Street - First Floor
The traveling display "'We Stand on Their Shoulders': A History of Wisconsin Women and Voting" explores moments when women in Wisconsin gained political rights and highlights a few key leaders.
Story Time
Thu, Mar 05, 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 designed to help little ones develop important early literacy skills.
Adaptive Yoga - Yoga Class Suitable For People Of All Abilities
Thu, Mar 05, 10:30am - 11:45am
Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Room
Join us at the beautiful Central Library for yoga and fellowship. Registration is encouraged. Walk-ins welcome.
Baby Story Time
Thu, Mar 05, 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, Mar 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.
We Stand on Their Shoulders - A History of Women and Voting
Fri, Mar 06, All day
Main Street - First Floor
The traveling display "'We Stand on Their Shoulders': A History of Wisconsin Women and Voting" explores moments when women in Wisconsin gained political rights and highlights a few key leaders.
Spring 2026 Friends of MPL Used Book Sale
Fri, Mar 06, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Room
Sponsored and staffed by The Friends of the MPL volunteers, the very popular quarterly Book Sales feature thousands of books marked down to bargain prices.
We Stand on Their Shoulders - A History of Women and Voting
Sat, Mar 07, All day
Main Street - First Floor
The traveling display "'We Stand on Their Shoulders': A History of Wisconsin Women and Voting" explores moments when women in Wisconsin gained political rights and highlights a few key leaders.
Spring 2026 Friends of MPL Used Book Sale
Sat, Mar 07, 9:00am - 4:00pm
Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Room
Sponsored and staffed by The Friends of the MPL volunteers, the very popular quarterly Book Sales feature thousands of books marked down to bargain prices.
ABC Academy
Sat, Mar 07, 10:30am - 11:30am
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center,Children's Room - Back Area
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!
Central Library Architectural Tour
Sat, Mar 07, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Central Library Tours
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Central Library has many significant architectural features. Join a Docent Tour Guide as they share the splendor of Central Library's past!
Treasures of the Rare Books Room - The Danjuro Scrapbook
Sat, Mar 07, 12:30pm - 3:00pm
Richard E. and Lucile Krug Rare Books Room
Visit the Richard E. and Lucile Krug Rare Books Room to see the Ichikawa Danjuro VIII scrapbook of ukiyo-e (Japanese woodblock prints) out, and unfolded as far as we can fit for display.
League of Women Voters Milwaukee County
Sat, Mar 07, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Mozart's Grove
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented in our democracy.
We Stand on Their Shoulders - A History of Women and Voting
Sun, Mar 08, All day
Main Street - First Floor
The traveling display "'We Stand on Their Shoulders': A History of Wisconsin Women and Voting" explores moments when women in Wisconsin gained political rights and highlights a few key leaders.
We Stand on Their Shoulders - A History of Women and Voting
Mon, Mar 09, All day
Main Street - First Floor
The traveling display "'We Stand on Their Shoulders': A History of Wisconsin Women and Voting" explores moments when women in Wisconsin gained political rights and highlights a few key leaders.
Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services
Mon, Mar 09, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Other - See description for location
Community Access to Recovery Services (CARS) specializes in helping Milwaukee County residents get connected with resources to support those living with a mental health and substance use disorder.
Ballet Storytime - with Milwaukee Ballet
Mon, Mar 09, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
Join us for a memorable ballet storytime with Milwaukee Ballet dancers! Along with reading a story, dancers will teach basic ballet steps, celebrating the music and movement that makes ballet special.
Art Book Club: Chromolithography
Mon, Mar 09, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Art, Music & Recreation Room
Open House program highlighting reference materials from the Art, Music & Recreation Room.
We Stand on Their Shoulders - A History of Women and Voting
Tue, Mar 10, All day
Main Street - First Floor
The traveling display "'We Stand on Their Shoulders': A History of Wisconsin Women and Voting" explores moments when women in Wisconsin gained political rights and highlights a few key leaders.
Story Time and Play Group
Tue, Mar 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.
Monthly Makers
Tue, Mar 10, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
Calling all makers and artists! Do you love creating? Want to try and learn a new skill but don't know where to start? Join us for a monthly maker session to try a new creative outlet each month!
Build Your Own Spending Plan - Presented by UW Credit Union
Tue, Mar 10, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Innovation and Learning Lab
In this session, attendees will learn strategies to build their own spending plan that will help them manage their finances and reach their financial goals.
We Stand on Their Shoulders - A History of Women and Voting
Wed, Mar 11, All day
Main Street - First Floor
The traveling display "'We Stand on Their Shoulders': A History of Wisconsin Women and Voting" explores moments when women in Wisconsin gained political rights and highlights a few key leaders.
Builders' Club
Wed, Mar 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.
We Stand on Their Shoulders - A History of Women and Voting
Thu, Mar 12, All day
Main Street - First Floor
The traveling display "'We Stand on Their Shoulders': A History of Wisconsin Women and Voting" explores moments when women in Wisconsin gained political rights and highlights a few key leaders.
Adaptive Yoga - Yoga Class Suitable For People Of All Abilities
Thu, Mar 12, 10:30am - 11:45am
Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Room
Join us at the beautiful Central Library for yoga and fellowship. Registration is encouraged. Walk-ins welcome.
Story Time
Thu, Mar 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 designed to help little ones develop important early literacy skills.
Baby Story Time
Thu, Mar 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.
Job Search and Resume Assistance - Provided by Goodwill Workforce Connection Center
Thu, Mar 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.
We Stand on Their Shoulders - A History of Women and Voting
Fri, Mar 13, All day
Main Street - First Floor
The traveling display "'We Stand on Their Shoulders': A History of Wisconsin Women and Voting" explores moments when women in Wisconsin gained political rights and highlights a few key leaders.
We Stand on Their Shoulders - A History of Women and Voting
Sat, Mar 14, All day
Main Street - First Floor
The traveling display "'We Stand on Their Shoulders': A History of Wisconsin Women and Voting" explores moments when women in Wisconsin gained political rights and highlights a few key leaders.
Needle in the Stacks: An Introduction to Acupuncture at MPL - With Milwaukee Community Acupuncture
Sat, Mar 14, 10:00am - 11:00am
Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Room
Participants will experience a hands-on acupuncture or acupressure treatment with expert practitioners from Milwaukee Community Acupuncture.
Central Library Architectural Tour
Sat, Mar 14, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Central Library Tours
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Central Library has many significant architectural features. Join a Docent Tour Guide as they share the splendor of Central Library's past!
A Look Back: 19th-Century Milwaukee
Sat, Mar 14, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Art, Music & Recreation Room
Explore Milwaukee's history in the 19th-century as described by local history resources.
See all events