Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service

How “Doors Open” Became a Success

58% of last year's attendees went to neighborhoods they'd never seen.

By , Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service - Jan 27th, 2016 10:52 am

58% of last year's attendees went to neighborhoods they'd never seen. Back to the full article.

Photos - Page 24

5 thoughts on “How “Doors Open” Became a Success”

  1. Jeffrey Jordan says:

    I applaud this fine article, but if you are writing about the Success of Doors Open, you must include the story of the true founder of Doors Open, George Wagner.
    George approached Historic Milwaukee with an idea he and his wife had seen in the travels abroad. Then Anne-Marie Opgenorth, then Executive Director and her courageous board of directors said yes. For two years George ran this event which catapulted historic Milwaukee into the consciousness of the residents of the Milwaukee metro residents. George turned the reins over to Amy Grau who only made it bigger and better because of her enthusiasm and hard work.
    I’m confident the tradition is in the good hands of Grace Fuhr. But anyone who has been involved in Doors Open knows the success of this event depends on the work of hundreds of volunteers

  2. Ellen Baehr says:

    I totally agree. Without George Wagner, there would be no Doors Open.

  3. Jerry says:

    Doors Open Milwaukee is hands down the greatest thing to ever happen in the City!

    I first heard about it through Urban Milwaukee, but always after the fact for the first two years. Now, Urban Milwaukee has articles about what to see prior to the weekend that DO takes place. I have enjoyed it the last 3 years and look forward to it ever September!

    It’s great to see the city streets teaming with people as they make their way around downtown. Reminds me of Chicago, if only for a weekend!

    Kudos to the originator of this great way to showcase Milwaukee.

  4. Marge Quilling says:

    Thank you for these history treasures. I joined Historic Milwaukee during its second year of existence
    I gave tours for so many years, Actually, I.attended Kathy KEAN’s three weeks course on Archicture
    This past fall. Those pioneer teachers are the ones who never get enough thanks for all they did to
    Initiate a lifetime of Love and dedication for Milwaukee history that we all want to hear about.

  5. Susan Bierdz says:

    Yay for Barbara and George!! And thanks for all the energy and time they put into starting this successful event. They have made me proud to be from Milwaukee!

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