Highlights Archives
Museum Programs Focus on Politics
In honor of the current election season, the Wisconsin Historical Museum is spotlighting the subject of politics, with particular emphasis on Wisconsin's "favorite son," Robert M. La Follette, Sr.
La Follette is one of the most iconic figures in Wisconsin history. As governor (1901-1906), he spearheaded a progressive reform movement that earned Wisconsin a national reputation for honest government dedicated to the public good over special interests. During his administration, the Wisconsin Legislature adopted the direct primary, introduced a civil service system, reorganized the tax structure, and increased the regulation of corporations. La Follette's political reforms paved the way for profound economic and social reforms that followed. As United States senator (1906-1925), La Follette fought corrupt practices, championed government regulation of business and commerce, and promoted conservation. He opposed U.S. involvement in World War I and in 1924 ran unsuccessfully for president. To this day, Wisconsinites have praised La Follette's outstanding legacy.
At 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday, September 9, the museum will host a lecture relating to La Follette. Prize-winning historian and biographer Nancy C. Unger will present Fighting Bob La Follette's Progressivism: Past, Present, and Future. Following the presentation, Unger will sign copies of the new paperback edition of her Fighting Bob La Follette: The Righteous Reformer.
At 5 p.m. on September 9, University of Wisconsin-Madison political science professor John Coleman will pose the question, Are General Election Campaigns Really Worth it?. He will discuss the impact that the time, money and nastiness of campaigns may have on the candidate pool for presidential elections. The museum will remain open until 6:30 p.m.
On Tuesday, September 16, at 10 a.m., storyteller and author Bob Kann will present a program for young readers about La Follette and his wife Belle. A formidable activist in her own right, La Follette's wife Belle was an advocate for world peace, an agitator for the women's vote, the first woman to graduate from the University of Wisconsin's Law School, and Bob's most trusted advisor. Bob Kann will read aloud and share tales about the La Follettes' lives and battles for justice. At 12:15 p.m., Kann will offer a lecture geared toward adults called Belle and Bob La Follette: Partners in Politics. A book signing will follow the program.
The museum will again stay open until 6:30 p.m. on September 16 to host another special program. At 5 p.m. UW-Madison political science professor David Canon will present Reforming the Presidential Nomination and Election Process. Canon will discuss America's presidential election process, including primaries and the Electoral College. Members of the League of Women Voters will be on hand to register new voters.
While at the museum, be sure to see the exhibit, That's the Ticket! A Parade of Presidential Elections. Presidential candidate Bob La Follette is featured, as are dozens of other politicians from 1856 through 2004. The exhibit is open through November 8.
:: Posted September 5, 2008
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