Get to know the MPA Board
Shannon Winterhalter
Growing up in a military family, the foundation for my love of history and architecture was laid at an early age. After moving around the US and Europe, we eventually settled down in the suburbs of Atlanta where I spent my formative years. I went on to study History and Anthropology at the University of Georgia in Athens, where I discovered a field that combined all the aspects I loved most about my studies - historic preservation!
After staying at UGA to complete a master’s degree in Historic Preservation, I moved to the Upper Midwest where I worked for the Wisconsin Historical Society in Madison. In 2018, I moved to Milwaukee to work as an Architectural Historian for a local cultural resource management firm. In that role, I was able to explore and research historic
resources all across Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois. As I settled into my new city, I became aware of the great work MPA was doing and became a member. In my current position, I work as a consultant preparing National Register Nominations and tax credit applications for adaptive reuse projects throughout the region.
Having never had a traditional hometown, I feel like Milwaukee has given me that comfort more than any other place I’ve known. I joined the MPA board of directors in 2021 and I am both humbled and excited to be part of this group of such knowledgeable and dedicated people.
After staying at UGA to complete a master’s degree in Historic Preservation, I moved to the Upper Midwest where I worked for the Wisconsin Historical Society in Madison. In 2018, I moved to Milwaukee to work as an Architectural Historian for a local cultural resource management firm. In that role, I was able to explore and research historic
resources all across Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois. As I settled into my new city, I became aware of the great work MPA was doing and became a member. In my current position, I work as a consultant preparing National Register Nominations and tax credit applications for adaptive reuse projects throughout the region.
Having never had a traditional hometown, I feel like Milwaukee has given me that comfort more than any other place I’ve known. I joined the MPA board of directors in 2021 and I am both humbled and excited to be part of this group of such knowledgeable and dedicated people.
1. What three words best define you?
Hardworking, resourceful, and observant
2. What is your guiding principle?
Never stop learning.
3. What is your favorite book and movie?
Favorite book, probably Little Women. Movie – too hard to choose! Probably anything
Nora Ephron wrote/directed/produced. Also, though not technically a movie, I will never
turn down a chance to watch Ken Burn’s Country Music.
4. What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
As the child of military parents, I lived in Germany for six years growing up.
5. What is your favorite free time activity?
I love road tripping around the state and region, exploring new towns and getting to
appreciate new buildings, food, and places.
6. What is one of your favorite places in Milwaukee? Outside of Milwaukee?
In Milwaukee: The Oriental Theatre. Outside of Milwaukee? Probably my old hometown
of Heidelberg, Germany.
7. If you could become a fictional character for one day, who would it be?
Garfield, the cat (for a day of naps and lasagna).
8. What do you see as the future of historic preservation?
I hope to see more representation from diverse communities in the preservation field,
both professionally and recreationally. I also hope to see preservation as a recognized
and respected solution for many of the problems our communities deal with, from
striving towards equity in our cities to lessening our impact on the environment.
9. Why should people support MPA?
MPA does so much behind the scenes work to advocate for and educate the public
about our places, buildings, and history here in Milwaukee. Our city simply would not be
the same place today without the hard work of past and present members and
volunteers over the past twenty years. And you have a chance to be a part of that
history with your support!
Hardworking, resourceful, and observant
2. What is your guiding principle?
Never stop learning.
3. What is your favorite book and movie?
Favorite book, probably Little Women. Movie – too hard to choose! Probably anything
Nora Ephron wrote/directed/produced. Also, though not technically a movie, I will never
turn down a chance to watch Ken Burn’s Country Music.
4. What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
As the child of military parents, I lived in Germany for six years growing up.
5. What is your favorite free time activity?
I love road tripping around the state and region, exploring new towns and getting to
appreciate new buildings, food, and places.
6. What is one of your favorite places in Milwaukee? Outside of Milwaukee?
In Milwaukee: The Oriental Theatre. Outside of Milwaukee? Probably my old hometown
of Heidelberg, Germany.
7. If you could become a fictional character for one day, who would it be?
Garfield, the cat (for a day of naps and lasagna).
8. What do you see as the future of historic preservation?
I hope to see more representation from diverse communities in the preservation field,
both professionally and recreationally. I also hope to see preservation as a recognized
and respected solution for many of the problems our communities deal with, from
striving towards equity in our cities to lessening our impact on the environment.
9. Why should people support MPA?
MPA does so much behind the scenes work to advocate for and educate the public
about our places, buildings, and history here in Milwaukee. Our city simply would not be
the same place today without the hard work of past and present members and
volunteers over the past twenty years. And you have a chance to be a part of that
history with your support!
