We’ve reached another milestone in the construction of the future Wisconsin History Center!

Construction site preparations are beginning this week as the fencing is installed around the site of the future history center on Capitol Square in Madison. The new center will be located on the site of the former state historical museum and two adjacent properties on North Carroll Street, making way for a five-story, 100,000-square-foot history destination in the heart of Madison’s growing cultural district. We are excited to provide unprecedented access to one of the nation’s leading historical collections and offer a new, state-of-the-art space for history lovers, school groups, community programming, unforgettable events and so much more.

Groundbreaking for the Wisconsin History Center is slated to take place in early 2025 and the new museum will open to the public in 2027.

“We wouldn’t be at this pivotal moment without the two decades of steadfast public and private support that came before,” said Christian Øverland, the Ruth & Hartley Barker Director and CEO of the Wisconsin Historical Society. “Seeing the fencing go up and the construction site readied is a real ‘awe struck moment’ for the many people who have contributed to the project and believe in our vision. We are honored and excited to bring the nation’s next great history museum to Wisconsin.”

Explore the future history center: wihist.org/3zdEh28

📸 August 2024 rendering from SmithGroup and Continuum Architects + Planners, SC ... See MoreSee Less

𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 - Wide Awake in Wisconsin: The Local Antislavery Movement that Elected Lincoln and Spurred the Civil War, on Saturday, August 24 from 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Join Jon GrinSmithsoniansonian Curator of Political History, as he traces the story of the Wide Awakes in Wisconsin. Drawing from his recently published book, Wide Awake: The Forgotten Force That Elected Lincoln and Spurred the Civil War, Jon grounds the history of this organization in the 1860 presidential campaign.

A national club, the Wide Awakes were a politically engaged group comprised of mostly working-class white and African American men, as well as some women. With passion and nerve, the Wide Awakes physically defended anti-slavery stump speakers, organized protest demonstrations, and publicly advocated for the abolition of slavery.

In addition to Jon’s presentation, a special pop-up exhibit of Wisconsin Historical Society political ephemera will be on display, illustrating the various ways in which Wisconsin’s residents and leaders have been politically engaged through the state’s history.

You can purchase copies of the book after the lecture, and Jon will be available for book signings.

The eventWisconsin Historical Societyonsin Historical Society’s headquarters building lUniversity of Wisconsin-Madisonniversity of Wisconsin-Madison campus.

Advanced registration is recommended: wihist.org/3SPPP2q ... See MoreSee Less