"Rails and Records: Exploring the Milwaukee Road Archives" presented by Greg Comly.
The Milwaukee Public Library was designated in 1981 as the official repository of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railroad, fondly known as the Milwaukee Road. The Milwaukee Road Archives beckons all those fascinated by the history of railroads and the indelible mark left by the Milwaukee Road. Whether you're a researcher, historian or simply captivated by the romance of trains, this collection offers an invaluable opportunity to delve into a bygone era and witness the enduring legacy of the Milwaukee Road firsthand.
Collection Overview:
- Illustrations and Drawings: The Milwaukee Road build most of its own equipment. This collection contains more than 50,000 engineering drawings of cars, structures and locomotives.
- Photographs: Over 18,000 images range from glass plates produced in the late 1800s to modern color slides.
- Other resources include: Personnel Records; Timetables; Employee Magazines; Corporate Records; Track Profiles; Maps; and more
Greg Comly was born and raised in Laramie, Wyoming. His passion for learning and preserving historical records led him to pursue a dual degree in History and Geography from the University of Wyoming. Seeking to deepen his understanding of the archival field, he embarked on a journey to acquire a Master's degree in Library and Information Science, with a concentration in archives, from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Since 2016, Greg has been an integral part of the Milwaukee Public Library, where he has continuously strived to connect individuals with valuable resources and foster a love for learning. In early 2022, Greg took on the new and exciting role as the Milwaukee Road Librarian in the Special Collections Department at Central Library. He is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the remarkable history of the Milwaukee Road.