Wisconsin Milwaukee Mission

CULTURAL SUMMARY

Milwaukee's culture is a vibrant blend of Wisconsin influences, historical significance, and modern innovation. The city's culinary scene is renowned for its Wisconsin cuisine, featuring dishes like cheese curds, bratwurst, and cream puffs. Music and arts thrive in Milwaukee, with venues like the Marcus Performing Arts Center and the Pabst Theater hosting performances and exhibits. The city also embraces its rich history with institutions like the Milwaukee Public Museum. Historically, Milwaukee has grown from a small trading post into a vibrant modern city, retaining its unique charm and cultural richness.

TOPOGRAPHY

The region features a mix of urban landscapes, lakefronts, and rolling plains, with natural landmarks such as Lake Michigan and the nearby Milwaukee River, offering a blend of natural beauty and urban development.

CLIMATE

The climate is humid continental with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. Summer temperatures average around 80°F, while winter temperatures average around 25°F. The region experiences significant snowfall during the winter months and moderate rainfall throughout the year.

LANGUAGES

The two most common languages spoken are English and Spanish.

RELIGIONS

Major religions in the region include Roman Catholicism, followed by smaller communities of Lutheranism and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

INDUSTRIES

Manufacturing: The region has a strong manufacturing sector with major employers like Harley-Davidson excelling in motorcycle production.

Healthcare: Companies like Aurora Health Care lead in healthcare services and hospital management.

Education: The area supports a robust education industry with institutions like University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee excelling in higher education and research.

LOCAL EVENTS

The area hosts events like the Summerfest, celebrating with vibrant parades, music, and traditional dances; the Wisconsin State Fair, featuring cultural festivities and exhibitions; and the Great Circus Parade, showcasing historical reenactments and community pride.

TOURISM

Popular tourist destinations include the Milwaukee Art Museum, known for its architectural beauty and art collections; the Harley-Davidson Museum, offering cultural and historical exhibits; and the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, featuring botanical displays and educational activities.

RECREATION

Favored activities include hiking, biking, and exploring cultural sites, with major parks like the Lake Park and the Havenwoods State Forest being popular destinations.

MISSION HISTORY

In 1841, after early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had drained the swampland and built the community of Nauvoo, Illinois, a group of Church members entered the Wisconsin area to gather timber. They floated the pine logs down the Black River to Nauvoo, using the lumber for construction of the Nauvoo Temple and other buildings.

By 1843, there were more than 150 people at the Black River Settlement. When Church members learned they were working on Native American territory, they paid for the wood and preached to the Native Americans.

When persecution forced the Latter-day Saints to leave Nauvoo in 1847, many Wisconsin members joined the westward trek. Missionary efforts resumed in the state in 1878, with a congregation formed in 1899, and a chapel built in 1907.

MISSION GROUPS

These groups are a great way to connect with other families who have missionaries in the same area, reconnect with other missionaries you served with in the past or simply learn more about the mission. Robust membership activity can make these groups truly amazing resources!

Wisconsin Milwaukee Mission Group

Wisconsin Missionaries Facebook Group

Milwaukee Mission 2013-16 President Cutler Group

Milwaukee Mission 1992-95 President Nixon Group

Wisconsin Milwaukee Mission Facebook Group

Wisconsin Milwaukee Mission 1978-1981 Group

Wisconsin Milwaukee Mission 1983-1984 Group