Walking tour: Pioneering Spirits – Celebrating Women of the 1800s

Embark on a captivating journey through history, “Pioneering Spirits: Celebrating Women of the 1800s.” Discover the untold stories and remarkable legacies of Milwaukee’s pioneering women who defied convention, shattered barriers, and left an indelible mark on our community. Join guide and author, Anita Pietrykowski, as we honor their courage, resilience, and enduring influence while walking through beautiful, historic Forest Home Cemetery. 

Tour includes (subject to change):
Susanna C. Watson 
Lydia D. Ely 
Susan Stuart Frackelton 
Georgia Green Stebbins 
Elizabeth A. Plankinton 
Anna Maria Krug Schlitz 

Important information 

• This 1.5-mile walking tour moves at a brisk pace over uneven cemetery roads and grounds. See tour route below. Please wear comfortable footwear and watch your step! Our tour guides have a lot to share and are on a tight timeline, so please try to stick together. 
   
• This tour will run rain or shine and will only be canceled in the event of a dangerous weather event. Tickets are non-refundable. 
   
• Please arrive about 10 minutes before your tour. Meet under the canopy outside Halls of History (next to the main office inside the Lincoln Avenue entrance). 
   
• Parking is free and available throughout the cemetery; however, the spots in front of the office are reserved for cemetery business Monday–Friday, 8 am–4:30 pm and 10 am–3 pm Saturday. There is ample parking around the chapel, in front of and to the side of Halls of History. Sundays you may park wherever you like. 
   
• After your tour, please take a moment to review us on Google reviews or TripAdvisor. 
   
• Proceeds from all tours and events help preserve and enhance the historical and natural elements of the cemetery. 

Tour route: Pioneering Spirits: Celebrating Women of the 1800s

About your guide
Now in her ninth season, Anita Pietrykowski is a volunteer, guide, and author at Forest Home Cemetery. Her particular interest is to research and share the stories of the many remarkable women buried at Forest Home Cemetery from the founding of Milwaukee to modern day.

Driven by her motto, “The women are not to be forgotten,” she shares the women’s stories through costumed reenactments, and through talks and tours she gives to the public and to private groups. She is the author of the chapter entitled, “Historic Women” in the book, Milwaukee’s Forest Home Cemetery by Arcadia Publishing Co., 2020. Now retired after 42 years of service, Anita worked as a teacher, principal, and administrator for Milwaukee Public Schools.

About Forest Home Cemetery & Arboretum

Established in 1850, Forest Home Cemetery is Milwaukee’s oldest-operating cemetery, open to people of all faiths, races and backgrounds since its inception. Forest Home Cemetery is on the National Registry of Historic Places and is the finest example of a Victorian-era rural garden cemetery in the Upper Midwest

Milwaukee’s largest green space with more 2,600 trees on nearly 200 acres, Forest Home is the city’s first accredited arboretum and is open daily to the public from dawn to dusk. Leashed dogs, jogging, strollers and bicycles are welcome.

Each year, we host public and private historical and nature-based tours, field trips and teen programs, plus our signature community events: Memorial Day, Doors Open, Dia de los Muertos 5K and Festival, Shakesepeare Festival and Spirits of the Silent City after-dark historical tours.

We have many volunteer opportunities for adults and youth looking for service hours! Email [email protected] to find out more.

Sign up for our newsletter on our website (foresthomecemetery.com) and follow us on Facebook and Instagram so you don’t miss any of our tours and events!

If you enjoy our beautiful space, stay longer! Stop in the office Monday-Friday 8 am–4:30 pm and Saturday 10 am – 3:30 pm , or call a counselor (414) 645-2632 to find out about our many burial options.

Host or Publisher Forest Home Historic Preservation Assoc.