The Encyclopedia of Milwaukee

The Encyclopedia of Milwaukee is a massive research project designed to uncover and preserve the history of Milwaukee and the surrounding areas. When completed, it will consist of over 700 entries consisting of a wide range of topics. The Encyclopedia will include entries about Milwaukee’s most famous residents, arts and culture, architecture, political history, and so much more. The Encyclopedia of Milwaukee is going to be a wonderful tool for students, researchers or anyone who just wants to know more about the colorful history of Milwaukee. One of the greatest things the Encyclopedia will do is direct attention to Milwaukee’s lesser known history. The project will open doors to further, deeper research into Milwaukee’s past. Upon its completion, the Encyclopedia of Milwaukee will be available online as well as in print. / / My work on the project consists primarily of fact-checking. Fact-checking is incredibly interesting. I have learned about countless topics such as the Musical Society of Milwaukee, the famous Emil Seidel, and even Milorganite. My job begins when I receive a highlighted entry from a graduate student Research Assistant that indicates what specifically needs to be checked. Some of these highlights may be of simple facts, but also more intricate details, names, and dates. Most of my searches can be done through a computer using digitized books and articles, while every once in a while having to pull the physical copy of a book or article. My search even takes me into the Archives, and Special Collections department in Golda Meir Library from time to time. Ultimately, my job is not to go back and read primary documents, but to confirm the information within the entry against secondary work written by other scholars. / / The work I do on the Encyclopedia of Milwaukee has helped my research skills immensely. I am now better equipped to handle research projects for classes, my own personal research, as well as in the future. Following completion of my undergraduate degree in History, I want to pursue a graduate degree. This project has helped make that possible by giving me the skills I need to do proper historical research