A new history center is on the way!
Artifacts are on the move! We’ve got big news to share as we move one step closer to the construction of the new Wisconsin history center. This state-of-the-art space will invite visitors to engage with history in an exciting new way and more than double the museum’s current footprint.
Stay tuned! The museum will continue to host walking tours, PK-12 and other exciting programs while we wait for the new history center.
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The History of a Museum
The current 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. The location gave the museum exhibition space and allowed thousands of visitors and students to explore Wisconsin history through 2022.
Explore the exhibits that once filled this museum and learn more about it’s history.
Members Get Free Admission!
Become a Wisconsin Historical Society member and visit all 12 of our historic sites for free! Membership pays for itself in as little as two visits and includes other great benefits like discounts and reciprocal benefits to more than 1,200 organizations.
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Today is World Bicycle Day!
Did you know that Trek, America's largest bicycle manufacturer, got its start in Waterloo, Wisconsin?
One of our Curator's Favorite objects from our collection is a Model 2500 bonded carbon/aluminum racing bicycle, made by the Trek Bicycle Corporation, Waterloo, Wisconsin in 1988.
The Model 2500 is a pivotal bicycle in the Trek Bicycle Corporation's development of carbon fiber technology. Trek has become America's largest bicycle manufacturer, in part through the strength of its carbon composite bicycle frames. Today, Trek's Optimum Compaction Low Void (OCLV) carbon fiber frames - which Lance Armstrong rode to seven consecutive Tour de France victories - represent the state of the art of carbon fiber frame construction.
To learn more, click here: wihist.org/43iQEnC ... See MoreSee Less
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Great company, but those seven consecutive Tour de France victories don’t exist.
I still have my Trek!
back in the day this was the ride to have
Its too bad they’re all made in China now!
Happy Pride Month!
All this month, the Wisconsin Historical Museum is celebrating the extraordinary history of the LGBTQ+ community in Wisconsin.
While the focus on the gay liberation movement is focused predominantly on America’s coasts, real progress was made right here in the Badger State. In 1966, Wisconsin had the first public call by a political body for abolition of restrictions against queer people so they could have “freedom of action.”
Before Harvey Milk was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977, Midwest cities including Madison had openly gay elected officials.
In 1982, Wisconsin became the first state to enact a gay rights law prohibiting discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation.
Wisconsin was also the first state to elect three openly gay/lesbian persons to Congress: Steve Gunderson, Tammy Baldwin, and Mark Pocan. Learn more about the history of the queer community through articles, artifacts, and other important items below that help tell their story.
To learn more about LGBTQ+ history in Wisconsin, click here: wihist.org/38Eclr6 ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Happy Pride Month!
The history of the LBGTQ+ community in Wisconsin is extraordinary, despite being largely untold. While the focus on the gay liberation movement is focused predominantly on America’s coasts, real progress was made right here in the Badger State.
In 1966, Wisconsin had the first public call by a political body for abolition of restrictions against queer people so they could have “freedom of action.” Before Harvey Milk was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977, Midwest cities including Madison had openly gay elected officials.
In 1982, Wisconsin became the first state to enact a gay rights law prohibiting discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation.
Wisconsin was also the first state to elect three openly gay/lesbian persons to Congress: Steve Gunderson, Tammy Baldwin, and Mark Pocan. Learn more about the history of the queer community through articles, artifacts, and other important items below that help tell their story.
To learn more about LGBTQ+ history in Wisconsin, click here: wihist.org/38Eclr6 ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook