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
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Craft Your Holidays
What holiday season is complete without making your own arts and crafts alongside family and friends? Don’t forget to step into a world of shimmering nostalgia as iconic Evergleam aluminum trees cast their glow across the Wisconsin Historical Society’s History Maker Space!
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…
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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.
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Coming soon to the History Makers Space in Madison, Evergleam Dreams: A Vintage Holiday Display!
Experience the glow of iconic Wisconsin Evergleam aluminum trees December 4th through 18th. Select dates also include additional experiences: Visit Santa on Saturday, December 7 and Saturday, December 14 (12 – 2 PM).
On Saturday, December 7 (1-4 PM), our special expanded display full of additional artifacts that celebrate diverse holiday traditions will be exhibited. This is one pop-up to not miss—so we hope to see you at Evergleam Dreams!
Click here to learn more: wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Event/EV9735 ... See MoreSee Less
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The Wisconsin Historical Society is pleased to announce an exciting next step in planning for the new Wisconsin History Center, set to open in Madison, Wisconsin, in 2027.
The Society is extending a call for Native American artists to submit proposals for original artwork. Selected artwork will be featured as part of a towering 40-foot installation that showcases items that represent the histories and cultures of our region.
Find more information or complete a submission form: wihist.org/WHC-CFA-2024 ... See MoreSee Less
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Olivia Lopez Perhaps the club can do something creative for this.
Angela Blackdeer I'm not sure if you've seen this, but thought you may want to share it on your page. 🙂
Michelle Reed
Put on your dancing shoes to whirl and jig through some of Wisconsin’s dance traditions with "We Like to Kick Up Our Heels", our traveling collections highlight coming to Baraboo from November 21st through April 3rd!
Here in Wisconsin, people come together across cultures with dance. The state has a long history of supporting the art form as a means of social and personal expression. Many folk dances come from our vibrant immigrant communities, including Mexican, Bavarian, Norwegian, Swedish, Scottish, Irish, Polish, Italian, and many other dance traditions. Native Nations in the state also celebrate their culture through dances that act as communal spiritual and symbolic rituals. From colorful costumes and fancy footwear to unique musical instruments, each dance style has an ambience of its own and brings joy to its participants. Learn more through the images, activities, and objects here on display!
Click here to learn more: wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Event/EV9645
📸: "The Bump", 1977: WHI ID# 129223
The History Makers Tour is presented by Culver's and is made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Grant Number: MA-253159-OMS-23. #WIHistoryMakers ... See MoreSee Less
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