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.


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…

Read More…

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…

Read More…

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…

Read More…

Get Updates About the Project!

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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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Collecting, Preserving and Sharing Stories Since 1846.

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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
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22 hours ago
This month, stop by Beaver Dam for Great Lakes, Small Streams: How Water Shapes Wisconsin. 

Explore this water-themed traveling display that showcases Wisconsins 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 waters 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: https://wihist.org/45no5pm

📸: Return to Yahara Park Place on Lake Monona: WHI ID# 129307

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

1 day ago
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. 

Michigans 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: https://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

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Marlene Baxter

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