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Building Description
In 1887, designed by Edward Townsend Mix, the building was the Grand Avenue Congregational Church on the then-called Grand Avenue, now Wisconsin Ave. A principle feature of the new building was the remarkably large auditorium, which remained Milwaukee’s largest auditorium for public use for over 60 years. The church thrived and in 1910, the magnificent Kimball Pipe Organ was added to the sanctuary. In 1986, the building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
One of its proudest moments came the evening of August 14, 1957. With the help of the local NAACP chapter, the church welcomed Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. into the auditorium for what was his first-ever speaking engagement in Milwaukee.
On December 2, 1996, the title of the Grand Avenue Congregational Church was transferred to the ICHC for a cost of one dollar. Board members of the ICHC who were present that day were: Dick Tierney, Mark Connelly, Jean Bills, and Dale Brenon, president who each paid 25 cents for the purchase price.
Visitor Experience
It is on the national historic registry and visitors are always impressed with our pipe organ, which is a dominant back drop in the main auditorium.
The facility is only open for events, so there is limited availability to see the different areas that include the Main auditorium area, a parlor that is home to the Wisconsin Geneology library and on the second level a ceili hall and an Irish Lending library.
We are an organization that is run by volunteers – many of whom will be on hand throughout the two day event to answer questions about the history and current use of the center.
Address
2133 W Wisconsin Ave
Saturday Hours
10 am - 5 pm
Sunday Hours
10 am - 5 pm
Photography
Photography allowed
Handicapped Accessible
1st floor only
