Women of Influence

Forest Home Cemetery is the final resting place of many influential figures who shaped Milwaukee, including beer barons, industrialists, and politicians.

But what about the remarkable women who left their mark on the city's history?

Join tour guide and author Anita Pietrykowski as she shares the stories of trailblazing women who made a lasting impact. Learn about Wisconsin’s first female physician, the visionary women behind the development of the Soldiers' Home, the founder of Milwaukee’s first animal shelter, the “Johnny Appleseed” of Little Free Libraries, and many more inspiring figures.

This engaging walking tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the contributions of Milwaukee’s extraordinary women—you won’t want to miss it!

Important information

• This is a 1.5-mile walking tour; please dress for the weather and wear comfortable footwear. 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).
  
• You do not need to bring your paper ticket.
  
• Do not park in front of the office' those spaces are reserved for funeral processionsa and cemetery business. You may park for free anywhere else along the side of the road (allowing space for cars to pass) - there is ample parking around the chapel across from Halls of History.
  
• If you enjoy your tour, please take a moment afterward 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.

About your guide
Now in her 10th 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.