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
Project
Timeline
Support the Project
Dance the Night Away!
Thursday, April 18 | 5:30 – 8:00 PM
Slip on your dancing shoes and mark your calendars for April 18—the Polka Party is here! Celebrate the three-decade anniversary of Wisconsin’s State Dance at our all-new History Maker Space with drinks, food and music from local polka prodigy DJ Shotski during this family-friendly event.
Help Your Kids Make History!
Weeks in June, July, & August
Mon – Fri | 9 AM – 3 PM
Archeological adventures, cryptid folklore, magic memories and more—there’s no shortage of mysteries to uncover at the History Maker Space this summer! Help your kids explore Wisconsin lore through two special summer camps this season: Myths and Legends and Archeology Adventures.
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!
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
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…
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…
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.
Set-hut! Get up-close to the gridiron and find out why Wisconsin football stands out from the “Pack.”
The "We Take Our Football Seriously" Collections Highlight is currently at the Driftless Historium & Mount Horeb Area Historical Society!
There’s nothing that brings Wisconsinites together more than a little friendly competition. Whether it’s the Green Bay Packers, a university team, or one of our many high school teams, we love to be part of a cheering crowd. Luckily for us, our state has no shortage of teams to root for. We boast some of the most visited stadiums in the country, where sports history is made. So step right up, get your game face on, and discover some of the amazing stories behind the highlight reels.
Learn more here: wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Event/EV9622
These installations on a variety of historical topics will be going up around the state as part of our Wisconsin History Makers Tour. The tour is made possible by generous support from Culver's and a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Grant Number: MA-253159-OMS-23.
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Only a few days remaining to visit the "We Stand Up for What We Believe In" History Walk!
Wisconsinites are not the sort who take things sitting down. Our long and robust history of public participation in causes local, national, and global bears that out. These causes are as diverse as our population—from fair housing demonstrations in Milwaukee to the Obreros Unidos marches that began in Wautoma to Pride parades across the state, our citizens are united in their determination to fight for the change we want to see in the world. Learn more about the demands fought for and won by the people of Wisconsin through the images here on display.
Check out the History Walk in Portage until October 2nd!
Click here to learn more: wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Event/EV9572
The Wisconsin Historical Society’s History Makers Tour is made possible with a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
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