Madison, WI. – The Wisconsin Historical Society will host its 15^th annual local history and historic preservation conference on October 20-22, 2021. The theme of this year’s conference is “Connecting Communities to Preserve & Share History” and the event will be a fully online experience featuring presentations from keynote speakers, various workshop options, engaging learning sessions, and a presentation recognizing recipients of the 2021 Board of Curator Awards.

“This conference brings together hundreds of historical society and museum volunteers, historic preservationists, and those interested in preserving history to comprise the largest local history event in Wisconsin,” said Janet Seymour, outreach director for the Wisconsin Historical Society. “Attendees will participate in interesting and practical learning sessions, exchange ideas, and find inspiration in the variety of topics and perspectives brought together in an engaging online format.”

The conference’s three keynote speakers include B.J. Hollars, Angela Fitzgerald, and Emily Graslie. Hollars is a professor and the author of the Wisconsin Historical Society Press book “Hope is the Thing: Wisconsinites on Perseverance in a Pandemic.” Fitzgerald is the host of the “Wisconsin Life” program on PBS Wisconsin, is the creator and producer of the digital series “Why Race Matters” on PBS Wisconsin, and is currently the director of family, youth, and community engagement for the Madison Metropolitan School District. Graslie is science communicator, video host, and educational media producer. Christian Øverland, the Ruth and Hartley Barker Director & CEO for the Wisconsin Historical Society, will share an overview of the exciting progress happening in the campaign to build a new state history museum during his closing remarks on the final day of the conference.

Attendees can register to attend the conference online and Wisconsin Historical Society members are eligible for a 10% discount on the registration fee. Following registration, attendees will receive an email containing a link to access conference sessions, plenaries, and online social events. 

The 2021 Local History & Historic Preservation Conference is presented in partnership with the Wisconsin Association of Historic Preservation Commissions, the Wisconsin Council for Local History, and the Wisconsin Historical Records Advisory Board. For more information, visit wisconsinhistory.org/conference or send an email to LHHPC@wisconsinhistory.org.