July 2, 2020

Milwaukee, WI. – The Wisconsin Historical Society is excited to announce that the Grohmann Museum is the recipient of the 2020 Museum Exhibit Award (budget greater than $5,000) for their exhibit, “Magnificent Machines of Milwaukee and the Engineers Who Created Them.”

“We have Milwaukee engineers and inventors to thank for many machines including the QWERTY keyboard, motorcycle, thermostat and outboard motor to name a few,” said Christian Overland, Ruth and Hartley Barker Director & CEO of the Wisconsin Historical Society. “The exhibit, Magnificent Machines of Milwaukee and the Engineers who Created Them did a great job of not only showcasing Milwaukee-born equipment and machinery, but also the engineers who created them.”

The Magnificent Machines of Milwaukee and the Engineers Who Created Them temporary exhibition is based on the book of the same name by engineer and historian Thomas Fehring. The exhibition traces Milwaukee's history of engineering and innovation from 1860-1960 and includes many of the original machines, patents, and models produced during that time.

This exhibition highlights some of the most significant engineering marvels in Milwaukee's history and includes photographs, documents, ephemera, and a number of the actual machines highlighted in the book by Fehring, who served as co-curator alongside Museum Director James Kieselburg. Nash automobiles, Merkel motorcycles, Evinrude outboards, Johnson Controls environmental systems, Master Lock locks, and Stereo-Realist cameras are but a few of the “Magnificent Machines of Milwaukee,” inventions.

Each year, the Wisconsin Historical Society’s governing Board of Curators recognizes individuals and organizations for meritorious work in areas relating to the Society’s mission.  The Board of Curators is made up of thirty-seven elected and appointed members from across the state.

For information on award criteria, nominations and deadlines please visit www.wisconsinhistory.org.