The Brief
- A retired teacher is researching Milwaukee’s first Mexican families to share local Latino history.
- Margarita Sandoval-Skare traced early Mexican ties to the late 1800s using photos and records.
- Her research highlights early figures, tanneries, faith communities, and a Mexican Fiesta display.
MILWAUKEE – Margartia Sandoval-Skare, a 77-year-old retired teacher, is diving into Milwaukee’s Latino roots and turning family history into a lesson for all.
‘Los primeros’
What they’re saying:
Sandoval-Skare is a retired Milwaukee Public Schools teacher and librarian. She dedicated her retirement to tracing the city’s Mexican ties, dating back to the late 1800s. She has a large photograph collection, including “at least 400” photos of los primeros.
“Los primeros” means people among the first Mexican families to settle in Milwaukee, names recognized on a list saved through decades of history.
“Because my father was one of los primeros, you have to do the research,” Sandoval-Skare said. “And for Milwaukee, one of our earliest, earliest los primeros is Rafael Baez, a child prodigy born in Mexico.…