About the Historical Society
One of America's oldest and largest historical societies, operating museum, archives, and historic sites statewide. Preserves extensive collections documenting Wisconsin's Native American heritage, immigrant settlement, dairy farming, progressive politics, and brewing industry.
Founded in 1846 and chartered in 1853, the Wisconsin Historical Society is the oldest historical society in the United States to receive continuous public funding. With a collection of over 290 million items, WHS maintains one of the most significant historical collections in the nation. The society's library and archives serve as the library of American history for the University of Wisconsin-Madison and contain the largest collection in the world dedicated exclusively to North American history. Their extensive newspaper collection is the second-largest in the United States, surpassed only by the Library of Congress.
The headquarters at 816 State Street on UW-Madison's Library Mall provides free public access to 3.8 million printed and microform volumes, 25,000 maps, 3 million historical images, and 110,000 cubic feet of archival materials. The Wisconsin Center for Film and Theater Research houses extensive collections of photographs, negatives, films, architectural drawings, and visual ephemera. Through 14 area research centers in partnership with the UW System, the Archives gives communities throughout Wisconsin unprecedented access to local, state, and national historical records.
Beyond its research facilities, WHS operates the Wisconsin Historical Museum in downtown Madison and 11 historic sites statewide. The society brings history directly to communities through the Wisconsin History Makers Tour, pop-up exhibits, artifact displays, and public programs. As the official repository for state and local government records, WHS preserves documentation of Wisconsin's Native American heritage, immigrant settlement patterns, dairy farming traditions, progressive political movements, and brewing industry history that shaped the state's identity.
Plan Your Visit
The Wisconsin Historical Society headquarters is located at 816 State Street on the UW-Madison Library Mall. The library and archives offer free public access to 3.8 million printed volumes, 3 million historical images, and extensive archival materials. Researchers can access collections Monday through Saturday. The society also operates 11 historic sites statewide. For visitor information and research appointments, call (608) 264-6400 or visit wisconsinhistory.org.
Getting Involved
Support the Wisconsin Historical Society by becoming a member, volunteering, or donating to help preserve Wisconsin's heritage. The society welcomes donations of historical artifacts, photographs, and documents, particularly items documenting Wisconsin's Native American heritage, immigrant communities, dairy farming traditions, and brewing industry. Your support helps fund 14 area research centers across the state and the Wisconsin History Makers Tour that brings history to communities statewide.
Explore Wisconsin's Historical Landscape
Use the When It Was app to discover historical businesses, landmarks, and buildings throughout Wisconsin. See how your community has transformed over the decades.
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