The 8th Annual History Advocacy Day in Wisconsin is March 19, 2025!

Check back here in early 2025 for additional details about the event!

History Advocacy Day in Wisconsin

History advocates from around the state are invited to join the Society to thank lawmakers for their ongoing support of Wisconsin history and highlight the critical role that state and local history play in collecting, preserving, and sharing stories. Write a letter, make a call, or schedule a meeting to advocate for history in Wisconsin!

Your participation makes a tremendous impact. History advocates like you create enthusiasm and promote the need to preserve and share our stories from generation to generation. Help us thank our lawmakers for their past support of history and spread awareness of all that our organizations do throughout the entire state and in local communities!

What is Advocacy?

Advocacy confirms with elected officials that support from the state and federal government is a critical part of investing in history and cultural assets. The support allows for the Wisconsin Historical Society to continue its mission and vision across all 72 counties of Wisconsin. The goal of developing and implementing a state and federal advocacy plan is to secure state funding, federally designated spending, and competitive grant opportunities while showcasing the Society's current value proposition with statewide programming and democratizing its vast national collection. Additionally, advocacy will help our decision-makers understand the importance of the museums, local history organizations, and historic sites throughout Wisconsin while endorsing the unique way the Society and affiliates inspire and engage guests throughout Wisconsin and beyond.

Over the last six years, the Wisconsin Historical Society has hosted History Advocacy Day in the Capitol. Advocates include local affiliates, historic preservationists, Society members, teachers, researchers, Wisconsin Historical Society Press authors, and more from all across Wisconsin. We have approximately 50 advocates attend each year, resulting in meetings with over 80 legislative offices…AND WE ARE JUST GETTING STARTED!

Talking points and training will be provided to advocates by the Wisconsin Historical Society.

Become an Advocate Year-Round!

• How to Write to Your Local Officials
  A step-by-step guide to writing to your local officials.
• Wisconsin History Advocate Checklist
  Follow Our Checklist for a simple guide to becoming a history advocate year-round.
• A Mini Master Class in Advocacy
  Learn key lessons on how to effectively engage elected officials from a Capitol Hill chief of staff in this Museum Magazine article, from the American Alliance of Museums.

To find your representatives or learn more about the Wisconsin State Legislature, visit legis.wisconsin.gov.

2024 History Advocacy Day Recap

The 7th annual History Advocacy Day in Wisconsin was held on April 17, 2024. At the event, 50 advocates met in-person with 70 legislative offices, including 26 state senators and 45 state representatives. The day was a great success and helped to build support for local history statewide!

See a listing of the 2024 supporting documents, below:

• 2023 Scorecard (PDF, 76 KB)
• Legislative 411 2023 (PDF, 3.2 MB)
• Legislative Advocacy 101: How to Be an Advocate (PDF, 242 KB)
• Web Traffic to WHS Website (PDF, 287KB)
• State Historic Preservation Outreach Map (PDF, 1,926 KB)
• Certified Local Governments in Wisconsin Partner Communities Map 2023-2024 (PDF, 575 KB)
• Certified Local Government Annual Report 2023 (PDF, 1,156 KB)
• 2023 Legislative District Maps (PDF, 2.6 MB)

Have Questions?

For more information about advocating, please contact either:

Kate Easton, Director of Government Relations, kate.easton@wisconsinhistory.org or (608) 264-6442, or

Kennedy McCarthy, Executive Staff Assistant, kennedy.mccarthy@wisconsinhistory.org or (608) 264-6029