United Way of Dane County, Inc.

The Wisconsin Historical Museum is a division of the Wisconsin Historical Society, whose mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving, and sharing our stories.

Description:
Travel back through time at the Wisconsin Historical Museum, exploring Wisconsin’s history from prehistoric times to the present day. In “People of the Woodlands”, enter an Aztalan-style house, hear stories of native people living in Wisconsin, and unearth the work of archaeologists. In “On Common Ground” learn about themes unique to Wisconsin from settlement days through the present. Discover a frontier lead mine, track immigration routes through the state, explore work and play in a lumber camp, climb inside a Case IH tractor, and examine Wisconsin’s political heritage. Docents and staff present public programs for all ages, including approximately 25,000 schoolchildren each year. Changing exhibits, programs for all ages, and a unique museum store complement the exhibits.

The Museum also maintains collections of clothing, domestic items, business and agricultural equipment, political memorabilia, and archaeological artifacts at the Society's headquarters building located at 816 State Street. The Wisconsin Historical Society also serves as the archives of the State of Wisconsin; collects books, periodicals, maps, manuscripts, relics, newspapers, and audio and graphic materials as they relate to North America; administers a broad program of historic preservation; maintains a statewide system of historic sites, school services, area research centers, and affiliated local societies; publishes a wide variety of historical materials, and maintains a library. The Society's library, located in the headquarters building, is the largest in the world dedicated exclusively to North American history and houses one of the largest genealogical collections in the nation.

History:
The Wisconsin Historical Museum is a division of the Wisconsin Historical Society, which is both a state agency and private membership organization. The Wisconsin Historical Society was founded in 1846, two years before statehood, and chartered in 1853. It is the oldest American historical society to receive continuous public funding. By statute, it is charged with collecting, advancing, and disseminating knowledge of Wisconsin and of the trans-Allegheny West.

Contact person: Kristina Clark, Volunteer Coordinator, (608) 264-6563, (email)

Office fax number: (608) 264-6575

Address:

30 N. Carroll Street
Madison, WI 53703
(See a map)

Web Site: http://www.wisconsinhistory.org

Directions:

The Wisconsin Historical Museum is located on the Capitol Square on the corner of Mifflin and Carroll, where State Street meets the Square. Parking is available in nearby municipal parking ramps.
Nearest Bus Stop: several Metro stops on Capitol Square, less than five minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Will you be using VolunteerYourTime.org for Donation Match ONLY?

No

Last updated on April 28, 2009

Overall Experience Experience rating

The Museum is an interesting, fun place to be.

The museum has given me the opportunity to feel productive and contribute to a great organization. Since I am also actively searching for work I now have a new reference from one of the museum staff. As an unemployed person it has provided some structure to my week which is really vital to my mental health. A place to be on Monday mornings when everyone goes back to work is a Godsend. I feel grateful to have found the Museum. I think it's a match made in heaven.
posted by lbose on May 21, 2009

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