History Happens Here
Wisconsin’s New History Center
The Wisconsin Historical Society is bringing a new, 21st-century history center and cultural attraction to the people of Wisconsin and beyond.
Designed to be a welcoming beacon of inspiration and exploration, the new center set on Wisconsin’s Capitol Square in Madison will reflect a modern approach to sharing history and connecting communities.
History Makers Tour
Behind
the Design
Project
Timeline
Support the Project
Iconic Location
The new history center will be located on Wisconsin’s Capitol Square in Madison, contributing to a thriving cultural district and offering a convenient location for school groups visiting from around the state.
Visit Us Now!
History Makers Tour
Bringing history directly to local communities in every region of the state through pop-up exhibits, artifact displays, public programs, art installations, and other activities
During construction of the history center, the History Maker Space at US Bank Plaza on Capitol Square will allow for pop-up exhibits, author talks, public programs and history center sneak peeks!
We continue to welcome students and community members into the iconic Library Reading Room and archives at the historic Wisconsin Historical Society headquarters building in Madison, which opened in 1900.
Recent News
Historical Society Preps Construction Site
We’ve begun preparing the construction site on the Wisconsin State Capitol building square for the Wisconsin History Center…
History Makers Tour and Space
The History Makers Tour kicks off this month in conjunction with the public launch of the History Maker Space on Capitol Square in Madison…
First Look Inside New History Center
We’re excited to share a first look inside the new state-of-the-art history center that is expected to be completed in late 2026…
Get Updates About the Project!
Sign up for our Milestones e-newsletter
The History of a Museum
The Wisconsin Historical Museum opened in 1986, at the top of State Street on Madison’s Capitol Square. The building was converted from an old hardware store.
Explore the exhibits that once filled this museum and learn more about it’s history.
Follow Us!
Stroll through snow-dusted streets at Old World Wisconsin's Home for the Holidays, savor a cozy Christmas tea at Villa Louis, or indulge in fresh-baked delights at the Wade House Christmas. Don't delay, these events sell fast!
Browse Events: wihist.org/3UvzUXE ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Come visit "We Stand On Their Shoulders" in Mayville from November 6th through December 4th!
The traveling display "'We Stand on Their Shoulders': A History of Wisconsin Women and Voting" explores moments when women in Wisconsin gained political rights and highlights a few key leaders. Covering the ratification of the 19th Amendment, 1921 Wisconsin Equal Rights Act, 1924 Indian Citizenship Act, and 1965 Voting Rights Act, the eight-panel display shares the important story of women's quest for political rights and recognition through quotes, photographs, and a timeline of events.
Learn more here: wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Event/EV9597
#WIHistoryMakers ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
"We Will Always Be Here" is coming to Delavan through November 14th!
The traveling display "We Will Always Be Here: Wisconsin's LGBTQ+ Historymakers" explores the stories of Wisconsin's LGBTQ+ historymakers with a rich collection of examples of eight individuals across a wide spectrum of identities who have helped to empower others to make a positive change in the world. Meet some of our LGBTQ+ visionaries, changemakers, and storytellers, get inspired, and share your story.
The Wisconsin Historical Society is providing this display to schools, GSAFE programs, public libraries, historical societies, and civic organizations in Wisconsin. The ten panels of "We Will Always Be Here" tell the stories of LGBTQ+ historymakers in simple, graphic novel-inspired language, with original artwork by artist nipinet landsem.
Learn more here: wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Event/EV9640 ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook