The North Point Lighthouse is located in Lake Park in the Historic Water Tower neighborhood. A lighthouse has existed on the property since 1854 and the current lighthouse was built in 1888. It was in operation until 1994. After sitting empty for a few years, the lighthouse was restored between 2004-2007 and is now a museum and exhibition space open to the public. The North Point Lighthouse is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Milwaukee's first lighthouse was located at the end of Wisconsin Avenue, where the Milwaukee Art Museum is currently located. This was not an ideal location as the beacon was difficult to see. In 1854, a new lighthouse was built on North Point, a site chosen because of its height on the bluff above Lake Michigan. However, it was built too close to the edge of the bluff, and soon erosion threatened the lighthouse. In 1888, a new lighthouse was built about 100 feet further back from the edge of the bluff. By 1912, the trees in Lake Park had grown too tall and were obscuring the light. In response to this, an addition was added to the base of the lighthouse tower, raising it to its current height of 74 feet. The North Point Lighthouse, including the keeper's quarters and the light tower, is now a museum about the lighthouse as well as Milwaukee's maritime history in general. The building also hosts community events including lectures, neighborhood gatherings, corporate events, and weddings. |
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Evolution of the Lighthouse
The North Point Lighthouse has undergone much transformation in recent years. Not only has it been restored, but it has been turned into a museum too. The transformation of the lighthouse mirrors changes taking place throughout Milwaukee. In the 19th and early-20th centuries, Milwaukee was home to huge industries and manufacturing plants. In recent years, the number of manufacturing jobs decreased, and instead, Milwaukee has gained more tourist destinations. As with the lighthouse, the city shifted from a very industrial place to a place that is geared toward visitors.
Within this new tourist economy, the North Point Lighthouse serves as a gateway to the history of Milwaukee and Lake Michigan as well as to the memories of its residents. Visitors to the lighthouse are able to learn about the history of the Port of Milwaukee, the growth of the city, and the lighthouse itself. Similarly, the lighthouse (as a building) is no longer the focus of incoming sailors as it once was. Originally the building was important to immigrants and merchant vessels because of the light at the top of the tower guiding them safely into port. Now the building is important to visitors because of the information and knowledge held within its exhibits and the views of Lake Park, Milwaukee, and Lake Michigan.
Within this new tourist economy, the North Point Lighthouse serves as a gateway to the history of Milwaukee and Lake Michigan as well as to the memories of its residents. Visitors to the lighthouse are able to learn about the history of the Port of Milwaukee, the growth of the city, and the lighthouse itself. Similarly, the lighthouse (as a building) is no longer the focus of incoming sailors as it once was. Originally the building was important to immigrants and merchant vessels because of the light at the top of the tower guiding them safely into port. Now the building is important to visitors because of the information and knowledge held within its exhibits and the views of Lake Park, Milwaukee, and Lake Michigan.
John Scripp describes the lighthouse's dual role as charity and business.
Michael Connor on the purpose of the North Point Lighthouse.
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Michael Connor talks about the lighthouse when he was a child, until 1994.
Michael Connor talks about what is preserved at the lighthouse.
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- Mark Kuehn, interview by Niyati Naik and Jonathan Schaefer, Milwaukee, June 17, 2013.
- John Scripp, interview by Jonathan Schaefer and Maia Stack, Milwaukee, June 18, 2013.
- North Point Lighthouse Museum Collections, Milwaukee.
- U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Historic American Buildings Survey, Washington, D.C.