LA CROSSE, Wis. - A Wisconsin Historical Society tour is touching down in the southwestern area of the state as partnering organizations prepare to host interactive exhibits, object displays, unique events and more as part of a special initiative to share Wisconsin history in local communities throughout the state. The multi-faceted History Makers Tour will reach the counties of Grant, Iowa, Crawford, Vernon, Lafayette, La Crosse, Richland, Juneau, Monroe and Sauk before moving into a new region in June 2025.

“Since the History Makers Tour first launched last fall, we’ve introduced some really fun elements such as life-size photo displays, new themed panel exhibits, and most recently, object installations spotlighting fascinating items from the Society’s collections,” said Mallory Hanson, statewide services coordinator for the Wisconsin Historical Society. “We’re excited to collaborate with organizational partners to bring these experiences to Wisconsinites right in their own hometowns, making it possible to engage with various stories from Wisconsin history without travelling far.”

The History Makers Tour launched in the south-central region of Wisconsin before traveling through the southeastern counties, and it has already reached over 80,000 people through dozens of planned programs and experiences. Host venues select tour components that work best for their individual spaces including a range of portable banner displays, “Step Into History” displays featuring life-size historic images, “History Walks” panel exhibits, object displays with real historical artifacts, and expert speakers including authors and historians.

As part of the ongoing History Makers Tour, the Wisconsin Historical Society is also excited to collaborate with partnering organizations to offer tailored signature events at select venues, including “Wisconsin Riffs: Jazz Profiles from the Heartland” taking place on April 13, 2025, at the Cappella Performing Art Center in La Crosse. Click here for more information about the tour and a complete listing of upcoming scheduled events. The History Makers Tour was made possible thanks to presenting sponsor Culver’s and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (Grant Number MA-253159-OMS-23).

Featured Upcoming History Makers Tour Events:

EXHIBIT – We Stand on Their Shoulders: A History of Wisconsin Women and Voting

Nov. 6 - Dec. 4, La Crosse County Historical Society, La Crosse

The traveling display "We Stand on Their Shoulders: A History of Wisconsin Women and Voting" explores moments when women in Wisconsin gained political rights and highlights a few key leaders. Covering the ratification of the 19th Amendment, 1921 Wisconsin Equal Rights Act, 1924 Indian Citizenship Act, and 1965 Voting Rights Act, the eight-panel display shares the important story of women's quest for political rights and recognition through quotes, photographs, and a timeline of events.

EXHIBIT – Step Into History: Gesell Family Photo

Nov. 11 - May 16, Explore La Crosse Welcome Center, La Crosse

What’s the silliest face you can make? Join the Gesell family and pick your favorite prop! Family portraits date to the 19th century. This image from the Gerhard A. Gesell collection shows how families have expressed their sense of humor in photos since the 1800s. Have some fun and strike a pose with this large-scale interactive display featuring an iconic historical image from our archives! Don’t forget to tag us and use #WIHistoryMakers when you post!

EXHIBIT – We March to Our Own Beat Collections Highlight

Nov. 14 - May 15, Kilbourn Public Library, Wisconsin Dells

There’s nothing that brings Wisconsinites together more than a little friendly competition. Whether it’s the Green Bay Packers, a university team, or one of our many high school teams, we love to be part of a cheering crowd. But how do we maintain our morale when a game isn’t going our way? Luckily for us, Wisconsin’s marching bands buoy our spirits, delight us with their entertaining performances, and inspire our teams to compete at the highest level. Learn more about the bands that play our favorite tunes and their history with spectator sports.

EXHIBIT – The Way We Catch Them Here Collections Highlight

Dec. 5 - May 8, Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center, Coon Valley

Both sturgeon spearing and ice fishing are popular wintertime activities in Wisconsin. Nowadays, around 14 million fish are caught via ice fishing annually. Records are set every year, but Wisconsinites also have an eye on the future with conservation efforts for threatened species underway. Learn more about the tools that fishermen like Fond du Lac enthusiast Bill Casper have used and the big hauls they’ve reeled in through the images, activities, and objects here on display!

AUTHOR APPEARANCE – Hmong Culture in Wisconsin with Pao Lor

Dec. 29, Folklore Village, Dodgeville

Join author Pao Lor for afternoon tea! He will be discussing Hmong culture and the Hmong diaspora of Wisconsin as part of Folklore Village's Festival of Christmas & Midwinter Traditions, now in its 77th year. The festival celebrates the cultures and folk traditions of people around the world through workshops in folk dance, singing, crafts, and music, as well as afternoon cultural teas. Lor's presentation will be followed by tea and treats from the Hmong culture. The program is free and open to the public.

EXHIBIT – Step Into History: Wisconsin Winter Fun

Jan. 6 - Feb. 28, Hatch Public Library, Mauston

Who wants to go sledding? Step behind the toboggan and race down the hill! Whether you love or hate the cold and snow, Wisconsin is known for its winters. We love the wind in our faces and the thrill of dodging speedbumps, so freezing temperatures don’t stop our appreciation for the outdoors. Have some fun and strike a pose with this large-scale interactive display featuring an iconic historical image from our archives! Don’t forget to tag us and use #WIHistoryMakers when you post!

SPEAKER – Haste to the Wedding with Tamara Funk

Feb. 19, Lafayette Historical and Genealogy Society, Darlington

Say “I do” to joining Wisconsin Historical Society curator, Tamara Funk, to learn about the changing philosophies and customs of Euro-American courtship and weddings in the United States from the 18th to the 20th centuries in this hour-long presentation.

NEW EVENTS ARE FREQENTLY ADDED TO THE TOUR LINEUP. For a current event listing, visit https://wihist.org/historymakerstour.

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 wisconsinhistory.org.

About Culver’s

For over 38 years, Culver’s guests have been treated to cooked-to-order food made with farm-fresh ingredients and served with a smile. The ever-expanding franchise system now numbers 900 family-owned and operated restaurants in 26 states. The restaurants’ nationally recognized customer service is based on small-town, Midwestern values, genuine friendliness and an unwavering commitment to quality. Signature items include the award-winning ButterBurger, made from fresh, never frozen beef, and Fresh Frozen Custard, including the famous Flavor of the Day program. For more information, visit www.culvers.com or connect with Culver’s on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter.

About The Institute of Museum and Library Services

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America's museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. IMLS envisions a nation where individuals and communities have access to museums and libraries to learn from and be inspired by the trusted information, ideas, and stories they contain about our diverse natural and cultural heritage. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.