Curators' Favorites
About Curators' Favorites
Explore the fascinating stories behind more than 200 of the Wisconsin Historical Museum's objects, most of which are not usually on display. Artifacts were selected because of their significance to Wisconsin history.
Browse and click on a few selected objects to the right, or see all objects below.
Have Questions?
For more information or to purchase an image of one of the objects featured in Curators' Favorites, email our friendly staff.
Curators' Favorites Subjects
Agriculture
Industry
Learn about objects related to brewing, crop farming, dairying, mining, manufacturing, and tourism.
Ethnic Life
American Indians
See objects related to racial, ethnic, and religious identity, including Native American, African American, and European immigrant cultures.
Manners and Customs
Check out objects related to courtship, marriage, death, holidays, rites and ceremonies, fashion, and social life.
Politics and Government
Discover objects related to politicians, elections, activism, and government work.
Sports
Recreation
Explore objects related to amateur and professional sports, athletics, outdoor activities, and play.
War
Learn about objects related to military and home front activities during times of armed conflict and the Cold War.
About Museum Collections
- About the Wisconsin Historical Museum Collections
The Society’s museum collections include 110,000 historical objects and about 500,000 archaeological items that document the history of Wisconsin.
Collection Services
- Arts and Artifacts Appraisers
See a list of professional appraisers in Wisconsin and nearby areas of Minnesota and Illinois
- Caring for and Preserving Your Family Treasures
See links to helpful websites offering tips on caring for and maintaining family treasures.
- Professional Conservation and Restoration Services
Learn about working with and finding professionals to conserve or preserve your family heirlooms and art.
- How to Donate an Artifact to the Wisconsin Historical Museum
Do you have a three-dimensional object that relates in a significant way to the history or prehistory of Wisconsin? See the other criteria needed to donate