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.

a small girl waves to the camera while looking through binoculars

Help Your Kids Make History!

Weeks in June, July, & August
Mon – Fri | 9 AM – 3 PM

Diving into the magical and natural world, engaging in scientific experiments and more—there’s no shortage of discoveries to make at the History Maker Space this summer! Help your kids explore Wisconsin through four unique and exciting summer camps this season.


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.



30Jan

Mike Schneider Presents the History of Polka Music

Madison, WI Thu, Jan 30

Celebrate National Polka Month with an entertaining presentation from six-time polka hall of fame accordion player Mike Schneider.



More Info BOOK TICKETS
MarthruMay

History Sandwiched In Spring 2025

Madison, WI Tue, Mar 4 - Tue, May 27

Join historians from around the state to discuss food, architecture, shipwrecks, and much more.

Multiple dates available



More Info BOOK TICKETS
23Jun

Myths and Legends: The Journey Begins Summer Camp

Madison, WI Mon, Jun 23

Unleash your child’s inner explorer while they learn about the infamous cryptids, mysteries, and magic that make Wisconsin folklore special.



More Info BOOK TICKETS


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…

Read More…

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…

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…

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.


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Wisconsin Historical Museum

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Collecting, Preserving and Sharing Stories Since 1846.

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Come join us on January 18th at the History Makers Space to enter a polkaverse full of singalongs, trivia, music, crafts and dancing in celebration of National Polka Month!

Join six-time polka hall of fame award winner and renowned accordion player Mike Schneider as we celebrate “the happiest music on earth” with a memorable afternoon full of out-of-this-world fun for the whole family. Don’t forget
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2 weeks ago
Come join us on January 18th at the History Makers Space to enter a polkaverse full of singalongs, trivia, music, crafts and dancing in celebration of National Polka Month!

Join six-time polka hall of fame award winner and renowned accordion player Mike Schneider as we celebrate “the happiest music on earth” with a memorable afternoon full of out-of-this-world fun for the whole family. Don’t forget to bring your dancin’ shoes - this program will be sure to get the young (and the young at heart) up and movin’! 

Schneider, who began playing accordion at age six after hearing America’s Polka King Frankie Yankovic perform in Milwaukee, has played over 1,700 family-friendly shows in 30 states, bringing the iconic dance to untold thousands of listeners of all ages and audiences nationwide. 

Learn more here: https://wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Event/EV9792

Check out Wisconsin’s dance traditions with "We Like to Kick Up Our Heels", in Baraboo until April 3rd!

Here in Wisconsin, people come together across cultures with dance. The state has a long history of supporting the art form as a means of social and personal expression. Many folk dances come from our vibrant immigrant communities, including Mexican, Bavarian, Norwegian, Swedish, Scottish, Irish
... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago
Check out Wisconsin’s dance traditions with We Like to Kick Up Our Heels, in Baraboo until April 3rd! 

Here in Wisconsin, people come together across cultures with dance. The state has a long history of supporting the art form as a means of social and personal expression. Many folk dances come from our vibrant immigrant communities, including Mexican, Bavarian, Norwegian, Swedish, Scottish, Irish, Polish, Italian, and many other dance traditions. Native Nations in the state also celebrate their culture through dances that act as communal spiritual and symbolic rituals. From colorful costumes and fancy footwear to unique musical instruments, each dance style has an ambience of its own and brings joy to its participants. Learn more through the images, activities, and objects here on display!

Click here to learn more: https://wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Event/EV9645

The History Makers Tour is presented by Culvers and is made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Grant Number: MA-253159-OMS-23. #WIHistoryMakers

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3 weeks ago