LAKE GENEVA, Wis. – Five decades after the publication of the very first version of Dungeons & Dragons—regarded as the most popular tabletop roleplaying game to date—the Wisconsin Historical Society is commemorating its creation and Wisconsin roots with a series of new events and initiatives. The Society created Wisconsin Adventures, a new D&D-inspired gaming module, along with corresponding merchandise and events, and has launched a collections initiative to preserve and share the story of this Wisconsin-born, world-famous gaming phenomenon.  

“Dungeons & Dragons began in the basement of Gary Gygax’s Lake Geneva, Wisconsin home, and over the last five decades it has become a worldwide phenomenon attracting millions of fans,” said David Driscoll, curator of economic history for the Wisconsin Historical Society. “D&D has played an important—and often identity-shaping—role in the lives of people across the globe. The Society is working to collect, preserve and share artifacts and oral histories of this internationally significant phenomenon with Wisconsin roots.”

Wisconsin Adventuresserves as a new, short-form roleplaying module that incorporates myriad Wisconsin tall tales—including the story of the iconic Hodag, an encounter with the Beast of Bray Road, and settings inspired by actual Wisconsin locations, including the 1800s-style Wade House Inn in Greenbush, which is now one of the Society’s historic sites. The session will pay tribute to the long and storied history of D&D—which often features groups of players traveling through treasure-filled lairs to face off against dragons, goblins and other mythical monsters—while building upon classic fantasy themes.

“D&D at its heart is a game focused on storytelling, and with strong Wisconsin roots, it’s the perfect inspiration for our new game combining imaginative fun with skill building,” said Kurt Griesemer, manager of PK12 education initiatives for the Wisconsin Historical Society. “We’re excited to celebrate D&D’s legacy and share the game in the same place where it all started.”

Game Debuts on April 7 at Horticulture Hall in Lake Geneva

The new, Wisconsin-themed adventure game will officially debut April 7 during a live session at Horticulture Hall in Lake Geneva, the hometown of legendary D&D creator Gary Gygax and site of the very first GenCon, which has grown into the largest tabletop game convention in North America.

From exploring misted Badger State forests to tangling with iconic beasts and cryptids from Wisconsin lore, the session will mark the D&D milestone anniversary and celebrate Gygax’s contributions to the larger roleplaying community. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., kicking off with a brief presentation on the history and cultural importance of Dungeons & Dragons led by Driscoll and Griesemer.

Mike Carr, co-designer of Don't Give Up the Shipand editor of the first-edition “Advanced Dungeons & Dragons” core books, and Paul Stormberg, owner of The Collector's Trove and president of the Gary Gygax Memorial Fund, will also participate in the presentation. After the talk, guests will receive a print copy of Wisconsin Adventures, and the live game session will commence. Spectator tickets cost $25 per person, with an additional $10 fee to play.  

To purchase event tickets, explore new Wisconsin Adventures merchandise or preview the Society’s latest D&D collection highlights, visit wisconsinhistory.org/DnD or go here.

Discover the History & Origins of D&D in the New Wisconsin History Center

Coming in early 2027, the new Wisconsin History Center on Madison’s Capitol Square will showcase artifacts and stories that made their mark on state and national history. Guests will learn about D&D’s early history through oral histories, told by those fervent fans who helped make the game a household name to more than 50 million people worldwide. They can also view D&D collection items from early game manuals to a collector’s edition box set and more.

Shop Wisconsin Adventures Collection

Along with the new Wisconsin Adventures: Myths & Legends ($24.95), D&D fans can also shop for Wisconsin Adventures seven-piece dice set ($19.95), Wisconsin Adventures sticker ($3.95), Myths & Legends map pack & mini adventure ($9.95) and a Myths & Legends educator bundle ($100). Go to shop.wisconsinhistory.org to shop the Wisconsin Adventures collection!

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About the Wisconsin Historical Society

The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and most diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. The Wisconsin Historical Society serves millions of people every year through a wide range of sites, programs and services. For more information, visit www.wisconsinhistory.org.