Situated on one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world, Milwaukee’s past and present have been shaped by our water resources. As the city developed, Lake Michigan and area waterways became central to Milwaukee’s growth. Our 2021 feature exhibit looked at water and its place in Milwaukee from both a historical and contemporary perspective. It explored the role water played in the city’s history through geography, commerce, and recreation, and highlights the reasons that Milwaukee is considered a water-centric city today. MCHS partnered with several local organizations for a collaborative exhibit that also featured numerous interactives and kid’s components.