Belle Austin Jacobs Memorial Milwaukee: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

The Belle Austin Jacobs Memorial in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, stands as a tribute to one of the city’s most influential social reformers and civic leaders. Honoring Belle Austin Jacobs—a pioneering advocate for women’s rights, labor reform, education, and immigrant welfare during the Progressive Era—the memorial offers visitors a powerful insight into Milwaukee’s legacy of activism and community engagement. Located at important sites such as Kosciuszko Park and Forest Home Cemetery, this monument embodies the spirit of Milwaukee’s progressive movements and serves as a vibrant cultural landmark. With free admission, comprehensive accessibility, and proximity to other key attractions, the memorial is an essential stop for history enthusiasts, cultural tourists, and locals alike (Milwaukee Historical Sites, Forest Home Cemetery).

Contents

Discover the Belle Austin Jacobs Memorial: A Milwaukee Historical Landmark

The Belle Austin Jacobs Memorial is a pivotal site in Milwaukee, honoring a trailblazer in social reform and civic engagement. Whether you’re a history scholar, a tourist, or a local resident, the memorial provides an engaging window into the city’s progressive past and the enduring legacy of one of its most influential women.


Origins and Historical Context

Belle Austin Jacobs was instrumental in Milwaukee’s social reform movements during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her advocacy placed her alongside national leaders, and she made significant contributions to women’s rights, labor reform, education, and immigrant welfare. The memorial stands as a lasting testament to her legacy and to Milwaukee’s dynamic history of activism during the Progressive Era.


Milwaukee’s Settlement House Movement and Reform Landscape

Inspired by Chicago’s Hull House, Milwaukee established its own settlement houses, providing services such as language classes, job training, and childcare to immigrant and working-class families. Jacobs played a key role in organizing these initiatives, fostering civic engagement and empowering local residents to participate in policy reforms.


Women’s Leadership and Suffrage Advocacy

Jacobs was at the forefront of Milwaukee’s suffrage movement, collaborating with a diverse coalition of women’s clubs, including African American organizations. Her leadership helped pave the way for expanded voting rights and set the stage for broader social reforms that continue to shape Milwaukee today.


Labor Reform and Child Welfare

During an era of intense industrialization, Jacobs championed reforms for safer workplaces, minimum wage standards, and child labor protections. Her efforts positioned Milwaukee as a progressive leader in labor rights and workers’ welfare.


Educational Innovation and Civic Engagement

Education was central to Jacobs’ mission. She championed public schooling, adult education, and vocational training—essential for enabling immigrants and working families to participate fully in Milwaukee’s economy. Jacobs also encouraged grassroots involvement in local governance, reinforcing the city’s tradition of civic engagement.


The Wisconsin Idea and Policy Innovation

The memorial reflects Milwaukee’s embrace of the Wisconsin Idea—a progressive framework advocating government regulation, expanded democracy, and social welfare. Jacobs was a key supporter of these reforms, helping to implement them locally and positively impact Milwaukee residents.


Artistic Collaboration: Sculptor and Architect

The memorial is the product of collaboration between sculptor Sylvia Shaw Judson and architect Alexander C. Eschweiler. Judson, noted for her gentle, naturalistic bronze sculptures, crafted the statue, while Eschweiler designed its granite base and limestone benches. Their partnership resulted in a harmonious blend of fine art and public space (Milwaukee Art Museum).


Sculpture: Form, Material, and Technique

The bronze statue, approximately four feet tall, depicts a kneeling young woman feeding a squirrel—a scene rendered with Judson’s signature realism and warmth. The use of bronze ensures the memorial’s durability and dignity, while the figure’s posture and outstretched hand convey humility and nurturing. The inclusion of the squirrel adds playfulness and a connection to nature.


Architectural Setting: Base and Benches

Eschweiler’s architectural design features a black granite base and limestone benches, creating a small plaza within Kosciuszko Park. These elements not only lend strength and endurance to the memorial but also invite visitors to rest and reflect, transforming the site into a communal gathering place.


Symbolism: The Squirrel Lady and Her Legacy

Belle Austin Jacobs is depicted feeding a squirrel, a symbol of industriousness and care for the vulnerable. Locally, the statue was affectionately called the “Squirrel Lady,” underscoring its community resonance. The kneeling posture and open gesture reflect Jacobs’ humility and dedication to service, while the memorial’s location in Kosciuszko Park—a hub for immigrant and working-class communities—amplifies its social justice symbolism.


Artistic Context: Early 20th-Century Memorials

Erected in 1931, the memorial typifies a shift from grand allegorical monuments to more intimate, human-scale public art. Judson’s naturalistic style and the memorial’s integration with park landscapes reflect evolving ideas about the civic role of art and collective memory.


Loss and Legacy: The Stolen Statue

In December 1975, the original statue was stolen from Kosciuszko Park and remains missing. The theft highlighted the challenges of preserving public memorials, but the “Squirrel Lady” endures in local memory and continues to inspire discussions about community identity and cultural heritage.


Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

Kosciuszko Park (original site):

  • Open daily: Dawn to dusk
  • Admission: Free

Forest Home Cemetery (current memorial site):

  • Open daily: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (seasonal variations possible)
  • Admission: Free
  • Guided tours: Available on weekends during warmer months (nominal fee, advance booking required)

Both sites are wheelchair accessible, with paved paths and ramps. Service animals are welcome, and on-site parking is available.

(Forest Home Cemetery)


Directions and Nearby Attractions

  • Kosciuszko Park: In Milwaukee’s Lincoln Village neighborhood, accessible by public transit and car. Explore the Lincoln Village Business District, Polish cultural landmarks, and local dining.
  • Forest Home Cemetery: 2405 W. Forest Home Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53215, with ample parking and accessible routes.

Nearby attractions include the Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee Public Museum, the Historic Third Ward, the Harley-Davidson Museum, and Mitchell Park Domes. Full visitor support is available at Visit Milwaukee.


Visitor Experience and Amenities

  • Guided tours: Weekends and select weekdays; reserve in advance.
  • Self-guided resources: Maps and digital guides at entrances and online.
  • Facilities: Restrooms, benches, drinking fountains, and a visitor center with historical exhibits.
  • Accessibility: Paved paths, ramps, accessible parking, and service animal access.

Preservation Efforts

Milwaukee protects its public art through surveillance, lighting, and staff patrols. Restoration projects maintain the memorial’s integrity, and specialized conservators address any environmental or accidental damage (Creative Flair, FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, Spotlight Theatre).


Travel Tips and Visitor Recommendations

  • Photography: Best in early morning or late afternoon light.
  • Dress: Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.
  • Respect: Do not touch or climb on the memorial.
  • Report: Notify staff of suspicious activity.
  • Engage: Participate in tours and educational programs.
  • Support: Consider donating to preservation efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours for the Belle Austin Jacobs Memorial?
A: Kosciuszko Park: Dawn to dusk; Forest Home Cemetery: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (seasonal variations).

Q: Is admission free?
A: Yes, both sites are free to the public. Guided tours may have a fee.

Q: Is the site accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, both locations have paved paths and accessible amenities.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, on weekends and select weekdays. Advance booking is recommended.

Q: Where can I park?
A: Parking is available at both Kosciuszko Park and Forest Home Cemetery.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Non-commercial photography is allowed; please respect other visitors and ongoing services.


Plan Your Visit and Stay Connected

Enhance your visit to the Belle Austin Jacobs Memorial by downloading the Audiala app for guided tours and exclusive content. For the latest visitor information, events, and tickets, consult the Milwaukee Historical Sites and Forest Home Cemetery websites. Follow Milwaukee’s cultural heritage channels for updates on preservation, events, and new educational resources.



Engage with Milwaukee’s past and present by visiting the Belle Austin Jacobs Memorial—a place where history, art, and community intersect.

Visit The Most Interesting Places In Milwaukee

A Beam Of Sun To Shake The Sky
A Beam Of Sun To Shake The Sky
A Place To Sit
A Place To Sit
Aaron Monument
Aaron Monument
Acqua Grylli
Acqua Grylli
Al Mcguire Center
Al Mcguire Center
All In The Air At Once
All In The Air At Once
|
  All Saints' Episcopal Cathedral Complex
| All Saints' Episcopal Cathedral Complex
American Family Field
American Family Field
American System-Built Homes
American System-Built Homes
|
  America'S Black Holocaust Museum
| America'S Black Holocaust Museum
Ancestor
Ancestor
Angel In A Cage
Angel In A Cage
Argo
Argo
At&T Center
At&T Center
Basilica Of St. Josaphat
Basilica Of St. Josaphat
Bay View Massacre
Bay View Massacre
Bay View Series
Bay View Series
Belle Austin Jacobs Memorial
Belle Austin Jacobs Memorial
Bench-Stone
Bench-Stone
Birds Of Knowledge Of Good And Evil
Birds Of Knowledge Of Good And Evil
Blue Dress Park
Blue Dress Park
Borchert Field
Borchert Field
Boy With Goose
Boy With Goose
Bradley Center
Bradley Center
|
  Brewers' Hill
| Brewers' Hill
|
  Brewers' Hill Mra
| Brewers' Hill Mra
Bridge
Bridge
Bronze Fonz
Bronze Fonz
Buildings 1992
Buildings 1992
Calvary Cemetery
Calvary Cemetery
Cardinal Stritch University
Cardinal Stritch University
Cass Street Park
Cass Street Park
Cathedral Of St. John The Evangelist
Cathedral Of St. John The Evangelist
Celebrating The Arts
Celebrating The Arts
Chase Tower
Chase Tower
Christian Wahl
Christian Wahl
City Yard
City Yard
|
  Cleopatra'S Wedge
| Cleopatra'S Wedge
Compass
Compass
Concordia University Wisconsin
Concordia University Wisconsin
Congregation Beth Israel
Congregation Beth Israel
Connect
Connect
Count Casimir Pulaski
Count Casimir Pulaski
Court Of Honor
Court Of Honor
Dancing Through Life
Dancing Through Life
Dauntless Guardian
Dauntless Guardian
Diana
Diana
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
East Side Commercial Historic District
East Side Commercial Historic District
Eclipse
Eclipse
Eight Stone Lions
Eight Stone Lions
Embrace
Embrace
Emil Blatz Temple Of Music
Emil Blatz Temple Of Music
Erastus B. Wolcott
Erastus B. Wolcott
Family
Family
Fire And Water
Fire And Water
First Unitarian Church
First Unitarian Church
Fiserv Forum
Fiserv Forum
Float
Float
Floating Sculpture No. 3
Floating Sculpture No. 3
Forest Home Cemetery
Forest Home Cemetery
Frederick C. Bogk House
Frederick C. Bogk House
General Douglas Macarthur
General Douglas Macarthur
Gesu Church
Gesu Church
Goethe–Schiller Monument
Goethe–Schiller Monument
Harley-Davidson Museum
Harley-Davidson Museum
Hermes
Hermes
Herzing University
Herzing University
Hilton Milwaukee City Center
Hilton Milwaukee City Center
Historic Third Ward
Historic Third Ward
Holocaust Memorial
Holocaust Memorial
Jacques Marquette
Jacques Marquette
Jantar-Mantar
Jantar-Mantar
Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company
Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company
Juneau Monument
Juneau Monument
Kindred Ties
Kindred Ties
Kneeling Camels
Kneeling Camels
Kumo
Kumo
Lake Park
Lake Park
Lakeshore State Park
Lakeshore State Park
Laureate
Laureate
Leif, The Discoverer
Leif, The Discoverer
|
  Letter Carriers' Monument
| Letter Carriers' Monument
Lloyd Street Grounds
Lloyd Street Grounds
Magic Grove
Magic Grove
Mahatma Gandhi Memorial
Mahatma Gandhi Memorial
Majestic Theatre
Majestic Theatre
Marquette Stadium
Marquette Stadium
Marquette University
Marquette University
Menomonee
Menomonee
Midsummer Carnival Shaft
Midsummer Carnival Shaft
Milwaukee
Milwaukee
Milwaukee Art Museum
Milwaukee Art Museum
Milwaukee City Hall
Milwaukee City Hall
Milwaukee County Historical Society
Milwaukee County Historical Society
Milwaukee County Stadium
Milwaukee County Stadium
Milwaukee County Zoo
Milwaukee County Zoo
Milwaukee-Downer College
Milwaukee-Downer College
Milwaukee Intermodal Station
Milwaukee Intermodal Station
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport
Milwaukee Public Museum
Milwaukee Public Museum
Milwaukee School Of Engineering
Milwaukee School Of Engineering
Mo, Ni, Que
Mo, Ni, Que
Mount Mary University
Mount Mary University
Mount Olivet Cemetery
Mount Olivet Cemetery
Music
Music
Olympus
Olympus
On Watch
On Watch
Oops, Missed
Oops, Missed
Orbits
Orbits
Patrick And Beatrice Haggerty Museum Of Art
Patrick And Beatrice Haggerty Museum Of Art
Patrick Cudahy Memorial
Patrick Cudahy Memorial
Pattern
Pattern
Peck Pavilion
Peck Pavilion
Pedestrian Drama
Pedestrian Drama
Peter John
Peter John
Pettit National Ice Center
Pettit National Ice Center
Plankinton–Wells–Water Street Historic District
Plankinton–Wells–Water Street Historic District
Poland
Poland
Quartet
Quartet
Queen Of Sheba
Queen Of Sheba
Rainbow
Rainbow
R.D. Whitehead Monument
R.D. Whitehead Monument
Red Arrow Park
Red Arrow Park
Red Flower Rising
Red Flower Rising
Referee
Referee
Ritual Ii
Ritual Ii
Robert Burns
Robert Burns
Round About
Round About
Ruins X
Ruins X
Sentinels
Sentinels
Soaring
Soaring
Space Game
Space Game
Spanish-American War Soldier
Spanish-American War Soldier
Spirit Of Commerce
Spirit Of Commerce
Spirit Of The Firefighter
Spirit Of The Firefighter
St. Joan Of Arc Chapel
St. Joan Of Arc Chapel
St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral
St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral
Statue Of Abraham Lincoln
Statue Of Abraham Lincoln
Statue Of Henry Bergh
Statue Of Henry Bergh
Steel Reborn
Steel Reborn
Steuben Monument
Steuben Monument
Stratiformis
Stratiformis
T. A. Chapman Memorial
T. A. Chapman Memorial
Teamwork
Teamwork
Tending The Fire
Tending The Fire
The Calling
The Calling
The Hill Climber
The Hill Climber
The Last Alarm
The Last Alarm
The Lovers
The Lovers
The Reaper
The Reaper
The Source
The Source
The Victorious Charge
The Victorious Charge
Three Bronze Discs
Three Bronze Discs
Tip
Tip
Tree Of Life
Tree Of Life
Trigon
Trigon
Trio
Trio
Twist For Max
Twist For Max
Unfolding
Unfolding
University Of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
University Of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
University Of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Libraries
University Of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Libraries
Upstart
Upstart
Uptown Triangles
Uptown Triangles
U.S. Bank Center
U.S. Bank Center
Uw–Milwaukee Panther Arena
Uw–Milwaukee Panther Arena
Valentin Blatz Brewing Company
Valentin Blatz Brewing Company
Varsity Theater
Varsity Theater
Vegetative Sculpture I
Vegetative Sculpture I
Vliet Street Commons
Vliet Street Commons
Vogel Hall
Vogel Hall
Walk Like A River
Walk Like A River
|
  Walker'S Point Center For The Arts
| Walker'S Point Center For The Arts
Walkways Through The Wall
Walkways Through The Wall
Washington Monument
Washington Monument
Way Four
Way Four
Wind Leaves
Wind Leaves
Wisconsin Center
Wisconsin Center
Wisconsin Conservatory Of Music
Wisconsin Conservatory Of Music
Wisconsin Lutheran College
Wisconsin Lutheran College
Wisconsin School Of Professional Psychology
Wisconsin School Of Professional Psychology
Wisconsin Workers Memorial
Wisconsin Workers Memorial
Woodland Indian And Whistling Swans
Woodland Indian And Whistling Swans
World War I Memorial Flagpole
World War I Memorial Flagpole
You Rise Above The World
You Rise Above The World
Yount Monument
Yount Monument