Milwaukee PBS | Documentaries and Specials | People of the Port

Few places in any American city have packed so many layers of change into such a small area. Jones Island is practically an open book that tells, on the miniature scale, the story of our entire region, but it is also a richly human story. From the cultural struggles of the early Indians to the catastrophic flooding of Capt. Jones shipyard, from the storybook lives of the Kaszubian fisherfolk to their ultimate eviction, the Island incorporates more drama, tragedy, conflict, and romance than you'd find in landscapes a hundred times larger. For all its historical depth and emotional power, the story of Jones Island is largely unknown in the Milwaukee region. PEOPLE OF THE PORT will close that gap. Anchored by the same duo who created the celebrated "Making of Milwaukee" series, the production team will create a half-hour documentary that elevates Jones Island to its proper place in the local narrative. Each stage in the Island's unique history will be treated as a distinct chapter, separated by wordless visual interludes that feature the contemporary landscape with music appropriate to the scene.

[@enterprisebaby2467]

My family's heritage. Proud to be a descendant of the people of Jones Island.

[@kathymickelson6221]

Thank you John for sharing what you have learned. My Grandfather Edmund Gurda arrived in Milwaukee area in the late 1800's as a one year old child. My Mom's maiden name is Gurda. I am about 18 months younger than you and reside in Sheboygan Wisconsin. I would enjoy meeting you and your family. My husband and I would be happy to drive to your area.

[@toddkasuboske4646]

Thanks PBS!

[@kalicokathy1944]

Enjoy historical documentaries. My great grandfather worked for Getelmans Brewery. He hauled barrels of beer with wagon pulled by horses on the Watertown Plank road

[@lucyloo2520]

Great story, on a Great Lake.

[@WoodyZappa1]

French Canadian Catholics were commercial fishermen in Two Rivers, WI decades before the Poles were on Jones Island. Milwaukee can’t claim the invention of the Wisconsin Friday fish fry any more than it can claim the invention of beer.

[@vavilovasvetlana9044]

I know this city because I visit it often,but unfortunately I didn't know the history of this story.

[@user-zx8de8op9l]

Well done

[@libertyordeath7779]

I work on Jones Island, watched this video just to see if i could see my work, and I did lol , kinda cool. And learned things I never knew

[@MissTiffthegreat]

I LOVVVVVVE him, I've learned so much about my city's history. I'm obsessed.

[@MilwaukeePBS]

Have you checked out 'The Making of Milwaukee' information on our website? You'll find it under the LEARN tab.

[@Ypacino12345]

Love these!

[@chumbachump]

John Gurda is an awesome storyteller. Milwaukee has a bonafide legend; historian-the amount of history I’ve learned from him across all mediums; radio, tv, social media; I don’t think people realize how difficult it is to find facts. Many give opinions on history. John Gurda gives facts; they’re not clean pretty innocent facts; he tells stories by sticking to the facts no matter if it’s uncomfortable to watch the truth of the past. I give tremendous respect to him. I’m proud to live in Milwaukee but I’m even more proud for such iconic people that are part of Milwaukee history. John Gurda connects the past into present and doesn’t speak about what we can do about the future-he just has the resources right there for us to use and make Milwaukee a better place to preserve the integrity that is community. I just needed to get that off my chest. ❤ in terms of this documentary; it’s wild! Jones Island has a history that people literally just drive by without giving it much thought. We should be appreciative of the accomplishments it has made. I’ve gone there twice; 1st time on my own; went to the park and the 2nd time, made it a mini short road trip with my parents. It was an awesome experience having that connection to the past with them.

[@greg925911]

I wish I could share the whole thing to promote the city that I grow up in and help others way younger than me to show them what talk about

[@williamrussell9762]

John Gurda is fantastic 😊

[@ronschwigel8140]

very nice thank you john gurda. and pbs 10.

[@j.wporter1309]

Absolutely excellent. Thank you for sharing this history with us.

[@purethccheck]

Thanks for sharing the history of Jones Island. I had no clue.

[@mosesmanaka8109]

What makes Milwaukee famous, made a fool out of me.

[@libertyordeath7779]

A L C O H O L

[@giovanni9305]

𝐩𝓻Ỗ𝓂Ø𝓈Ｍ 🤗