The Campaign for a New Wisconsin History Center | Wisconsin Historical Society

The Campaign for a New Wisconsin History Center

History Happens Here. The Campaign for a New Wisconsin History Center.
History Center Vision Key Milestones Latest News Get InvolvedSupport The Campaign

The Time Has Come For A New
 Wisconsin History Center

 

The next chapter of our state’s history is being written, and the Wisconsin Historical Society is preparing to deliver an unforgettable, modern history center — one that will transcend the traditional museum experience and transform how people experience and share history.

The new history center will serve as a hub for inspiration and exploration where people and communities connect to one another, across time, through our shared American experiences.

Your support will help deliver a world-class experience that will make Wisconsin and North American history accessible like nothing that exists today.

History Center Vision

 

Since 1846,the Wisconsin Historical Society has been Wisconsin’s place for history and one of the world’s most respected historical institutions. Limitations and the deteriorating condition of our former museum prevented us from properly sharing and displaying our state’s stories and world-renowned collections. The idea of a new history museum has existed for nearly two decades with bipartisan support and planning by Govs. Tommy Thompson, Jim Doyle, Scott Walker and Tony Evers.

Now, the vision is becoming a reality. We have assembled an industry-leading design team — including renowned exhibit designers Ralph Appelbaum Associates, international engineering and planning firm SmithGroup, and the award-winning Continuum Architects + Planners — that is hard at work creating an inspiring and dynamic history center for all of Wisconsin to take pride in.

A conceptual sketch of the space and skale of the new history center.

This conceptual sketch illustrates potential opportunities the new history center presents for creating public and civic spaces at the top of State Street on Capitol Square.

Located at the top of State Street on Wisconsin’s Capitol Square in Madison, the new 100,000-square-foot history center will more than double exhibition space of the previous museum, welcome 200,000 guests annually and double the number of students served to 60,000.

This map shows the site of the former Wisconsin Historical Museum on Capitol Square and highlights the area for the new history center as well as US Bank Plaza on the opposite side of the Square. With the museum now closed, the Society will host public and school group programming inside US Bank Plaza during the design and construction of the new history center.

Construction of the new history center is scheduled to begin in 2024 and expected to take just over two years to complete.  To date, the Society has secured $70 million in State support and $39 million in private gifts. In February 2023, Gov. Evers recommended additional State support of $42 million to help offset increases in construction costs. An additional $20 million in private funds is needed to complete the project.

Sherry & John Stilin standing behind a black fence in front of a historic building. The streets are cobbled, the building is white stucko and wood beams. John has his arm around Sherry lovingly, she leans into him and they both smile happily at the camera. She's wearing a tan shirt wiht a denim jacket, her hair is white and cut short around her ears with swooping bangs, and red glasses. He is graying with a white goatee and a pale grey button up outdoors shirt and dark grey pants.

“We hope our gift provides momentum and inspires others to invest in such a worthy project. This museum will provide Wisconsinites, no matter where they are living today, with a world-class facility to honor the state’s historic past and use that knowledge and experience to build a better future.”

— John & Sherry Stilin, Redmond, Wash.

Key Milestones

 

Phase 1

Project Formation

Storyline Development & Exhibit Concept

“Share Your Voice” Statewide Engagement Series

 

Phase 2: 2022-2023

Architectural & Exhibit Design

Statewide Community Engagement Series

Phase 3: 2024-2026

Construction

Statewide Community Engagement Series

Stay Informed.
Get Involved.

 

1

Be The First to receive project updates and learn about opportunities to share your voice and get involved! Sign up for the Milestones e-newsletter for history center updates.

2

Follow Along on social media. Come for a behind-the-scenes look at the project and stay for the fun facts and diverse stories of Wisconsin’s history! Catch us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

3

Make A Gift! Donate online or contact our Development Team to discuss giving to the campaign.

Unforgettable Doesn't Just Happen

 

Like us, you believe that history matters. That people appreciate history through the telling of good stories, and that our past inspires us. You know that history brings context and meaning to our lives, informs our decisions, and is critical to our future.

Donate to the Campaign

Support The Campaign

A new history center is our biggest undertaking ever. To make it a reality, we need the support of bold, visionary, engaged people who believe in our state. We’re counting on the support of people who understand the value of investing in transformational projects to benefit our past, present and future. To learn more about how you can help bring this project to life, please contact the Wisconsin Historical Foundation’s Development Team.

Donor Stories

The Wisconsin Historical Foundation is deeply grateful to the early leaders in the campaign. Learn more about some of the people and businesses behind this project who are committed to bringing a new history center to Wisconsin.

Learn about those supporting the project

Joann & Michael Youngman standing outside in a formal portrait.

JoAnn & Michael Youngman

Pat & Al Wilkening standing close together, hugging sideways, outside smiling at the camera.

Pat & Al Wilkening

Sherry & John Stilin standing behind a black fence in front of a historic building. The streets are cobbled, the building is white stucko and wood beams. John has his arm around Sherry lovingly, she leans into him and they both smile happily at the camera. She's wearing a tan shirt wiht a denim jacket, her hair is white and cut short around her ears with swooping bangs, and red glasses. He is graying with a white goatee and a pale grey button up outdoors shirt and dark grey pant

John & Sherry Stilin

Kim Sponem in a formal portrait at Summit Credit Union. Blonde Hair curled about shoulders, and an emerald green suit.

Summit Credit Union

Jeff Keebler in a formal portrait, looking like he's in a bit of pain in his grey suit.

Madison Gas & Electric

Megan Jerabek smiles largely in this formal portrait. She wears her hair past her shoulders and wavy, as well as a blue blouse.

von Briesen & Roper, s.c.

The Campaign for a new
Wisconsin History Center