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ISM History
The Muslim community in the Milwaukee area is a young, vibrant community. Although there are no official demographic studies available, it is estimated that there are about 15,000 Muslims residing in Southeastern Wisconsin. See how the former New Road School was expanded to accommodate our community’s Muslim population.
1970 - First Organization for Muslims in the
Milwaukee Area
The first established organization for Muslims in the Milwaukee area appears to have been a “Muslim Students’ Association” chapter at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee formed sometime between 1970 and 1972.
Although the Muslim community was quite small during the early 1970’s, the MSA and other members of the Muslim community of Milwaukee would try to organize Friday prayer services, Eid (holiday) prayers and educational programs. Student apartments were sometimes used for Friday congregational prayers. At other times, prayer services were held on the UWM or Marquette University campuses.
1976 - Islamic Association of Greater Milwaukee
The Islamic Association of Greater Milwaukee, Inc. (IAGM) was the first Muslim organization established in the Milwaukee area that was officially registered with the State of Wisconsin. The first official organizational meeting was held on on July 16, 1976. The IAGM began to organize functions for the Muslim community, including holiday arrangements and public lectures.
On December 2, 1976, the IAGM organized the first community holiday prayers held in the Milwaukee area. The holiday prayers (Eid ul Adha) were held at Holiday Inn, 1926 W. Wisconsin Avenue. A few days later, a community potluck dinner was held at the Kenwood United Methodist Church, 2319 E. Kenwood Blvd.
In August, 1979, the IAGM changed its name to Islamic Foundation of Greater Milwaukee, Inc. (IFGM).
1982 - Purchase of New
Road School
The number of Muslim students attending UWM increased substantially. Students came from a number of countries, including occupied Palestine, Jordan, Pakistan, India, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Libya, and other countries. The availability of the Kenwood United Methodist Church for Friday congregational prayers provided a stable, yet limited gathering place.
In 1982, the IFGM found that an old, closed elementary school known as New Road School was placed for sale by the Milwaukee Public School System. The IFGM, in cooperation with the Muslim Students and Community Association (MSCA), put an offer for the school which was the sole bid.
1992 - Salam School
A number of Muslims in the community had always displayed a strong desire to establish a full time Islamic School in Milwaukee. The purchase of the Islamic Center made this a more realistic possibility.
A full time school was established in 1992 and began with 25 students. Due to limited resources at the time, most of the staff were volunteers. By the end of the first academic year, the number of students doubled. By the end of the following year, the number of students had increased threefold.
1993-95 - ISM Expansion: Worship Area
By 1990, the Islamic Center was becoming inadequate to serve all of the community’s needs. Especially problematic was the fact that the Islamic Center was no longer able to accommodate the Friday prayer gatherings. An expansion project was launched in 1993 to create a large prayer hall, a prayer balcony, a large multipurpose hall and other smaller areas.
Groundbreaking took place in 1994 and the main prayer facility opened in October 1995. The Islamic Society of Milwaukee was able to complete the expansion, which included the addition of 24,000 square feet, using locally raised funds and no loans. The ISM also embarked on a major renovation project of the original school building replacing most mechanical systems. Also in 1995, the ISM hired its first full time Imam (religious leader).
2001 - ISM Expansion:
Gymnasium and Classrooms
As the number of students in Salam School continued to expand, the need for additional space became critical. At first, the school utilized trailers located in the parking lot of the school. This was regarded as clumsy and inefficient. As a result, the Muslim community decided to expand the existing building by adding new classrooms, a gymnasium, offices and other improvements.
This project, which cost over $1 million, was completed by 2001. Again, the entire project was funded by the generous donations of members of the community.
2008 - Salam Elementary School
To again accommodate the continued growth of Salam School, the ISM purchased a 107,000 square foot building and converted about 43,000 square feet into classrooms. This building now houses Salam Elementary School.
Salam School is a thriving school which is accredited by both the Wisconsin Religious and Independent Schools Association and the prestigious North Central Association (NCA).
2013-15 - Masjid Al- Noor
(ISM West)
In 2009 and 2010, the ISM purchased two parcels of land in Brookfield to construct a new Masjid (Mosque) for the Muslim community that was located in the Western Suburbs. The ISM West Task Force organized a groundbreaking event with the community on July 12th, 2013.
Construction began near the end of July 2013 and was completed in January, 2015. Several "Open House" events were organized in the spring of 2015.
2015 - ISM University
(ISM East)
ISM purchased a building (a former church building) that was located across the street from the UWM Student Union. This building opened for services in June, 2015.
2016 - Moving Forward
The Muslim community in the Milwaukee area has grown substantially since the ISM first purchased the Islamic Center on 13th and Layton in 1982. Those attending Friday prayer services in 1982 often numbered less than 50 people. Today, the number in the main facility on South 13th Street exceeds 1500. To relieve the pressure on the south side facility, the ISM established the Brookfield facility and another facility across the street from UWM.
To continue to meet the needs of the community, the ISM has short term and long term plans to expand its facilities throughout the greater metropolitan area.
