Get to know the MPA Board
Erin Murphy

- I grew up in New England surrounded by historic architecture, building techniques, and stories of the days before. Being able to stand in spots where historical events took place became addicting. I went from one building/site to the next learning the stories, figures, and impact they had on America's history. Preserving the buildings, sites, and stories for the future generations is a lifelong passion of mine.
1. What is your guiding principle?
Educate yourself before having an opinion or making a declaration.
2. What is your favorite book or movie??
Book: anything by Eric Sloane. Movie: anything by Ken Burns
3. What is your favorite free time activity?
Learning something new. The latest adventure was pressing my own apple cider. I grew up near the last steam powered cider press. They make the best cider. I never found anything in Wisconsin that compared - so I made my own using simple practices and gathering advice from experienced apple farmers and cider pressers.
4. What is one of your favorite places in Milwaukee? Outside of Milwaukee?
Hands down, Milwaukee's City Hall. Outside: On a warm beach with a frozen beverage in one hand, nachos in the other.
5. What inspires you and why?
The family and friends in my life. The people that stand up against injustice and fight for equal rights/opportunities for all communities. The underdog. Dolly Parton.
6. What do you see as the future of historic preservation?
A united view that restoration and repurposing existing buildings is worth the investment for preservation of our history and to better our green footprint on this earth.
7. Why should people support MPA?
Milwaukee has a number of buildings on the cusp of restoration and demolition. Organizations that take the time to research, advocate, and find solutions to steer the wheel towards restoration and preservation are in need of support. MPA is one of few groups in the city that focuses on this effort and is growing to touch more projects every year.
Educate yourself before having an opinion or making a declaration.
2. What is your favorite book or movie??
Book: anything by Eric Sloane. Movie: anything by Ken Burns
3. What is your favorite free time activity?
Learning something new. The latest adventure was pressing my own apple cider. I grew up near the last steam powered cider press. They make the best cider. I never found anything in Wisconsin that compared - so I made my own using simple practices and gathering advice from experienced apple farmers and cider pressers.
4. What is one of your favorite places in Milwaukee? Outside of Milwaukee?
Hands down, Milwaukee's City Hall. Outside: On a warm beach with a frozen beverage in one hand, nachos in the other.
5. What inspires you and why?
The family and friends in my life. The people that stand up against injustice and fight for equal rights/opportunities for all communities. The underdog. Dolly Parton.
6. What do you see as the future of historic preservation?
A united view that restoration and repurposing existing buildings is worth the investment for preservation of our history and to better our green footprint on this earth.
7. Why should people support MPA?
Milwaukee has a number of buildings on the cusp of restoration and demolition. Organizations that take the time to research, advocate, and find solutions to steer the wheel towards restoration and preservation are in need of support. MPA is one of few groups in the city that focuses on this effort and is growing to touch more projects every year.