Books

"Milwaukee's story is unique in that its struggle for integration and quality education has been so closely tied to [school] choice." --from the Introduction

"Educating Milwaukee: How One City's History of Segregation and Struggle Shaped Its Schools" traces the origins of the modern school choice movement, which is growing in strength throughout the United States. Author James K. Nelsen follows Milwaukee's tumultuous education history through three eras--"no choice," "forced choice," and "school choice." Nelsen details the whole story of Milwaukee's choice movement through to modern times when Milwaukee families have more schooling options than ever--charter schools, open enrollment, state-funded vouchers, neighborhood schools--and yet Milwaukee's impoverished African American students still struggle to succeed and stay in school. "Educating Milwaukee" chronicles how competing visions of equity and excellence have played out in one city's schools in the modern era, offering both a cautionary tale and a "choice" example.

Wisconsin Historical Society Press

December 15, 2015

288 pages

A History Lover's Guide to Milwaukee offers something for visitors and lifelong residents alike. Often described as a "big small town", Milwaukee's quirky character stems from its many neighborhoods--each with its own stories to tell. Early territorial disputes, for example, led to the horribly (or humorously) misaligned streets of downtown. The city's signature rectangular pizza was born in the Third Ward. In Kilbourntown, Teddy Roosevelt was saved from an assassin's bullet by the smallest of items. Not far from that spot, eight baseball team owners formed the American League of Professional Baseball Clubs. And no matter the neighborhood, a fantastic glass of suds is never far away in this renowned beer city. Leading readers on a neighborhood-by-neighborhood tour, author and Milwaukee native Jim Nelsen pinpoints the fascinating historic locations of the Cream City.

The History Press

October 18, 2021

192 pages

You might think that Milwaukee does not have any secrets. Milwaukee’s image is one of quaint nostalgia, of beer, bratwurst, bowling, and television’s Laverne & Shirley. But Milwaukee is a lot more than those stereotypes. Inside Secret Milwaukee, you will find all sorts of Milwaukee lore that even long-time residents do not know about. Which president of the United States was almost assassinated in Milwaukee? What is the city’s connection to The Exorcist? Which buildings are haunted? What are Milwaukee’s connections to the mafia? Is there buried treasure here? And yes, you will also learn about beer, bratwurst, bowling, and Laverne & Shirley, along with the history of frozen custard, Milwaukee-style pizza, and a whole lot more.

Reedy Press

October 15, 2023

182 pages

New perspectives on state and national history through the lens of Wisconsin's oldest city. This richly illustrated book for middle grade and high school learners uses primary sources and archival photos to explore Milwaukee’s role in Wisconsin and US history. Available in print or accessibility-enhanced e-book format, Milwaukee Through History highlights the city’s multiple transformations—from a resource-rich homeland of several Native nations to an immigrant hub to an industrial boomtown and, finally, to a vibrant tourist destination that continues to grapple with issues of systemic poverty and segregation. Readers will discover key people, places, events, and innovations that made Milwaukee and national history. Author James K. Nelsen sheds new light on important events and milestones in history, including the American Revolution, the War of 1812, the Civil War, and the Great Migration. Written with students in mind and featuring a glossary and discussion questions, Milwaukee Through History is both an engaging supplement to Wisconsin and US history curricula and a great read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of a diverse and dynamic city.  

Wisconsin Historical Society Press

July 30, 2024

Milwaukee is full of weird borders, streets that do not line up right, creepy cemeteries and other curious things.

Many locals have heard about the crooked bridges downtown, the sewer Socialists and the attempt on Teddy Roosevelt's life. Not as many know about the time Josette Juneau saved Milwaukee, the city's link to The Exorcist or its ghost towns like Oakwood, Saint Martin's and Root Creek. And yes, a lion really lived inside the library. Employees used bowling balls to play fetch with it.

Milwaukee-based historian James Nelsen shares joyous and amazing stories of the Cream City's strange history. 

The History  Press

March 25, 2025

204 pages