Wisconsin Historical Society

Wisconsin Historical Society. Founded in 1846, two years before Wisconsin achieved statehood, it is one of the oldest and most expansive historical institutions in the United States. Chartered by the Wisconsin Legislature to collect, preserve, and share the state's heritage, the Society operates as both a state agency and a private membership organization. Its vast collections and network of historic sites serve as a premier resource for understanding the history of the Midwestern United States and the broader North American experience.

History

The Society was established in 1846 through the efforts of pioneers like its first corresponding secretary, Lyman C. Draper, who was instrumental in collecting early manuscripts and pioneer narratives. Its creation was part of a broader 19th century movement to document the history of the expanding American frontier. In 1854, the Society published the first volume of its Collections of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin, cementing its scholarly role. A pivotal moment came in 1900 when it moved into its current headquarters, the Library and Archives building on the campus of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, forging a lasting partnership with the university. Throughout the 20th century, it expanded its mission under leaders like Reuben Gold Thwaites, significantly growing its collections and establishing its network of historic sites.

Collections and Archives

Housed primarily in Madison, the Society maintains one of the nation's largest and most comprehensive collections dedicated to American history. Its archives hold over 4 million manuscripts, including the papers of prominent figures like Robert M. La Follette Sr. and records from major corporations such as the Kohler Company. The library's extensive holdings include over 40,000 volumes of newspapers, a massive map collection, and thousands of published works. The iconic Wisconsin Historical Society Press publishes numerous books and the quarterly magazine Wisconsin Magazine of History. The institution also curates an immense collection of over 3 million photographs, artifacts, and architectural records documenting life in the Great Lakes region.

Research and Publications

The Society is a leading center for historical research, providing access to its collections for scholars, genealogists, and the public. Its staff historians and archivists produce authoritative reference works, digital projects, and interpretive studies. The Wisconsin Historical Society Press is a major academic and trade publisher, issuing titles on topics ranging from Ho-Chunk history to labor movements in Milwaukee. Key publications include the long-running Wisconsin Magazine of History and the scholarly book series Studies in American Thought and Culture. The Society also provides extensive online resources, including the Dictionary of Wisconsin History and digital archives accessible through its website.

Historic Sites and Museums

The Society administers a statewide network of historic sites and museums that bring history to life. These include Old World Wisconsin, a massive outdoor ethnic museum in Eagle, and the Madeline Island Museum, which interprets fur trade history on Lake Superior. Other significant properties are the Circus World Museum in Baraboo, the Pendarvis historic site in Mineral Point, and the Stonefield historic site in Cassville. These sites preserve everything from Egyptian antiquities at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum affiliate to the homes of notable figures like author Hamlin Garland.

Educational Programs and Outreach

Educational outreach is a core function, with programs designed for students, teachers, and lifelong learners. The Society offers classroom resources, professional development workshops, and traveling trunk programs that reach schools across Wisconsin. Public programs include lectures, history camps, and workshops on topics like historic preservation and genealogy. Major events like the annual Wisconsin History Tour and the National History Day in Wisconsin competition engage thousands of participants. The Society also partners with organizations like the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction to integrate state history into K-12 curricula.

Governance and Funding

The Society operates under a unique public-private model, governed by a 27-member Board of Curators appointed by the Governor of Wisconsin. Day-to-day operations are led by a Director and CEO, a position held by Christian Overland. Funding is derived from a combination of state appropriations through the Wisconsin State Budget, private donations, membership dues, grants from institutions like the National Endowment for the Humanities, and revenue generated from publications, site admissions, and facility rentals. This blended funding model supports its dual role as a state agency and a charitable, member-supported organization.