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.
History Makers Tour
Behind
the Design
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Timeline
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Craft Your Holidays
What holiday season is complete without making your own arts and crafts alongside family and friends? Don’t forget to step into a world of shimmering nostalgia as iconic Evergleam aluminum trees cast their glow across the Wisconsin Historical Society’s History Maker Space!
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.
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History Makers Tour
Bringing history directly to local communities in every region of the state through pop-up exhibits, artifact displays, public programs, art installations, and other activities
During construction of the history center, the History Maker Space at US Bank Plaza on Capitol Square will allow for pop-up exhibits, author talks, public programs and history center sneak peeks!
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
Historical Society Preps Construction Site
We’ve begun preparing the construction site on the Wisconsin State Capitol building square for the Wisconsin History Center…
History Makers Tour and Space
The History Makers Tour kicks off this month in conjunction with the public launch of the History Maker Space on Capitol Square in Madison…
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…
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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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This weekend, experience a cup of piping hot tea and the magic of a Victorian holiday season at Villa Louis!
Anyone who’s picked up a Dickens novel knows there’s nothing quite like a Victorian holiday spent sipping tea after touring a stately mansion. Now you can experience the splendor and grandeur of a traditional Victorian estate while participating in an afternoon of tea and history at Villa Louis. In addition to a piping refreshment in the 1851 Brisbois Stone Warehouse, a National Historic Landmark, you’ll receive a guided tour of the decorated 1871 mansion, with a brief stop in the parlor for a special concert performed on a restored Steinway grand piano.
Click here to learn more: wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Event/EV9455 ... See MoreSee Less
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On December 9th, join the Wisconsin Veterans Museum for a virtual book talk with historian and author Mark D. Van Ells as he discusses his newest work about the Red Arrow Division and the crucial role it played for the Allied Forces in World War II.
Discover how this National Guard unit with roots in the American Midwest became on of the most effective – and most battle-tested – combat units in the Pacific, eventually logging more combat hours than any other US Army division during the war.
Learn more here: wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Event/EV9746
Event sponsored by The Wisconsin Veterans Museum Foundation with support for the foundation in memory of Pat Finley. ... See MoreSee Less
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Coming up on December 7th, make your very own mini tinsel tree and paper decorations with us at the History Maker Space!
What holiday season is complete without making your own arts and crafts alongside family and friends? Join us for this special session and choose from several decorative mementos to make and take home. Want to make your very own miniature version of a famous Wisconsin Evergleam tree? Join in on paper cutting, folding and decorating as you work to craft your very own garland, holiday banner or ornament.
While crafting, stop by Evergleam Dreams: A Vintage Holiday Display pop-up exhibit of holiday memorabilia for inspiration! As you create, be sure to enjoy a complementary cider and a sweet treat. Also, don’t miss the opportunity to browse the History Maker Space gift shop and get a leg up on early gift-giving for you and yours!
Click here to learn more: wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Event/EV9732 ... See MoreSee Less
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Wisconsin's Screaming Eagle and the 8th Infantry