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UW-Milwaukee's Predecessor Institutions.: UW-Extension (1892-1956)

Explains the UWM's predecessor institutions, and explains our relationship to Milwaukee-Downer College. Offers further resources and research suggestions.

For more information

UW-Extension's website includes a general history and a timeline. See http://www.uwex.edu/about/uw-extension-history.html

Research in the archival records: read the finding aid at http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-mil-uwmac0071 and ask in the Archives.

Summary

The Extension existed under various names in Milwaukee from 1892 to present day. It is now Milwaukee County Cooperative Extension.

University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee (UWM) was established in 1956 after the merger of Wisconsin State College, Milwaukee with the Milwaukee Extension Division of the University of Wisconsin.

The Extension, downtown Milwaukee

Timeline

1891 - University of Wisconsin, located in Madison, WI started the University Extension, which offered correspondence courses and lecture courses

1892 - University Extension offered classes in Milwaukee in the old Empire building located at Grand Avenue and West Water Streets (now Wisconsin and Plankington Avenues)

1892 - 1920 - School officially known as University of Wisconsin College and Vocational Day and Evening Classes in Milwaukee

1910 - School moved to 471 Van Buren Street

1920 - 1930 - School changes its name to The University of Wisconsin Extension Division

1922 - 1956 Students informally refer to the school as The Division

1924 - School moved to 137 Second Street (now 637 Second Street)

1928 - School moved to Milwaukee Center building at Sixth and State Streets

1941 - First university extension graduate courses leading to advanced degrees offered

1945 - Became official division school of the University of Wisconsin

1946 - Classes were being held in eight locations due to shortage of space: West Allis, South Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, Shorewood and the Metropolitan Building, Brumber Building and Wisconsin Tower in Milwaukee.

1953 - New building, facing Kilbourn Avenue, opened

1955 - Legislature passed measure combining Wisconsin State College, Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Extension Division. UW-Milwaukee formed in 1956.