House History Class

Historic Milwaukee, Inc. invites heritage enthusiasts and homeowners alike to a unique virtual experience: the House History Class. This two-hour Zoom session, led by retired librarian Carolyn Colwell alongside HMI staff member Julia Griffith, transforms the way you understand your home by unlocking its past through accessible, practical research methods. Centered around Milwaukee’s rich urban fabric—but not limited to it—the class teaches participants how to leverage city archives, library collections, and county records to trace architectural features and uncover the stories of past residents, no matter where the property is located.

Milwaukee itself is a city marked by distinctive architectural styles shaped by waves of immigrants and a diverse industrial legacy, which the course taps into for context. From Victorian mansions to modest bungalows, every structure has a narrative etched into the bricks and timbers, waiting to be revealed. Historic Milwaukee, Inc. serves as a vital community resource connecting the city’s past with its present, and their virtual offering broadens the reach far beyond local borders.

Attendees receive hands-on guidance on navigating databases often overlooked or challenging to access independently, including city planning documents, old newspapers, and genealogical records. Carolyn and Julia’s combined expertise ensures that participants can confidently pursue their own research after the session, deepening appreciation for the layers of human experience behind familiar places. This class is ideal for homeowners curious about their property’s heritage, preservation advocates, and history lovers eager to sharpen their research skills.

The format allows for interaction and questions, sparking insights that breathe life into the walls around you. With its warm, educational approach, Historic Milwaukee, Inc. stands out for making history tangible, personal, and surprisingly accessible—even from your own living room.