Eetae Jung, “Tanneries and Early Industries of Milwaukee Brady Street”
Mentor: Sean Kafer, Film, Video, Animation, & New Genres
Oral Presentation Union E220 9:15am

Brady Street carries an abundant history that has served as an essential part of its residents’ lives since Milwaukee’s earliest days. My research focuses on tracing the evolution of this history, highlighting its role in the industrial landscape of the 1900s and the subsequent changes the Brady Street neighborhood has experienced. I initiated and organized interviews with key figures such as Mr. Seidel, the owner of Seidel Tanning Company, and Mr. Ed Gallun, a business owner of the renowned Gallun Tanning Company, setting up plans and coordinating the meetings and tours. Through these interviews and tours, I have gained important insights into Brady Street’s past. From the interview with Mr. Ed Gallun to a tour of Seidel Tanning Company, those abundant stories and the physical space of the factory have provided me with a deeper understanding of the leather industry and its heritage passed down through generations. My goal as a researcher is to understand the early industry as an important part of the history of Milwaukee and Brady Street, and the community identity that has shaped Brady Street over time. Balancing the task of finding suitable subjects and arranging times, and navigating the uncertainty of securing suitable times and spaces within limited time constraints, allowed me to be a better planner, effectively preparing for the interviews and tours of the tanneries and earlier industries of the Brady Street neighborhood. Leading and supporting other researchers for the Brady Street project, our team gained knowledge and engagement with Brady Street as a historic neighbor, connecting the past to present to preserve its history and pave a path for a better future. Moreover, our collaborative efforts for the project will ensure that Brady Street remains a vibrant and valued part of Milwaukee’s identity for generations to come.