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.
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On this day in 1860, author Hamlin Garland was born in West Salem, Wisconsin.
He's best known for his novels detailing the lives of hardworking Midwestern farmers. In his writing, much of which was autobiographical, he recorded the physical oppression and economic frustrations of pioneer life on the Great Plains.
A Son of the Middle Border, one of his most popular books, was a record of his family and childhood as the son of pioneer farmers.
Its sequel, A Daughter of the Middle Border, went on to win a Pulitzer Prize in 1921.
📷: Hamlin Garland: WHI ID# 2403 ... See MoreSee Less
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I read his books in grade school allowing time ago. His mother was my great great aunt. Related through the McClintocks which he wrote about. Have many of his books
Interesting.
Christina Raber-Jehn
Namesake of Garland School in Milwaukee!
His books are so readable… like he’s sitting with you by the fireplace, telling you stories.
should be required reading in our State
It may be just me, but I see a strong resemblance to Jeff Daniels, the actor!
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On this day in 1813, Wisconsin's third Governor and second Secretary of State, William A Barstow, was born.
Barstow was born in Plainfield, Connecticut. His family fled during the Panic of 1837 (a financial crisis that greatly affected the family's general store business) and came to the Territory of Wisconsin. They settled in Waukesha, which was then known as Prairie Village. In 1847, Barstow was instrumental in the creation of Waukesha county.
His time as both Secretary of State and Governor were haunted by scandals--the corruption of federal land grants, improper influence of state-backed loans, and even a disputed election were some of his most memorable claims to infamy.
During the Civil War, Barstow served as Colonel with the 3rd Wisconsin Cavalry Regiment for the Union Army.
📸: Governor Willaim A Barstow: WHI ID# 117529 ... See MoreSee Less
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