North Point Lighthouse presents “Milwaukee County Zoo,” a fascinating and fun look back at the history of one of the finest zoos in the country and its most famous resident, Samson the gorilla.

Milwaukee, WI, September 24, 2018 – The North Point Lighthouse and Museum is pleased to announce its October lecture, “Milwaukee County Zoo,” Wednesday, October 10, 2018, 7-8:30 p.m. at the lighthouse.

Join us for a fascinating and lively look at the history of the Milwaukee Zoo, from its inception at West Park in 1892 to becoming one of the finest zoos in the country. The talk will be based on the book, Milwaukee County Zoo, by authors and presenters Darlene Winter, Elizabeth Frank and Mary Kazmierczak.

The zoo experienced many firsts, including the first polar bear born in captivity in North America, and was home to Samson, one of the largest gorillas in captivity who lived at the Milwaukee County Zoo until his death in 1981. No other resident at the zoo captured the imaginations and hearts of the people who were fortunate to see him. Winter will discuss how this magnificent gorilla inspired her to write the first book about Sampson, I Remember Sampson, in collaboration with Samson’s long time keeper and friend, Sam LaMalfa.

Frank will talk about how the zoo grew from humble beginnings to its significant role in national and international conservation programs. Throughout its history, the zoo has been recognized for innovative exhibit design and has flourished through the cooperation of Milwaukee County and the Zoological Society of Milwaukee, a public-private relationship that has existed successfully since 1910.

Kazmierczak, librarian and information specialist for the Milwaukee County Zoo and Zoological Society of Milwaukee, will cap off the lecture with her personal insight into the zoo’s library and the historical memorabilia it holds.

About the Presenters

Darlene Winter is a graduate of Alverno College with a degree in Professional Communications. She has been a Zoo Pride docent at the Milwaukee County Zoo for 14 years. In addition to co-authoring the zoo’s history book, The Milwaukee Zoo, with Elizabeth Frank and Mary Kazmierczak, she has also written I Remember Samson.

Elizabeth Frank graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in Animal Science. She has 33 years of experience working in and with zoos, 20 of which she served as Curator of Large Mammals at the Milwaukee County Zoo. Frank has been a Zoo Pride volunteer since her retirement and developed the zoo’s award-winning library and archives.

Mary Kazmierczak has a BA and MA in political science from Marquette University and a MLIS from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She is the librarian and information specialist for the Milwaukee County Zoo and Zoological Society of Milwaukee, and is responsible for preserving the history of the zoo. Kazmierczak has been a Zoo Pride volunteer since 1998.

The lecture begins at 7 p.m. General admission is $10 and $5 for seniors and students with an ID. Lighthouse members are free. Good City Brewing will provide complimentary beverages. Parking is available on Wahl Avenue and the Lake Park public lot just north of the lighthouse.

About The Lectures at the Lighthouse Series

The Lectures at the Lighthouse series runs from January through November and features prominent historians, authors and scholars who discuss various topics and fascinating stories related to Milwaukee and Great Lakes maritime history. Lectures are open to the public and held at the lighthouse museum located at 2650 N. Wahl Avenue in Milwaukee’s historic Lake Park. Landmark Credit Union is sponsoring the 2018 lecture series.

Visit northpointlighthouse.org/lecture-series to learn more about the 2018 lecture schedule, the speakers and their topics.

About North Point Lighthouse

The North Point Lighthouse and Museum, located at 2650 N. Wahl Avenue within historic Lake Park, is a Milwaukee maritime treasure. Each year, thousands of visitors from the surrounding community, region and around the world experience its beauty, history and charm. Built in 1888, the lighthouse tower and keepers quarters are open to the public every Saturday and Sunday from 1-4 p.m. throughout the year, and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the summer. Visitors can experience a maritime museum featuring exhibits, artifacts and stories, and climb the 74-ft. tower. The lighthouse is also available for private events. The lighthouse has been preserved and restored as a maritime museum through the efforts of the North Point Lighthouse Friends, Inc. and has been open for public tours, visits and events since 2007. The mission of the North Point Lighthouse Friends, Inc. is to preserve the North Point Light Station, inspire appreciation of its importance in Wisconsin maritime history and promote its use consistent with the character of Lake Park and the surrounding neighborhood.

For admission fees and public hours, visit northpointlighthouse.org

For information about lectures, tours and events, contact Sue Grzeca, 414-332-6754 or keeper@northpointlighthouse.org.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.