What is closed in Wisconsin for Indigenous Peoples' and Columbus Day?
The second Monday in October marks Indigenous Peoples' Day and Columbus Day in the United States.
The two holidays are related. Indigenous Peoples' Day recognizes and celebrates the history and contributions of Native Americans, who lived on the continent long before Christopher Columbus claimed to have discovered America.
The Biden administration has officially recognized Indigenous Peoples' Day since 2021, however, it's not yet a federal holiday. Even so, "more than a dozen states" recognize some version of Indigenous Peoples' Day or an alternative to Columbus Day, according to History.com.
Many states also still observe Columbus Day. According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Columbus Day is one of 11 federal holidays.
Are federal and local government offices open Columbus Day?
All federal offices will be closed for the holiday, but Wisconsin state government offices will remain open.
Milwaukee city government offices are open, according to the city's website.
Will the post office be open Columbus Day?
The United States Postal Service will be closed Columbus Day. No mail will be delivered.
FedEx Ground Economy and FedEx Express will operate on modified hours, while all other services will be open. UPS delivery and pickup services will be open on Monday, Oct. 9, however, UPS SurePost and UPS Mail Innovations deliveries will require an additional business day in transit.
Will banks be open on Columbus Day?
Most banks will be closed Monday in observance of the holiday.
Bank of America, Wells Fargo and Citibank branches will be closed for the holiday, but Chase Bank and TD Bank will be open, according to CNN.
You can still use online banking or ATM services on the holiday.
Will the stock market be open on Columbus Day?
The stock market will be open on Monday, but the bond market will be closed.
Are Milwaukee Public Schools open today?
Yes, Milwaukee Public Schools are open today, according to the district calendar.
Are Milwaukee Public Libraries open today?
According to the Milwaukee Public Library's holiday closings list, the city's libraries will remain open today despite the holiday.
Will stores and businesses be open on Columbus Day?
Most stores and businesses remain open on the holiday, including large chain retailers like Target and Walmart. Make sure to check with local businesses to see if they're open today.
Peoria Journal Star reporter Chris Sims contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Indigenous People's Day 2023: What's open, closed on Columbus Day
