In the Spring and Summer of 2011, an inspired group of Bay View High School students took part in the Art and Archaeology of Me program at Discovery World. The students learned the tools and methods of archaeology, research and interviewing techniques, and visual art in order to explore their relationship with the history and future of Milwaukee. The students learned how to explore their past and see their future through the Distant Mirror of Archaeology.
Working with Discovery World professionals, the students have created a stunning new public art installation and educational experience. The Milwaukee Observatory is a tribute to the people of the Bay View and Clarke Square neighborhoods, an exploration of neighborhood history, and a look forward.
Located on the lawn of the Bay View Historical Society (2590 S Superior Street), the Milwaukee Observatory features four 12ʼ high “Faces of the Future” banners representing the people of Milwaukee. Over 40 markers point to different historically significant sites in Bay View, Clarke Square, and beyond.
“The students created The Milwaukee Observatory in order to tell the stories of innovators, pioneers, and immigrants,” said Discovery Worldʼs Executive Director Paul Krajniak. “They wanted to celebrate the birth and rebirth of the city. And they wanted one neighborhood to look to another.”
At the center of The Observatory is the Cultural Memory House where people can add their stories to the history of Milwaukee. Measuring 12ʼx16ʼ, the walls and roof of the Cultural Memory House are covered with the studentsʼ Personal Archaeology banners. The interior walls feature images of 19th and 20th century Milwaukee immigrants. Inside is a Community Table where Bay View residents can share their neighborhood stories. Students will be on hand to record stories, scan old photographs and historical documents, take photographs of Bay View residents, and document artifacts specific to Bay View.
The Personal Archaeology Banners:
“The Cultural Memory House is a celebration of both the studentsʼ artwork and the role that immigrants played in building this city,” said Heidi Heistad, Lead Developer of Discovery Worldʼs Art and Archaeology of Me program. “Itʼs a place where the students and Bay View residents together can preserve neighborhood history.”
This year, The Milwaukee Observatory was in two locations: the Bay View Historical Society and Mitchell Park in the Clarke Square Neighborhood.
The Milwaukee Observatory was accessible day and evening to the public from July 30 through September 15th, 2011. Bay View High School students will be at The Milwaukee Observatory on July 30th, August 6th and August 13th.
On August 26th and 27th, selected pieces of The Observatory were at Mitchell Park.
The Milwaukee Observatory is the result of a partnership between Discovery World and Bay View High School. The students took part in The Art and Archaeology of Me program, working with Discovery World professionals and exploring archaeological methods and tools, research and interviewing techniques, media production, design, and visual art.
“We all want this city to have a bright and prosperous future. So we need to give teens the tools to participate in that future and discover their role in this city,” said Krajniak. “In art and archaeology, all those tools and techniques come into play.”
Location:
Bay View Historical Society / Beulah Brinton House
2590 S Superior Street
Milwaukee, WI 53207-1954