2023 Lecture Series

2023 North Point Lighthouse Museum Lecture Series Topics

Jan 11

Ben Barbera
Director of Collections and Exhibitions | Milwaukee County Historical Society
Milwaukee: Where the Waters Meet

This presentation explores the history of the relationship between the inhabitants of the Milwaukee area and the surrounding waterways.

Feb 8

John Eastberg
Local Author and historian
The Once Grand Mansions of Grand Avenue

Grand Avenue, now Wisconsin Avenue, was once home to many Victorian era mansions – most of which are long gone.

Mar 8

Jitka Hanakova
Diver and Owner | Shipwreck Explorers Charter Business
Diving Shipwrecks on Lake Michigan

Great Lakes cold freshwater is like a refrigerator for shipwrecks. Many of them are preserved and intact. Learn what it’s like to explore these relics.

Apr 12

Ken & Barb Wardius
Authors and photographers of lighthouse history
The Story of Georgia Stebbins, North Point Lighthouse Keeper

Georgia Stebbins became an exemplary lady lighthouse keeper in an era when that was an uncommon profession for women. She was the longest tenured keeper at North Point with a fascinating story.

May 10

Matthew J. Prigge
Local author and historian
The Newhall House Fire

The Newhall House Hotel fire of 1883 was the deadliest fire in Milwaukee’s history.

June 14

Jim Heinz
Amateur historian & Acquisitions Curator | Wisconsin Marine Historical Society
Milwaukee’s Connections to the Famous

Milwaukee connections to people, known and unknown, who have changed history and affected our lives.

July 12

Christopher Winters
Photojournalist and staff photographer | Discovery World Museum
Maritime Photography

Winters specializes in Great Lakes maritime subjects and was the unofficial photographer of the Denis Sullivan. He shares photos of ports, ships and underwater shipwrecks.

Aug 9

It’s Movie Night! – Popcorn, beer and a great film, TBA.

Sept 13

Bobby Tanzilo
Senior Editor/Writer for Onmilwaukee.com & Author
Goodbye to Summer and Hello to Fall – The History of Custard Stands and Schoolhouses in Milwaukee

Explore the time when every corner of Milwaukee had a custard stand and pay homage to some long-lost schools, salute some veteran survivors and examine the roles they play in their neighborhoods.

Oct 11

Dan Haumschild
Director of Education | Jewish Museum Milwaukee
Jewish History in Milwaukee

Explore the rich history of Jewish people in Milwaukee.

Nov 8

Patrick Steele
Professor of History | Concordia University Wisconsin & Author
Milwaukee – Home of the Braves

The story of the Milwaukee Braves major league baseball team from 1953-1965.