Today, the Milwaukee Preservation Alliance (MPA) launched an at-home learning resource focused on the Milwaukee Soldiers Home. The resource, available at
www.SavetheSoldiersHome.com/learn
is the latest in MPA’s more than decade-long commitment to building awareness of and engagement with the Milwaukee Soldiers Home, to drive its ultimate goal of returning the District’s vacant buildings to the service of veterans.
“As COVID-19 has taken education online, we wanted to be sure students had the opportunity to explore Milwaukee’s often untold history,” said Dawn McCarthy, President Emeritus of the Milwaukee Preservation Alliance. “We have this rich history right here in our backyard, and now is a great time to explore it.”
The learning resource, which highlights the history of the Soldiers Home, the critical role the women of Milwaukee played in its founding, the unique history of its buildings and the current rehabilitation project, includes historic photos, and expansive drone video footage.
The Milwaukee Soldiers Home Historic District, a National Historic Landmark, is tucked just behind Miller Park. It was built in 1867 as a place of healing for veterans returning from the Civil War. In recent years, some of the District’s buildings have fallen into disrepair. Thanks in large part to the Milwaukee Preservation Alliance’s advocacy efforts to raise awareness and appreciation of the historic district, six historic buildings are currently being restored and put back into the service of veterans. The development project, led by The Alexander Company and the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee, will rehabilitate six of the District’s buildings – including the iconic Old Main - into 101 supportive housing units for veterans and their families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
