Who we are

Professor Tim Thering taught US history for over two decades in the University of Wisconsin system. He offered courses in US labor history, history of African American literature and history, the Vietnam War, Film as Social History, Recent American History, and both halves of the US survey. He served as Co-Chair of the Southeast Festival of Books several times. Throughout his career he received multiple awards for his teaching and public service, including the UW-Colleges Chancellor’s Award.

Now retired, he enjoys sharing his knowledge with a wider audience outside the classroom. With deep expertise in the immigrant, labor, and civil rights history of the city, Professor Thering guides visitors through the unique neighborhoods of Milwaukee and recounts stories that shaped both the city and the nation.

Through immersive walking tours, Professor Thering transports guests back to pivotal, but too often forgotten, moments in time — from the tragic Bay View Massacre of 1886 to the cinematic tale of Italian Anarchist immigrants of World War I to the transformative Civil Rights movement led by Father James Groppi and the NAACP Youth Council in the 1960s.

Professor T’s Historic Tours are designed to connect people with the real places, real people, and real events that forged this remarkable city. Professor Thering believes that understanding history is essential to building a better future — and that the best way to learn is to walk in the footsteps of those who came before us. Join us on this journey.