Greendale, Wisconsin a Historic Greenbelt Planned Community
History Comes to Life in Our 1930s Village - Come Experience It!
The Greendale Historical Society was founded in 1975 to collect, preserve, and share materials that highlight Greendale’s unique history. Our mission is to protect and promote the buildings, landmarks, and artifacts that tell the story of Greendale, Wisconsin. We strive to foster awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the Village’s founding, growth, and recognition as a National Historic Landmark. By preserving Greendale’s rich heritage, we aim to strengthen its historic character for generations to come.
The Village of Greendale holds a place of honor on the National Register of Historic Places and is distinguished as a National Historic Landmark by the United States Department of the Interior. This prestigious recognition reflects Greendale’s exceptional historical and cultural significance.
Eleanor Roosevelt
visited the construction site in 1938
Greendale's Beginnings
In 1936, Greendale was envisioned as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, a bold response to the hardships of the Great Depression. The federal government’s Resettlement Administration acquired 3,400 acres of farmland southwest of Milwaukee’s city limits to create this innovative community.
The project had three primary objectives: to model a new type of suburban living that blended urban and rural elements, to provide quality housing at affordable rents, and to generate employment opportunities for those out of work. This ambitious vision laid the foundation for Greendale’s enduring legacy as a thoughtfully planned community.
In 2023 Greendale celebrated 85 Years!
Happy 85th Birthday to Greendale! Enjoy a gander at an informative edition of Life in the Village magazine celebrating Greendale's 85th. Check out the Greendale Historical Society article on pages 34-45.
Summer 2023 Life in the Village Magazine - View Here
Historical Society Article - View Here
Greendale History in Pictures
Take a further look at Greendale with these images from the Greendale Historical Society's archives. Click on any image to view it in more detail.
Please note, these images are property of the Greendale Historical Society and permission must be given to be reproduced or edited.
Still, looking for more Greendale in pictures? Visit this Wisconsin Historical Society article for more historical images of Greendale.
