Events Calendar

Events Calendar

  1. Wisconsin Innovations: From the Iconic to the Unexpected

    Sep 17, 2011 - Aug 3, 2013   9 am–4 pm, Tuesday through Saturday Discover the diverse array of inventions, concepts and traditions that originated, in one way or another, in Wisconsin. You probably know about Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie-style architecture and Les Paul's musical innovations. Maybe you know about the Wisconsin origins of the typewriter and the snowmobile. But what about the National Weather Bureau? The supercomputer? Professional wrestling? The modern surfboard? Explore the authentic stories behind the inventions you know, and the surprising stories behind the innovations you might not expect.

    The Wisconsin Historical Museum gratefully acknowledges the leadership support of the Madison Community Foundation. "Wisconsin Innovations" is also made possible by American Family Insurance; The Evjue Foundation, Inc., the charitable arm of The Capital Times; and Sentry Equipment Corporation, with additional support from Promega Corporation, Madison Gas and Electric Foundation, Ann Koski and Wisconsin Public Radio.

  2. You Are Here: Maps and Meanings

    Apr 2, 2013 - Nov 9, 2013   9 am–4 pm, Tuesday through Saturday We all use maps to find our way. Yet maps can show much more than destinations. They help define who we are and where we belong, and can help us understand our world in new ways. See a variety of striking, intriguing and revealing maps from the rich collection of the Wisconsin Historical Society and explore the place we call Wisconsin.

  3. Stories from the Badger State

    May 18, 2013   1–3 pm Whether you were born in Wisconsin, came for school, or are here for the first time, we all have a favorite Wisconsin memory. Join us as local Wisconsinites Kaleem Caire, Darcy Luoma, James Tye, and Troy Vosseller share their uniquely Wisconsin story and tell us how their memories have shaped their lives today. With a blend of community outreach, politics, environmentalism and entrepreneurship, each of these extremely driven speakers will help show us what Wisconsin is all about. After the event, be sure to leave your own Wisconsin memory on our Memory Wall (fourth floor).

    This event is being held in conjunction with Wisconsin Museums Week and International Museums Day, celebrating the positive impact that museums have on their communities.

  4. History Sandwiched In: 'A Farm in Wisconsin'

    May 21, 2013   12:15–1 pm Richard Quinney presents the story about a few acres of land purchased in Walworth County, Wisconsin in 1868. The land became a 160-acre farm that went on to support and provide a rich background for the lives of the generations that followed. Following the program Quinney will sign copies of his book, 'A Farm in Wisconsin.'

  5. Taste Traditions of Wisconsin: Poles in Wisconsin (Sold Out)

    Jun 4, 2013   6:30–9 pm Discover the story of Wisconsin's second largest ethnic group, the Poles, with author Susan Gibson Mikoś as she discusses the cultural heritage that Poles brought from their homeland and the strategies the immigrants used to adapt to their new environment. A reading of excerpts from the never-before-published memoir of Maciej Wojda, a Polish peasant who immigrated to Milwaukee in the 1860s, will give insight into the real-life struggles faced by Polish immigrants in our state. A dinner of delicious Polish cuisine provided by Queen Anne's Catering will complement the presentation.

  6. Make Music Madison

    Jun 21, 2013   9 am–4 pm The Wisconsin Historical Museum will be participating in Madison's first-ever Make Music Madison, a citywide, free outdoor music festival for all ages. Join us for free performances in front of the museum. Spectators will enjoy a variety of musical styles. Here's the lineup:

    • 10–10:45 am — The Blue Accordion (Patricia Stone)
    • 11–11:45 am — Navan (Celtic music)
    • 2–3 pm — Lizzy Diane (Freak folk/Avant folk music)
    • 4–5 pm — WADOMA (a blend of African, American and other global art forms)

  7. Summertime Fun: Southwest Wisconsin

    Jun 26, 2013   Two sessions, 11 am and 1 pm Bring your children to discover and understand how the past influences the present through Wisconsin regional stories. Learn about Wisconsin geography and create an art project related to a regional identity story. The entire family can share in the fun and learning during this creative hands-on experience.

    Southwest Wisconsin's lead-mining history is on our state's flag. Listen to stories about regional culture and design your own flag. The sessions will last about an hour and are appropriate for ages 4–12. An adult must accompany youth participants.

  8. Sisters in Spirit: Native American Stories from Rocks and Beads

    Jul 2, 2013 - Nov 2, 2013   9 am–4 pm, Tuesday through Saturday Explore the messages left by the original artists and storytellers of Wisconsin through masterful watercolors and sparkling glass beadwork. This exhibit showcases Geri Schrab's petroglyph- and pictograph-inspired watercolors, and Karen Ann Hoffman's traditional Iroquois beadwork. Viewed together, their work presents a compelling glimpse of the continuing influence of Native Americans on contemporary Wisconsin art.

  9. Summertime Fun: Northwoods Wisconsin

    Jul 10, 2013   Two sessions, 11 am and 1 pm Bring your children to discover and understand how the past influences the present through Wisconsin regional stories. Learn about Wisconsin geography and create an art project related to a regional identity story. The entire family can share in the fun and learning during this creative hands-on experience.

    Strange creatures emerged from Northwoods folklore. Discover their stories and then create your own beast. Sessions will last approximately an hour and are appropriate for youth ages 4-12. An adult must accompany youth participants.

  10. Summertime Fun: Lake Superior Coast

    Jul 17, 2013   Two sessions, 11 am and 1 pm Bring your children to discover and understand how the past influences the present through Wisconsin regional stories. Learn about Wisconsin geography and create an art project related to a regional identity story. The entire family can share in the fun and learning during this creative hands-on experience.

    Learn about Wisconsin's fur trade and make your own trade bead jewelry. Sessions will last approximately an hour and are appropriate for youth ages 4-12. An adult must accompany youth participants.

  11. Summertime Fun: Central Plains Wisconsin

    Jul 24, 2013   Two sessions, 11 am and 1 pm Bring your children to discover and understand how the past influences the present through Wisconsin regional stories. Learn about Wisconsin geography and create an art project related to a regional identity story. The entire family can share in the fun and learning during this creative hands-on experience.

    Discover the rich history of Wisconsin's papermaking industry and make your own miniature book. Sessions will last approximately an hour and are appropriate for youth ages 4-12. An adult must accompany youth participants.

  12. Summertime Fun: Southeast Wisconsin

    Jul 31, 2013   Two sessions, 11 am and 1 pm Bring your children to discover and understand how the past influences the present through Wisconsin regional stories. Learn about Wisconsin geography and create an art project related to a regional identity story. The entire family can share in the fun and learning during this creative hands-on experience.

    Learn about the Lake Michigan fishing tradition and decorate your own fish. Sessions will last approximately an hour and are appropriate for youth ages 4-12. An adult must accompany youth participants.

  13. Taste Traditions of Wisconsin: Prost! The Story of Germans in Wisconsin

    Aug 21, 2013   6:30–9 pm From beer and bratwurst to farming and educational advances, the influence of Germans in Wisconsin is everywhere. Join Cora Lee Kluge, University of Wisconsin-Madison professor of German and co-director of the Max Kade Institute for German-American Studies, as she discusses how and why Wisconsin became the most German state in the U.S. She will also discuss the lasting impact of German traditions and customs on our lives today. Savor the flavors of Germany with a meal that highlights the best of German cuisine.

  14. Wisconsin Youth in Publishing

    Aug 24, 2013   1–3 pm Share in the unique experiences of several Wisconsin young people as they describe their work in publishing. These young authors and illustrators will give insight into their efforts, discussing the highs and lows of creating published pieces. The youth panel will be moderated by Wisconsin Historical Society Press author Bobbie Malone, who co-authored 'The Flavor of Wisconsin for Kids: A Feast of History, with Stories and Recipes Celebrating the Land and People of Our State.' Celebrate the many accomplishments of Wisconsin's youth with the Wisconsin Historical Museum.

  15. 'The Great Peshtigo Fire' Book Event at the Wisconsin Historical Museum

    Oct 1, 2013   12:15-1 pm Join author Scott Knickelbine as he explores the history, science and legacy of the 1871 Peshtigo Fire. Audience members will learn about the history of settlement, agriculture and forestry in 19th-century Wisconsin. He will share the diverse range of topics that will enrich our understanding of the Peshtigo Fire, including the building and land-use practices of the time that made the area ripe for such a fire, the weather patterns that fostered widespread fires throughout the upper Midwest in the summer and fall of 1871, and exciting first-person accounts that vividly bring the victims' stories to life. 'The Great Peshtigo Fire: Stories and Science from America's Deadliest Firestorm' will inform and captivate its audience as it journeys through the horrifying history of the Peshtigo Fire. A book signing will follow the program.

    Knickelbine has written more than 30 nonfiction books for young people, including the series "America at War" and "Environmental Disasters," both of which received positive reviews in "Booklist."

  16. History Sandwiched In: 'Schooner Days in Door County'

    Oct 15, 2013   12:15–1 pm Join author Mary Hirthe and her son Peter Hirthe as they share her and her late husband's adventures and challenges in crafting their classic work on Door County maritime history, "Schooner Days in Door County." This program will offer an informative and entertaining account of the Door peninsula's colorful history during the golden age of sail. A book signing will follow the program.


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