GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – As the NFL Draft prepares to spotlight the future of football in Green Bay, the Brown County Library is shining a light on the past.
A new art installation, “The Miracle of Green Bay,” features six large banners downtown, celebrating the Green Bay Packers’ roots and the community’s role in keeping the team alive.
‘Unheard of show’: 3C Presents brings a decade of NFL Draft setup experience to Green Bay
“It certainly was evident that we had a great turnout here to celebrate the Miracle of Green Bay,” said Jeff Gilderson-Duwe, Local History Specialist at Brown County Library. “It’s a miracle the team is still here today.”
The banners are displayed at several spots, including the library, the courthouse lawn, and Associated Bank. One shows Sue Wallen, who turned the Astor Hotel into a home for players in the 1940s. Another shows Travis Williams riding a fan’s bike to training camp in 1969.
“There are six banners featuring key people, places and events in Packers history,” Gilderson-Duwe said. “There were several times when the Packers almost went under financially, but community members stepped up, and we still have them with us today.”
The unveiling included former Packers cheerleaders, the Packerettes, Golden Girls, and Sideliners.
“It was wonderful to have them here today,” Gilderson-Duwe said. “They are people from this community who cheered on the Packers just like we all have.”
“Getting together with these young ladies, we are still young at heart, has been a very special gift,” said Lynn Cisler, a 1978 Sideliner. “Seeing all this history come to life is very rewarding.”
Cisler said Green Bay’s connection to the Packers is unlike anywhere else.
“The pride we take in our community for the Packers is unparalleled. There’s no Packers season, it’s all year round here.”
And while the Draft’s main events are near Lambeau, the library hopes fans venture downtown to explore the team’s deeper story.
Titletown’s Homefield Pub + Social officially opens after rebrand, originally known as The Turn
“We hope folks will come downtown and learn about that history, about downtown’s role in Packers history,” said Gilderson-Duwe.
The Miracle of Green Bay banners will remain on display through the spring.
