It’s 414 Day also known as Milwaukee Day!
Officially proclaimed in 2012 by former Mayor Tom Barrett, this city and statewide holiday is dedicated to celebrating the city we love. It’s a fun, local holiday inspired by Milwaukee’s area code, 414 (i.e., April 14). The day focuses on honoring Milwaukee's unique culture and spirit; over the years, it has evolved into a vibrant community event.
Each year, local organizations host festivities that include food, music, and activities. These are often offered at a budget-friendly price of $4.14, making them accessible to everyone. The festivities highlight local businesses and bring the community together. It’s a fantastic opportunity for both locals and visitors to enjoy what the Brew City has to offer!
Some of this year’s activities include a festival in the Deer District and a party at the Harley-Davidson Museum. Also taking place at City Hall is the 6th annual 414 Day flag drop by 414 Milwaukee. This year, they collaborated with the Milwaukee Indian Community School and will be debuting a flag that honors the city’s rich heritage.
We will be kicking off our fourth annual 414 for UWM Giving Days here at UWM! You can find more information about it here.
The featured images come from our first-edition copy of Milwaukee: Hometown Metropolis by Milwaukee's unofficial historian John Gurda. The book shines a spotlight on all the wonderful things Milwaukee has to offer, from brewery tours and baseball games to museums and parks. Cityscapes Books, a division of the Pagoda Group publishing company, published it in Brookline, MA, in 2014. John Gurda is a writer and historian based in Milwaukee who has authored 22 books. He has dedicated much of his career to exploring Milwaukee’s rich history.
View previous 414 Day posts.
--Melissa (born and raised in the 414), Special Collections Library Assistant
