Wisconsin is home to over 650 historical societies, preservation organizations, and heritage groups. From major institutions in Madison to small-town societies preserving local heritage, these organizations maintain vital connections to Wisconsin's rich past.
Featured Historical Societies
Circus World Museum
Location: Baraboo, WI
Founded: 1959
Preserves Wisconsin's circus heritage on original winter quarters of Ringling Brothers Circus. Features world's largest collection of circus wagons, artifacts, and archives documenting when Baraboo was "Circus Capital of the World" in late 1800s-early 1900s.
Website: circusworldbaraboo.org
Milwaukee Public Museum
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Founded: 1882
Major natural and human history museum with extensive Wisconsin and Great Lakes exhibits. Features European Village, Streets of Old Milwaukee, Native American heritage displays, and collections documenting region's brewing, manufacturing, and immigrant history
Website: mpm.edu
Wisconsin Historical Society
Location: Madison, WI
Founded: 1846
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
Website: wisconsinhistory.org
Benjamin Boorman House
Location: Mauston, WI
Founded: 1867
Black River Falls Public Library
Location: Black River Falls, WI
Founded: 1914
Website: brfpubliclibrary.org
Chippewa County Historical Society
Location: Sault Ste. Marie, WI
Founded: 1919
Cushing Land Agency Building
Location: St. Croix Falls, WI
Founded: 1857
Fifield Town Hall
Location: Fifield, WI
Founded: 1894
First Capitol Historic Site (Wisconsin)
Location: Belmont, WI
Founded: 1836
H. H. Bennett Studio
Location: Wisconsin Dells, WI
Founded: 1875
H. S. Miller Bank
Location: Prescott, WI
Founded: 1867
Hebron Town Hall
Location: Hebron, WI
Madeline Island Museum
Location: La Pointe, WI
Founded: 1958
Monroe McKenzie House
Location: Palmyra, WI
Founded: 1855
Sheboygan County Historical Museum
Location: Sheboygan, WI
Founded: 1923
Website: sheboygancounty.com/departments/departments-f-q/historical-museum
Sylvanus Wade House
Location: Greenbush, WI
Founded: 1953
Villa Louis
Location: Prairie du Chien, WI
Founded: 1952
Waupun Heritage Museum
Location: Waupun, WI
Founded: 1906
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Submit a Society →Additional Wisconsin History Resources
- Wisconsin Historical Society - Statewide history organization and museums
- Wisconsin State Historic Preservation Office - State historic preservation programs
- Wisconsin Historical Society Archives - State archives in Madison