Browse Exhibits (4 total)

ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL: Walden III's Colorful Legacy

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Walden III: In the Process of Discovery Here was founded in 1972 as an "alternative school" by Jackson Parker and David Johnston. It was the "alternative" to the traditional and impersonal educational programs of the time, with a focus on treating students as individuals and inspiring a “growing school population of disaffected students.” Walden III was a success and was recognized for its efforts in 1996 when they were chosen to be in a coalition of schools that were classified as “reformers” of education. Walden III’s students are a hodgepodge of talent and intellect and, through their art that decorates the halls of 1012 Center Street, they left behind a colorful legacy.

This exhibit was made possible by our generous sponsors:

The SC Johnson Fund Inc.
Racine Community Foundation

With a special thanks to Mark Hertzberg

Racine County and the Underground Railroad

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The Underground Railroad was a secretive network of people who helped slaves escape to the northern United States, Canada, the Seminole reservation in Florida, Mexico, California and Central America to gain freedom. The network was loosely organized, but incredibly effective. To be a part of this network was to be part of a risky illegal movement.

While on the Underground Railroad, fugitive slaves would travel from southern states and meet conductors at various locations during their escape. The conductors would then bring or direct slaves to stations until they were free. 

Racine County was home to some of those stations. From Racine fugitive slaves would travel either over land or through the harbor via ship to freedom in Canada.

Adapted from Racine Heritage Museum’s exhibit, This Train is Bound for Glory: Racine County’s Underground Railroad

This exhibit was made possible by our generous sponsors:

Institute of Museum & Library Services
The SC Johnson Fund Inc.
Racine Community Foundation
Arch W Shaw Foundation
Racine County

With a special thanks to the following for their time and expertise:

  • Randy Brandt
  • Joan Carr
  • First Presbyterian Church
  • Mark Hertzberg
  • Cecilia Millard
  • Ralph & Judy Paulson
  • Steve Rogstad
  • Betty Stinson
  • Jimmy Thelen
  • Don Vande Sand
  • Steve & Linda Carlson
  • Milton Dockery & Georgann Stinson-Dockery
  • Lance Herdegen
  • Walter MacDonald
  • Andrea Bell Myers
  • Jodi Prudhomme
  • Roosevelt Elementary School Choir
  • Pearline W. Terry
  • Chuck Tyler

Dillinger Robs Racine

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The story of when FBIs most wanted gangster, John Dillinger, robbed the American Bank & Trust of Racine.

Photos taken from scrapbook donated by Ursula Patzke

Washington Park High School Print Shop

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Beginning in 1958, Washington Park High School operated a sign shop, where students and faculty designed and produced signs advertising school and community events.

The items on exhibit were produced between 1961 and 1970, when Art Instructor Ron Gardina oversaw shop operations. Gardina Introduced silk screen printing (signs had initially been painted by hand) using printing stations acquired from Army surplus. The screening process allowed for increased production and sales, which supported the shop as a self-sustaining enterprise.