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.
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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!
During construction of the history center, school groups can schedule hands-on history field trips in our temporary space in US Bank Plaza on Capitol Square and at our many interactive historic sites across the state.
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
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…
Temporary Program Space Secured
Temporary space has been secured to continue offering public and school group programming during the design and construction phase for the new history center…
Final Museum Collections Removed
This is an exciting, symbolic moment was we close the chapter on the Wisconsin Historical Museum in preparation for the future history center…
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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!
This month, stop by Beaver Dam for Great Lakes, Small Streams: How Water Shapes Wisconsin.
Explore this water-themed traveling display that showcases Wisconsin's long relationship with water and the impact we have had on our waterways.
It is impossible to fully understand Wisconsin - its history, culture and prospects for the future - without an appreciation of water's power to create opportunities, influence decisions and shape the events that become our shared story. To experience and fully appreciate life in Wisconsin today, and to make decisions that will chart the course of our future, it is essential for Wisconsin residents and students to understand the historical role water played to shape our land, economy, culture and spirit.
Click here to learn more: wihist.org/45no5pm
📸: Return to Yahara Park Place on Lake Monona: WHI ID# 129307 ... See MoreSee Less
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On this day in 1861, the first Wisconsin Central Railroad Train ran for the first time.
Although no railroads were constructed or operated in Wisconsin until after it became it a state, territorial officials and businessmen discussed them frequently.
Michigan's legislative council wanted to connect the lead mines in southwestern Wisconsin with ships on Lake Michigan. The council petitioned Congress to make a rail line from the Mississippi River to Lake Michigan. Communities along the Mississippi competed to be the western terminus of the railroad. Milwaukee competed with Sheboygan, Green Bay, Racine, Southport and even Chicago to house the end of the railroad for Lake Michigan.
To learn more about railroads in Wisconsin, click here: wihist.org/3LMiUIu
📸: Wisconsin Central Railway locomotive No. 207 and train No. 6 and the depot. The locomotive was built by the Brooks Locomotive Works in 1890, and scrapped in 1916. The engineer was George W. Martin, father of railroad historian Roy L. Martin, from whose collection this image originates.: WHI ID# 24318 ... See MoreSee Less
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Marlene Baxter
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