Take a look at old Milwaukee with new viewfinders throughout the city

Across Milwaukee, 10 streetside binoculars are offering a glimpse into the city's past. 

The Milwaukee County Historical Society and CG Schmidt unveiled the new initiative called Viewaukee on Friday. 

Viewaukee is starting with 10 binoculars posted throughout Milwaukee that are modified to show a photo of the same location in the past. Viewers can learn more about each location at the website, viewaukee.com. 

The project is a collaboration between the historical society and construction management company CG Schmidt. It is the company's 100th anniversary in 2020. 

“Programs like Viewaukee allow the Society to meet people where they are and to help them explore the past, especially as it relates to their life and experiences today,” said Mame McCully, executive director of the Milwaukee County Historical Society, in a news release. “The plan is to grow this interactive and innovative approach to sharing history by adding a variety of locations over the coming years.”

All photos used in Viewaukee are from the society's archives. 

“For more than a century, CG Schmidt has been proud to be the trusted building partner on projects that have literally shaped the Milwaukee skyline,” said CG Schmidt President & CEO Rick Schmidt. “As we reflect on 100 years in this community, we are thrilled to be a part of this project that offers a look back in time to our city’s architecture and landscape history. The Viewaukee project provides an engaging educational experience for residents and visitors alike, and reflects our optimism for Milwaukee’s continued development and growth and our excitement to play a key part in it.”

The first viewfinder outside the Milwaukee War Memorial was unveiled Friday. The remaining viewers will be installed in the coming days. 

The initial 10 viewers are placed throughout Milwaukee at

• Milwaukee War Memorial, 750 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive
• Summerfest North End, East Clybourn Street
• Milwaukee Public Market Pocket Park (park to the west of Public Market), 407 N. Water Street 
• Milwaukee Riverwalk at the Marcus Center, 929 N. Water St. 
• North Point Water Tower, 2288 N. Lake Drive
• Miller Valley at the Historic Caves, 4251 W. State St. 
• The Milwaukee River, Wisconsin Avenue Bridge and Riverwalk 
• 16th Street Bridge, corner of North 16th and West Clybourn streets
• Milwaukee City Hall, south of City Hall on Water Street
• Brady Street, 1240 N. Brady St.

Sarah Hauer can be reached at shauer@journalsentinel.com or on Instagram @HauerSarah and Twitter @SarahHauer. Subscribe to her weekly newsletter Be MKE at jsonline.com/bemke.