Milwaukee History in the Making
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Registration Deadline is Wednesday, June 11
St. Josaphat Basilica epitomizes the striving of early Polish immigrants to express their ethnic heritage, spiritual devotion, and patriotic pride by building impressive houses of worship. The Parish was formed in 1888 as an offshoot of Saint Stanislaus Parish and subsequently became the largest Polish parish in Wisconsin. Its first home was a modest building that burned to the ground in 1889. The parish built a second church, but it was too small for its needs. This burgeoning immigrant community desired to construct a church to meet the needs of its more than 12,000 parishioners in the late 19th century. Ground was broken in 1896, and the new building would be finished in 1901. When the plans were nearly complete, Fr. Grutza learned that the Chicago Post Office and Custom House needed to be razed, and he was able to purchase it for $20,000.
The present church is not what the Chicago Post Office looked like. Architect Brielmaier changed his plans to include the salvaged materials, but his design remained faithful to the original model—St. Peter’s. At the time of completion, the only building in the country with a larger dome was the United States Capitol. In the Catholic Church, basilica status is reserved for the largest, most beautiful, and most historically important churches.
In 1929, St. Josaphat Church was named the third basilica in the United States. Today there are over sixty. It is as close as we get to a European Cathedral. It is the largest church in Milwaukee, with a seating capacity of over 1,000 on the main floor, hundreds more can be accommodated in the galleries.
Following lunch, we are off to explore Milwaukee's past and present from our rivers, harbors & Lake Michigan during a 90-minute tour with unforgettable views and a unique perspective of Milwaukee's history & architecture. Live narration is provided by experienced and entertaining tour guides & the captain.
Please note that temperatures can drastically vary on the lakefront, rivers, and mainland- please help make sure you stay comfortable by dressing in layers (year-round).
As always there will be a ‘surprise stop’ along the way!
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Lunch Options: (Indicate your choice when registering)
- Breast of Chicken Sandwich - Served on a Milwaukee pretzel roll with lettuce, tomato & Swiss cheese, served with German potato salad
- Hungarian Goulash - Tender beef braised in paprika sauce and onion over spatzle
- Weiner Schnitzel - Breaded tender port cutlet served with spatzle and sauerkraut
- Vegetable Napoleon - Roasted vegetable tower drizzled with pepper coulis, topped with Provolone cheese and served with spatzle
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PLATO is partnering with the Verona Senior Center and UW Retirement Association on this travel opportunity. Pick-up locations are different from PLATO's usual trips. You will be required to fill out the 2025 Verona New Member Form (no charge) and 2025 Verona trip waiver Form. You can fill out these forms in advance or on the day of the trip.
Schedule: (Return times are approximate)
8:00 a.m. Depart Verona Senior Center, 108 Paoli Street, Verona
8:30 a.m. Pick-up (East Madison) Dutch Mill Park and Ride (East Lot)
5:00 p.m. Return Dutch Mill Park & Ride
5:30 p.m. Return Verona Senior Center
Departure Locations:
Verona Senior Center, 108 Paoli Street, Verona
East Side (Dutch Mill Park & Ride (East Lot))
Map below for those boarding the bus on east side Dutch Mill Park & Ride. Please park in the "east" lot as indicated by the arrow. (east of Arby's)
Cost: $100 per person and includes bus transportation, driver tip, admission fees, meal, taxes, and gratuities.
Seating is limited, so register today! Registrations must be received no later than noon on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.
Mail-In Registration Form: Print, Fill-in, and Mail this Form for those who wish to register off-line and by check.
Refund Policy: PLATO refunds an event fee if cancelled prior to the registration deadline. Refunds after the registration deadline are only processed if a wait-listed registrant can attend. Refunds made by check.
PLATO Membership: PLATO membership is $60.00/year and all memberships renew on July 1.
For further information, contact PLATO trip coordinator, Bob Shaw, robert.e.shaw@gmail.com , 608-255-3486.
