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!

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

TBD Makers Tour

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…

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…

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!

Sign up for our Milestones e-newsletter

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.


Follow Us!

Wisconsin Historical Museum

Wisconsin Historical Museum

20,325

Collecting, Preserving and Sharing Stories Since 1846.

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

... See MoreSee Less

3 days ago

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

1 week ago
On this day in 1860, author Hamlin Garland was born in West Salem, Wisconsin. 

Hes 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

Comment on Facebook

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!

View more comments

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

2 weeks ago
On this day in 1813, Wisconsins 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 familys 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