Penfield History

Milestones and Moments – Celebrating Our Legacy

For nearly 60 years, Penfield has been building brighter futures for children and families in our community. This video takes you inside one beloved chapter of that journey, 30 years of growth, impact, and community. Look back at the incredible support made possible by our dedicated investors, supporters, and community partners. See highlights from our history, hear powerful stories of lives changed, and celebrate the milestones that have shaped Penfield’s journey. From heartfelt moments to major accomplishments, this is a tribute to decades of generosity, connection, and belief in every child’s potential.

And the story isn’t over, in 2027, we will be celebrating our 60th Anniversary. Stay tuned for a full 60-year video celebration honoring everything Penfield has meant to this community and the children we serve.

Timeline

The Via Marsi Montessori School Is Born

1967

The Via Marsi Montessori School for Exceptional Children (aged 3 to 7 years with disabilities) opens its doors on 2433 W. Cherry Street, led by Dr Jon Osterkorn

Penfield Children’s Center

1974

Via Marsi Montessori School for Exceptional Children relocates to 833 North 26th Street and changes its name to Penfield Children’s Center. Named in honor of Dr. Wilder Penfield (1891-1976), a world-renowned neurosurgeon who strongly advocated early intervention for children with developmental delays and disabilities.

Mario Montessori comes to the US

1974

Mario Montessori comes to the US and visits the first school to use Montessori education with Children with Special Needs.

First Birth to Three Contract

1975

Penfield obtains the first Birth to Three contract with Milwaukee County.

Penfield volunteer program is added

1980

Tom Thomczyk becomes the second CEO of Penfield Children’s Center

1980

First Annual CP/Ortho Diagnostic Clinic

1984

The therapy program holds the first annual CP/Ortho Diagnostic Clinic for children enrolled at Penfield.

The Special Care Nursery opens for medically fragile children

1985

Expansion to the Penfield campus

1988

Expansion to the Penfield campus includes a circular drive, an eastward extension of the 26th Street entrance, an outdoor play yard/therapy area, a 40-space parking lot, an iron gate, fencing and landscaping.

The first Croquet Tournament

1990

The first Croquet Tournament, a fundraising tradition that continues today, is held at Boerner Botanical Gardens.

Penfield Children’s Center is certified

1992

Penfield Children’s Center is certified as an Outpatient Rehabilitation Facility by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

Norman Soref Children’s Clinic is added to the existing Penfield building

1995

The 20,000 sq. ft. Norman Soref Children’s Clinic is added to the existing Penfield building, spanning our physical presence between 26th and 27th streets.

Penfield initiates the Parent Mentor Program

1996

Penfield initiates the Parent Mentor Program and the Grandparent Volunteer Program.

Jim Ryan becomes the third President and CEO of PCC

1996

Renovations at PCC

1997

The first floor is renovated and classrooms are divided with walls instead of bolsters, gross motor room is added for indoor play space, Special Care Nursery moves downstairs.

Penfield is licensed as an inclusive, Early Childhood Education Child Care program.

1998

The Birth to Three program transitions to serving children in their natural environments.

1999

The Special Care Nursery expands from 8 to 16 cribs.

1999

PENFIELD HISTORY

Milestones and Moments – Celebrating Our Legacy

Timeline

STAY CONNECTED WITH OUR MISSION

Next Steps: Sync an Email Add-On

QUICK LINKS

CONTACT US