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
Help Your Kids Make History!
Weeks in June, July, & August
Mon – Fri | 9 AM – 3 PM
Diving into the magical and natural world, engaging in scientific experiments and more—there’s no shortage of discoveries to make at the History Maker Space this summer! Help your kids explore Wisconsin through four unique and exciting summer camps this season.
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.
Follow Us!
Come join us on January 18th at the History Makers Space to enter a polkaverse full of singalongs, trivia, music, crafts and dancing in celebration of National Polka Month!
Join six-time polka hall of fame award winner and renowned accordion player Mike Schneider as we celebrate “the happiest music on earth” with a memorable afternoon full of out-of-this-world fun for the whole family. Don’t forget to bring your dancin’ shoes - this program will be sure to get the young (and the young at heart) up and movin’!
Schneider, who began playing accordion at age six after hearing America’s Polka King Frankie Yankovic perform in Milwaukee, has played over 1,700 family-friendly shows in 30 states, bringing the iconic dance to untold thousands of listeners of all ages and audiences nationwide.
Learn more here: wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Event/EV9792 ... See MoreSee Less
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Check out Wisconsin’s dance traditions with "We Like to Kick Up Our Heels", in Baraboo until 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 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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