 This new addition to the Badger Biographies series for young readers tells the story of Father James Groppi, a Catholic priest who stood up for civil rights in the 1960s and 1970s. Growing up on the south side of Milwaukee, James learned early on to respect people from other races and ethnic groups. As the son of Italian immigrants, he knew what it felt like to be treated poorly just because of who you are. While studying to become a priest, James saw the discrimination African Americans faced. It made him angry, and he vowed to do whatever he could to fight racism.
On trips to the South and to Washington, DC, Father Groppi marched with Martin Luther King Jr. and other leaders of the civil rights movement. But he knew there was work to be done in his own city. In Milwaukee, he teamed up with the NAACP and other organizations, protesting discrimination and segregation wherever they saw it. It wasn't always easy, and Father Groppi and the other civil rights workers faced great challenges. But today Milwaukee is a more equal and just place because of their efforts.
This important story of a turbulent time in Wisconsin history sheds light on the civil rights movement and its place in the North. It wasn't just in Selma and Birmingham that African Americans had to overcome racism and segregation. Father Groppi's life shows how individuals can come together to make lasting change.
Available now from the Wisconsin Historical Society Press!
|
|
 |
|
|
The Wisconsin Historical Society Educator Update curates the most current education-related news from the Wisconsin Historical Society and beyond.
|
|
Education Services
Kurt Griesemer, Director of Education Services Welcome to 2014! Let's dig right in! Like Us on Facebook or Follow Us on Twitter  Like our new Facebook page to see highlights and tips for educators. Or follow us on Twitter (@WHSEducation) to see the latest quips and bits!
Check Out Our Historical Essays for Elementary Students
Based on notable figures from Wisconsin history, each essay is filled with images and information about the people and places of Wisconsin's past.
With new essays added on a regular basis, there's always someone new to discover! Send your suggestions today for notable figures in Wisconsin history that you'd like to see covered!
January 15th, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebrate the life and dream of Dr. King this month with engaging resources from the Wisconsin Historical Society. By understanding the influence of Dr. King on the Milwaukee Civil Rights movement, you can engage your students in the study of history that happened right here in Wisconsin. |
|
|
Mapping Your Past
Have you considered using Sanborn Fire Insurance maps with your kids? These maps were made from the 1870s through the 1940s and show every building on every downtown block of most Wisconsin cities and towns.
Because they were updated every few years, they record changes to neighborhoods and buildings in fascinating detail.
For example, here's downtown Menomonee Falls today, from Google Maps:
And here's the same spot on the 1910 Sanborn map:
Ask your students what's the same and what's different. Why did those changes happen? In what other ways is the town different today from 100 years ago? If you're near a downtown, you might even be able to focus on the site of your school.
Society archivists are scanning the Sanborn maps of towns alphabetically, and have completed Ableman through Merrill. Remaining communities should be available before the start of the new school year in September. For more information about the maps and how they're used, see this short article.
Click here to see all the Wisconsin Sanborn maps currently available.
Questions? Contact project archivist Laura Farley.
|
|
Wisconsin Historical Society Museum
Jennifer Kolb, Museum Director
Beat the winter blues and transport yourself back in time to the era of black- and-white movies with this drop-in series. View clips from classic films and participate in fun, family-friendly activities.
Jan 11, 2014 10 am-2 pm: The Silver Screen. Learn techniques of acting in silent films with members of the Madison Creative Arts Program and record your own minute-long silent scene. Several silent films starring Wisconsin native and world-famous magician Harry Houdini will be shown for inspiration.
Jan 18, 2014 10 am-2 pm: Cartoon Classics. Bring out your inner artist and create your own comic strip with help from the Monroe Street Arts Center. Classic cartoons from the 1920s and '30s will be shown.
Jan 25, 2014 10 am-2 pm: Award Winners. Learn how Wisconsin has been home to several award-winning actors, actresses and directors. Ten Wisconsinites have received stars on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame. Decorate your very own Walk of Fame star as you enjoy clips from award-winning movies.
Our Spring 2014 field trip schedule is filling up fast! To schedule a trip please contact Museum Education staff or phone 608-264-6557.
You can review your visit options by checking out the Wisconsin Historical Museum's Museum Educator Guide. Education staff look forward to working with you to identify your group needs and tailor a program to enhance your museum visit.
|
New at Old World Wisconsin
Happy Holidays from your friends at Old World Wisconsin! We look forward to seeing you in the new year!
|
|
Thank you for reading our newsletter. Have a wonderful holiday season!
Sincerely,
Kurt Griesemer
Director of Education Services
Wisconsin Historical Society |
|
|
