MPA Reaches Key Fundraising Milestone

MPA receives $5,000 Matching Grant from the National Trust

MPA Hits halfway mark of campaign to raise funds for Soldiers Home signage along I-94 and the Hank Aaron State Trail

The Milwaukee Preservation Alliance (MPA) recently announced that it has raised enough funds to secure a $5,000 matching grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The accomplishment brings the total funds raised to $15,000, marking the halfway point of MPA’s Wayfinding and Awareness Campaign.

MPA’s Wayfinding and Awareness Campaign will fund the purchase and installation of Department of Transportation (DOT) signage along Interstate Highway 94 and interpretive signage along the Hank Aaron State Trail for the Milwaukee Soldiers Home National Historic Landmark District (Soldiers Home), one of Milwaukee’s most important historic landmarks. The campaign is a part of a broader effort led by MPA, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and other local preservation and veteran groups, to raise awareness of the Soldiers Home Historic District and promote the rehabilitation of key historic buildings in order to return them to the service of veterans.

“Visible and prominent signage is crucial for our effort to raise awareness for the Soldiers Home Historic District, one of our nation’s most important historical landmarks and an architectural treasure here in Milwaukee,” said Dawn McCarthy, President of MPA. “The Milwaukee Preservation Alliance would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all that have contributed to this campaign so far and helped us achieve our first milestone.”

MPA achieved this benchmark goal thanks to an outpouring of support from individuals and groups who wish to see the historic buildings in the Milwaukee Soldiers Home Historic District rehabilitated. Though raising enough funds to receive the full matching grant from the National Trust is a great starting point for the campaign, MPA continues to call on the community and local foundations to help it reach its ultimate goal of $30,000.

“The National Trust is proud and excited to contribute $5,000 to MPA for this important Wayfinding campaign. We hope it will attract many other contributors who value this special place,” said Genell Scheurell, Senior Field Officer with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “Conserving the integrity of these important buildings starts with knowledge and awareness. It is our hope that this signage will encourage Milwaukee residents and visitors to learn more about this hidden jewel in the heart of the city.”

MPA continues to accept contributions to support its Wayfinding and Awareness Campaign. To learn more about this campaign, upcoming events and how you can get involved, please visit www.MilwaukeePreservationAlliance.org/Wayfinding.