Black History | BIG History

Black History Month

African American history in Wisconsin

The Society is celebrating BIG moments in Wisconsin history, including the significant impact that African Americans have had on the history of the state. Learn about this impact through the articles, artifacts, and other important items below that help tell the story of African Americans in Wisconsin.

Photo ID #95738

View from behind of a young woman wearing a t-shirt with the title Dungeon Mistress printed on the back while she plays an adventure game on a computer. In the background is a blackboard

New Book from the Press

Valiant Vel: Vel Phillips and the Fight for Fairness and Equality

Beautifully illustrated with historic photographs and original artwork, this compelling biography for young readers tells the remarkable story of fair housing advocate and civic leader Vel Phillips.

Get the Book

African American History Maker: Vel Phillips

The first Black woman in Wisconsin to graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison law, serve on the Milwaukee City Council, become a Wisconsin judge and act as Wisconsin Secretary of State, Phillips dedicated her life to the relentless defense of civil rights, equitable housing and anti-discrimination legislation across the Badger State. Check out this video to learn more about the fascinating life of Vel Phillips, and explore items from the Society's historical collections related to her story below.

Common Council Desk

Portrait of Mrs. Vel Rodgers Phillips which links to Vel Phillips Papers

Vel's Papers

Campaign Brochure

Head and shoulders portrait of Vel Phillips holding a telephone.

ALL ITEMS

Collecting History as it Happens

Graffiti'd wood panels from the Wisconsin Historical Museum, featuring BLM in artful bubble letters and the phrase 'always lies'.

Despite the gains made by the American Civil Rights movement, these past years we've witnessed our country’s systemic problems of racism and injustice. Protests across the country, including here in Wisconsin, were the catalyst for important conversations examining racism and social justice in America.

In the wake of the protests, the Society acquired a collection of wood panels from boarded up buildings. These panels also served as a canvas for those advocating for change to express their emotions through art. The panels will be preserved and shared through future exhibits as a reminder of the impact that the death of George Floyd had on Wisconsin’s citizens.

Explore the Video Gallery

The Society has also gathered resources to help guide the dialogue as we continue to have conversations with our past to build a better future. Read a Wisconsin Historical Society Statement and view Black History Resources.

Unvarnished: Restoring the Erased History of Exclusion

Many museums and organizations are working to share a complete, inclusive history. Often that means sharing histories that have been erased from the consciousness of all except those who were marginalized. This panel talks about their experience collaborating with six organizations.

Explore more African American history

Learn more about the African American experience in Wisconsin and beyond through the historical essays below.

Studio portrait in front of a painted backdrop of Martha and Notley Henderson with their three children. Their son Allen is standing. The Hendersons were early African American settlers in Madison.

Black History in Wisconsin

An integrated group of mostly young people sitting on the Atlantic City boardwalk. Many of them are holding signs showing support for the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP).

Freedom Summer

The Milton House was supposedly a part of the Underground Railroad during the Civil War. The house was built in 1845 by Joseph Goodrich and turned into an Inn. The frame house and log cabin behind the Inn were also built by Goodrich, along with the Milton House Tavern. The Milton House was later taken over and turned into a museum.

The Underground Railroad in Wisconsin

Lloyd Barbee

More Historical Essays

Fascinating Items from the Society's Historical Collections

The Society has over 2,000 items related to African American history available to explore in our online collection, and this collection is always growing. Explore some of these amazing items and the stories behind them below.