The history of Brady Street reflects the history of the United States. Immigrants from around the world learning to live side-by-side and share a neighborhood is the root of America’s unique development. This documentary takes viewers through Brady Street’s history, from pre-European settlement up to the modern day, showing the resilience, passion, and determination that defines the Brady Street neighborhood.

The Brady Street Business Improvement District collaborated with docUWM, a media center in UW-Milwaukee’s Peck School of Arts, to develop and produce this documentary. Under the direction of docUWM Program Director Sean Kafer, MFA, students in docUWM’s film program gained real-world experience in film direction, production, editing, post-production, and research.

This documentary tells the story of Brady Street in chronological order, divided into chapters. Students were given research topics at the beginning of the semester, and along with their instructor and the help of the Brady St BID, students found subjects, or protagonists, to film while interviewing. In a formal interview, protagonists are asked questions geared towards perspectives, changes in the neighborhood, and salient moments that make the Brady Street neighborhood what it is today. The student filmmakers interviewed historians, residents, business owners, and individuals who have made a profound impact on the Brady Street neighborhood to understand how the area has transformed from a sacred area for indigenous tribes to a diverse, modern neighborhood. Interviewees share their stories, family photos, home videos, and insights into how and why they became part of the Brady Street neighborhood.

All interviews and footage have been stored on a hard drive and donated to the Milwaukee Public Library’s archive for future use.

The documentary will be submitted to the Milwaukee Film Festival, as well as several national and international film festivals.

Any remaining funds have been donated to Cass Street School and Tamarack School. The Brady Street BID did not receive any payment for the documentary.