Culturally Appropriate
- SaveMPM
- Aug 28
- 1 min read
One question that often arises about our museum is whether its approach remains culturally appropriate in today’s world. This critique not only disregards the decades of care, expertise, and respect poured into our exhibits by generations of artists, curators, and collaborators, but also risks reducing a rich tradition of cultural exchange to a politicized debate.
For over 100 years, Milwaukee’s museum has upheld a commitment to authenticity and reverence for the cultures it represents. Our exhibits—renowned as the “Milwaukee style”—were meticulously crafted by professionals who immersed themselves in the communities they depicted. These individuals traveled to the source, learning directly from the people and places they sought to honor, and brought those stories back to Milwaukee in a way that inspired both education and admiration.
Equally important is the museum’s role in preserving Milwaukee’s own heritage, particularly the contributions of the 19th- and 20th-century European settlers who shaped this city’s identity. Milwaukee is known as the “city of festivals” because of its celebration of these cultural traditions, and many families entrusted their heirlooms, stories, and artifacts to our museum with the understanding that they would be preserved and shared with future generations.
To ignore or diminish these contributions would not only betray the trust of the community but also erode a legacy that reflects the very spirit of Milwaukee. It is precisely this history of respect, preservation, and celebration that has made the museum a cultural beacon for over a century, and it is why so many in our community feel passionately about safeguarding its mission for the future.
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