John Gurda is a Milwaukee historian.

He is the the Chair of the Citizen Advisory Committee On The Naming Of Public Buildings, Facilities And Streets.

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Content referencing John Gurda

Murphy’s Law: Bradley Foundation Has Become Less Local
Murphy’s Law

Bradley Foundation Has Become Less Local

Much less money for Wisconsin, more board members from outside state.

International traveling exhibit on environmental justice opens at Milwaukee County Historical Society
Celebrate Black History Month at the Milwaukee Public Library with a Challenge and Renowned Author Events
Murphy’s Law: Milwaukee and the Stolen Picasso
Murphy’s Law

Milwaukee and the Stolen Picasso

Tale from 1969 puts a city with few Picasso paintings at center of an international mystery.

Locally-produced Programs recognized for excellence
Marquette hosts Three Minute Thesis competition to round out Graduate Student Week, Feb. 24
MKE County: County Planning Habitat Restoration in Milwaukee River Greenway
MKE County

County Planning Habitat Restoration in Milwaukee River Greenway

Project will clear invasive species, improve habitats for plants and wildlife.

MKE County: New Policy Would Require County To Study Demolishing The Domes
MKE County

New Policy Would Require County To Study Demolishing The Domes

County board considering replacing repair-focused 2016 policy after limited progress.

Milwaukee PBS to Broadcast New John Gurda Documentary
Press Release

Milwaukee PBS to Broadcast New John Gurda Documentary

People of the Port: A Jones Island Documentary

Milwaukee Walks: The Age of Elegance
Milwaukee Walks

The Age of Elegance

Upper East Side’s Prospect Hill neighborhood is a walk past one lovely, distinctive mansion after another.

Milwaukee Walks: A Walk In The Riverwest Woods
Milwaukee Walks

A Walk In The Riverwest Woods

The walk from Concordia to Capitol along the river displays oh so much of nature’s beauty.

Milwaukee Walks: Walker’s Point is a Living Museum
Milwaukee Walks

Walker’s Point is a Living Museum

So many housing styles and interesting architecture in what was once called ‘Skunk Grove.’

Milwaukee Walks: Bay View Offers History and Lake Views
Milwaukee Walks

Bay View Offers History and Lake Views

Neighborhood charm and a spiritual connection to Lake Michigan.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Council Committee Amends Milwaukee Tool Deal
Eyes on Milwaukee

Council Committee Amends Milwaukee Tool Deal

Reporting requirements on employee race, gender, residency and wages added.

Milwaukee Walks: North Point Is Milwaukee’s Gold Coast
Milwaukee Walks

North Point Is Milwaukee’s Gold Coast

Take a two-mile walk filled with historic, architecturally splendid homes and lovely lake views.

New Exhibition Explores Immigration and Identity through the Art of Place
Press Release

New Exhibition Explores Immigration and Identity through the Art of Place

Artists without Borders: Reflections on Art and Place opens April 24 at the Museum of Wisconsin Art

Milwaukee Walks: Brewers Hill Boasts Lovely Restored Homes
Milwaukee Walks

Brewers Hill Boasts Lovely Restored Homes

And a colorful history. It’s a fun, 14-block walk.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Forest Home Library Not Historic, Alders Vote
Eyes on Milwaukee

Forest Home Library Not Historic, Alders Vote

Committee overturns historic designation for 1960s building, full council vote to come

Children’s Theater Digs for City History

Children’s Theater Digs for City History

New play by First Stage revolves around quest to find Solomon Juneau’s treasure.

World Premiere The Quest for Solomon’s Treasure
Press Release

World Premiere The Quest for Solomon’s Treasure

Opens First Stage’s 2020/21 Virtual Season of Plays

Milwaukee Walks: A Riverwest Beerline Walk
Milwaukee Walks

A Riverwest Beerline Walk

The west side of the river offers a lovely journey filled with bird song.

The Rotary Club of Milwaukee Names City Librarian Paula Kiely Person of the Year
City’s Smallpox Quarantine Created a Furor

City’s Smallpox Quarantine Created a Furor

Back in the 1890s, Milwaukee’s clampdown on smallpox outbreak caused fear and fury.

Plenty of Horne: The Encyclopedia of Milwaukee Documents the City
Plenty of Horne

The Encyclopedia of Milwaukee Documents the City

UW-Milwaukee has built a massive digital archive for the city.

Work complete on first phase of Encyclopedia of Milwaukee
March roars in at the Harley-Davidson Museum
Press Release

March roars in at the Harley-Davidson Museum

Check out the official Mama Tried Pre-Party and join John McGivern as he brings a special screening of “Around the Corner” to campus.

Acid Attack Makes Polonia Residents Uneasy

Acid Attack Makes Polonia Residents Uneasy

South-side neighborhood, now majority Hispanic, has made that transition with few conflicts.

Free Tickets to Evening with John Gurda

Free Tickets to Evening with John Gurda

Urban Milwaukee members can claim tickets worth $80 for historic preservation speech.

Check Out Milwaukee Museum Week

Check Out Milwaukee Museum Week

Unique new partnership of 17 groups showcases city's wide range of cultural offerings.

City Hall: How Long Will Flag Debate Last?
City Hall

How Long Will Flag Debate Last?

Arts Board might not have decision on the city flag by the end of 2018.

City Hall: Will City Adopt a New Flag?
City Hall

Will City Adopt a New Flag?

Arts Board doesn't seem crazy about "Peoples' Flag," has invited creators to next meeting.

County Board Resists Review of Homelessness Funding
Press Release

County Board Resists Review of Homelessness Funding

Resolution to House County’s Remaining Homeless Not Scheduled

Thursday, July 12th – 6:30-7:30 p.m. An Evening With John Gurda Fundraiser
Press Release

Thursday, July 12th – 6:30-7:30 p.m. An Evening With John Gurda Fundraiser

"Milwaukee – A City Built on Water"

Gurda Paddles City History through a Watery Lens in his newest book, “Milwaukee: A City Built on Water”
Press Release

Gurda Paddles City History through a Watery Lens in his newest book, “Milwaukee: A City Built on Water”

Gurda explores the city's complicated relationship with its most precious resource.

Bike Czar: Join a Bike Ride Under the Polish Moon
Bike Czar

Join a Bike Ride Under the Polish Moon

Sign up for slow-moving, family-friendly, 8-mile, summer night ride through the South Side.

May 9 – Magnificent Machines of Milwaukee Lecture at North Point Lighthouse
Press Release

May 9 – Magnificent Machines of Milwaukee Lecture at North Point Lighthouse

The lecture will be based on Thomas H. Fehring's recent book, The Magnificent Machines of Milwaukee.

Jane’s Walk MKE inspires residents to explore in May
Press Release

Jane’s Walk MKE inspires residents to explore in May

Jane’s Walk MKE is part of a worldwide movement of more than 200 cities hosting free, citizen-led walking tours inspired by urbanist and writer Jane Jacobs.

WPR’s To The Best Of Our Knowledge Brings National Show to Milwaukee on April 19
Press Release

WPR’s To The Best Of Our Knowledge Brings National Show to Milwaukee on April 19

The audience will be in for a night of big ideas, laughs, great music, deep dives on policy issues and special stories they won’t hear anywhere else.

New Exhibition Explores British Influence on the Quintessential American Painter Winslow Homer
Press Release

New Exhibition Explores British Influence on the Quintessential American Painter Winslow Homer

“Coming Away: Winslow Homer and England” explores how English art and a 19-month sojourn in Cullercoats impacted the latter part of the artist’s career

Old Meets New at Good City During Month of February
Press Release

Old Meets New at Good City During Month of February

Good City will be celebrating the city’s rich beer heritage during the month of February.

New Season of ‘Around the Corner with John McGivern’ Kicks off with sold-out Preview party
Press Release

New Season of ‘Around the Corner with John McGivern’ Kicks off with sold-out Preview party

Highly-Anticipated 7th Season Launches with Screening Event on January 8

Task Force Considers Future of Domes

Task Force Considers Future of Domes

The options are “overwhelming” and the future far from certain.

Murphy’s Law: 22% of City Workers Live in Suburbs
Murphy’s Law

22% of City Workers Live in Suburbs

Nearly 1,000 workers have left city since state ended residency rule.

Milwaukee PBS’ Beloved Local Shows to Return With New Episodes and New Wisconsin Adventures
Press Release

Milwaukee PBS’ Beloved Local Shows to Return With New Episodes and New Wisconsin Adventures

Around the Corner with John McGivern and Outdoor Wisconsin Premiere New Seasons in January

Public Television Gets Big Salute From Regional Emmys
Press Release

Public Television Gets Big Salute From Regional Emmys

Milwaukee PBS was honored with three regional Emmys

Milwaukee Word: New Event Features 10 Milwaukee Authors
Press Release

Milwaukee Word: New Event Features 10 Milwaukee Authors

Unique event is perfect for book worms, history-lovers and for unique holiday gift shopping

Hank Aaron Trail Has Historic Murals

Hank Aaron Trail Has Historic Murals

Walkers, bikers encounter murals celebrating historic Open Housing Marches of 1967.

North Point Lighthouse presents John Gurda and “Milwaukee On Tap,” a history of brewing beer in Milwaukee.
Press Release

North Point Lighthouse presents John Gurda and “Milwaukee On Tap,” a history of brewing beer in Milwaukee.

The North Point Lighthouse is pleased to present “Milwaukee On Tap”, a lively look back at the beverage that made Milwaukee famous by distinguished local historian John Gurda.

Bay View Community Center – An Evening with John Gurda Fundraiser
Press Release

Bay View Community Center – An Evening with John Gurda Fundraiser

"Smokestacks on the Lakefront – The History of Milwaukee’s South Shore"

Why the Jewish Museum Matters

Why the Jewish Museum Matters

Current exhibit is example of story telling that strengthens community.

2016 Wisconsin Writers Awards Announced by Council for Wisconsin Writers
Press Release

2016 Wisconsin Writers Awards Announced by Council for Wisconsin Writers

Awards will be presented at the Council's annual banquet to be held this year on May 13 in Milwaukee.

New Book Brings Fans Back to Milwaukee’s Legendary Ballpark, Borchert Field
Press Release

New Book Brings Fans Back to Milwaukee’s Legendary Ballpark, Borchert Field

"A magnificent job [of] recreating the baseball environment as it used to be, long before domed stadiums and luxury suites. For those of us who grew up in Milwaukee during those heady days, Borchert Field was our field of dreams." - Allan H. (Bud) Selig, Commissioner Emeritus of Major League Baseball

Milwaukee historian John Gurda to hold public talk next week
Press Release

Milwaukee historian John Gurda to hold public talk next week

Mr. Gurda, a Milwaukee-born writer and historian, has studied his hometown since 1972.

Op Ed: The Great Wall of St. Francis
Op Ed

The Great Wall of St. Francis

Lake Michigan shoreline getting obliterated by development.

Op Ed: State Law Constrains Entrepreneurs
Op Ed

State Law Constrains Entrepreneurs

Employee non-compete contracts make Wisconsin less competitive, less innovative.

13 Short Facts About The Domes

13 Short Facts About The Domes

Domes task force presented with data that reveals much about the popular attraction.

Pastor Gets Street Named After Him

Pastor Gets Street Named After Him

City's citizens advisory committee renames one block of Meinecke Ave.

New Grassroots Organization Launches Photographic Experiment in Milwaukee
Press Release

New Grassroots Organization Launches Photographic Experiment in Milwaukee

ZIP MKE Plans to Crowdsource Photos From All 27 Zip Codes

Travel Back to When Beer Was King and Brands Were Born During Art on Tap This Summer at MOWA
Press Release

Travel Back to When Beer Was King and Brands Were Born During Art on Tap This Summer at MOWA

Art on Tap: Early Wisconsin Brewery Art and Advertising. July 9 – September 25, 2016. Opening party: Saturday, July 16 | 2:00 – 5:00

All Hail Milwaukee’s New City Flag

All Hail Milwaukee’s New City Flag

Robert Lenz’s creation is the winner. Will Common Council make it the city’s official flag?

Bike Czar: Polish Moon Ride Registration Open
Bike Czar

Polish Moon Ride Registration Open

Sign up for slow-moving, family-friendly, 8-mile, summer night ride through the South Side.

Domes Are An International Star

Domes Are An International Star

They are a tourist and architectural attraction. Yet there’s talk of tearing them down.

Yesterday’s Milwaukee: Inside the Grain Exchange, 1880
Yesterday’s Milwaukee

Inside the Grain Exchange, 1880

The trading room was one of the "most lavishly decorated" public spaces in the region.

Christmas Shopping at the Pfister

Christmas Shopping at the Pfister

Month-long marketplace features 80 artists and many hand-made items.

Marquette Law School and <i>Milwaukee Journal Sentinel</i> conference to examine future of the American public library
Press Release

Marquette Law School and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel conference to examine future of the American public library

For generations, the public library has been a cornerstone of our democracy and a beloved cultural institution. But what about the future?

Our Bay View: Values, Voices and Visions for the Future
Press Release

Our Bay View: Values, Voices and Visions for the Future

Community organizations join together to hold conference on the future of development in Bay View

The 37 Neighborhoods of Milwaukee

Contribution to Terry Witkowski of $50

The 37 Neighborhoods of Milwaukee

The 37 Neighborhoods of Milwaukee

Local historian John Gurda's new book has a message: Geography matters.

MillerCoors Celebrates 160 Years

MillerCoors Celebrates 160 Years

Event attendees celebrate "Miller Time" with a lager from 1855.

Photo Gallery: GermanFest, the Most Authentic Ethnic Fest?
Photo Gallery

GermanFest, the Most Authentic Ethnic Fest?

Good food and music led the way at the 35th annual festival.

House Confidential: A Mayor’s Home Is Still Notable
House Confidential

A Mayor’s Home Is Still Notable

Once John Norquist's residence, this elegant 1889 home on S. 26th St. is included on Historic Milwaukee's upcoming Spaces and Traces tour.

Plenty of Horne: Forest Home Library Replacement Decided, Mill Road Deferred
Plenty of Horne

Forest Home Library Replacement Decided, Mill Road Deferred

New library on Mitchell St. could bring "Third Ward-caliber energy" to the south side neighborhood, John Gurda predicts.

Plenty of Horne: Huge Turnout for East Library Opening
Plenty of Horne

Huge Turnout for East Library Opening

It was a truly an East Side event, and a crowd with tons of notables celebrated history in the making.

Plenty of Horne: The Remarkable Growth of Milwaukee Brewing Co.
Plenty of Horne

The Remarkable Growth of Milwaukee Brewing Co.

And John Gurda slips up on beer history?

Kenneth Germanson to receive 2014 Frank P. Zeidler Public Service Award
Press Release

Kenneth Germanson to receive 2014 Frank P. Zeidler Public Service Award

News release from Alderman Robert J. Bauman

Milwaukee Architecture: How Art Deco Changed the City
Milwaukee Architecture

How Art Deco Changed the City

Even today, it remains the style that best epitomizes American urbanity.

House Confidential: Sen.Carpenter’s Rather Dull Duplex
House Confidential

Sen.Carpenter’s Rather Dull Duplex

His sided, south side home, in suburban-like Jackson Park, is a veritable pillar of middle-class respectability.

Nominees sought for 2014 Frank P. Zeidler Public Service Award
Press Release

Nominees sought for 2014 Frank P. Zeidler Public Service Award

Nominees are being sought for the 2014 Frank P. Zeidler Public Service Award, according to Alderman Robert J. Bauman.

House Confidential: The House of Hank the Dog
House Confidential

The House of Hank the Dog

The Brewer's canine mascot has a nine-room Whitefish Bay home and 10,000 square foot lot to roam in, all worth $570,000.

Photo Gallery: Historic Milwaukee’s Fans Convene
Photo Gallery

Historic Milwaukee’s Fans Convene

A big crowd turns out as as Remarkable Milwaukee 2014 honors historian John Gurda and developer Kendall Bruenig.

Remarkable Milwaukee at the Pritzlaff
Press Release

Remarkable Milwaukee at the Pritzlaff

To Honor John Gurda and Sunset Investors

House Confidential: John Gurda’s Home of History
House Confidential

John Gurda’s Home of History

Just one block north of the suburbs in Bay View, he's written most of his 19 books from this home base.

Plenty of Horne: Residents Reject Freshwater Name
Plenty of Horne

Residents Reject Freshwater Name

Contest to rename Pittsburgh Ave. to honor water institute didn't convince street's residents, who nixed Freshwater Way.

Nominees sought for 2013 Frank P. Zeidler  Public Service Award
Press Release

Nominees sought for 2013 Frank P. Zeidler Public Service Award

Nominees are being sought for the 2013 Frank P. Zeidler Public Service Award, according to Alderman Robert J. Bauman.

City People: Jen Ede
City People

Jen Ede

How a 29-year-old West Allis native became publisher of a new magazine.

Community invited to submit ideas for name of new park in the Menomonee Valley
Press Release

Community invited to submit ideas for name of new park in the Menomonee Valley

24-acre park along Menomonee River to open July 20

Alderman Pérez part of this week’s “Around the Corner” episode on MPTV
Press Release

Alderman Pérez part of this week’s “Around the Corner” episode on MPTV

Each episode of “Around the Corner” is broadcast on Milwaukee Public Television, Channel 10.1.

Wisconsin natives inducted to MPL Writers Wall of Fame
Press Release

Wisconsin natives inducted to MPL Writers Wall of Fame

Milwaukee Public Library’s Wisconsin Writers Wall of Fame to induct two state natives: children’s author/illustrator Kevin Henkes and author/filmmaker Richard Schickel.

Mayor Barrett Announces “Freshwater Way” As the Winning Street Name to Replace “Pittsburgh Avenue”
Green Named 2012 Winner of Frank P. Zeidler Public Service Award
Press Release

Green Named 2012 Winner of Frank P. Zeidler Public Service Award

The Milwaukee Common Council will honor Mr. Green on Tuesday, September 25 prior to the start of its regular meeting at 9 a.m. in the third floor Council Chamber at City Hall, 200 E. Wells St.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Tour the Talgo Trains You Might Never Ride
Eyes on Milwaukee

Tour the Talgo Trains You Might Never Ride

Downtown block parties are coming, use of bike racks on MCTS buses doubles year-over-year, explore the Historic Concordia neighborhood with HMI, UWM gets a zoning change, The Moderne is meeting hiring requirements, and kids can ride free on the Amtrak Hiawatha this summer.

HSI/WiRED Properties Proposal Picked for East Library

HSI/WiRED Properties Proposal Picked for East Library

The Milwaukee Public Library Board of Trustee’s Building and Development Committee met at the East Library on Wednesday night to hear final proposals from the three respondents to the East Library Redevelopment RFP. Following a closed session for deliberations, the Building and Development Committee voted to move the proposal from HSI Properties forward to the full Library Board.

HMI Doors Open 2011 Recommendations

HMI Doors Open 2011 Recommendations

Imagine this for a moment -- you’re a kid in a candy store, and as things go, this candy store is opening for the first time ever and only for one weekend. Oh gosh. You’ve dreamed of this cornucopia of confections so many times before, you know every name and shiny wrapper in the store... but your eyes are bigger than your stomach. How can you pick just a choice few, knowing your slight allowance won’t let you have all that you want? It’s the best and worst kind of agony.

Wild Space takes it to the bank

Wild Space takes it to the bank

Debra Loewen's new Past Present brims with dreamy, arresting moments, but there's a slow patch in the middle.

Wild Space Dancers amid greenery and steel

Wild Space Dancers amid greenery and steel

On Thursday, Debra Loewen's Wild Space dance company opens a new site-specific work at the Lynden Sculpture Garden.

Review: Wild Space Dance’s ‘Map of Memories’ sheds light on a disbanded Milwaukee community
Review

Wild Space Dance’s ‘Map of Memories’ sheds light on a disbanded Milwaukee community

Map of Memories is not only an enthralling 90-minute kinetic display of beautiful sinewy human motion but also a local history lesson. A performance event features a fascinating pre-show talk by Milwaukee Historian John Gurda about the origins of Jones Island, its inhabitants, and its eventual change into its support for modern industry.