Highlights Archives
Local History Regional Conventions Coming Up
It is a 45-year tradition that's still going strong. The first Local History Regional Convention was held in 1962 in Waukesha County (pictured at right). Recently a new slate of regional conventions for 2007 was announced that continues the tradition. The first regional conventions were initiated soon after the Wisconsin Council for Local History was formed in 1961 and two years after the formation of the Office of Local History, now the Field Services Program, in 1960.
Although some things have changed, the conventions' fundamental purposes have not. They serve to reduce travel time for attendees; provide a forum within which local historical societies can meet and learn from each other and from trained professionals; and provide a venue in which participants can enjoy good food, fun-filled tours and fellowship with others passionate about local history.
At that first convention, Wisconsin Historical Society Director Leslie Fishel addressed the topic "The Wisconsin Council for Local History — Its Reason for Existence." At the top of the list was "Money." Fishel made the point that money was necessary to "modernize our museums, pay our staff, and carry on school services" and that the best way to raise money was by "intelligently informing" those who control the funds, whether private or public, of what has been achieved and what has yet to be achieved.
Regional conventions usually feature local tours that are always a favorite with convention attendees. This year's regional conventions offer a wide variety of tours from the Von Stiehl Winery in the Northeast Region to Fort Blue Mounds in the Capitol Region. Of course, the convention luncheon is always a highlight of the event as attendees enjoy good food and fellowship. Some of this year's conventions will honor their regional history by serving traditional local cuisine including Norwegian fare for Capitol Region attendees and Polish and Russian dishes for West-Central diners.
Today the Wisconsin Council for Local History and the Wisconsin Historical Society partner with local hosts to arrange for 10 regional conventions. The 2007 convention season kicks off with the Metropolitan Convention on August 11, 2007, and closes with the Southwest Convention on October 13. The regional convention Web site provides more details for each convention as well as registration information.
:: Posted August 1, 2007
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