Local History & Historic Preservation Conference
About the Conference
The 2025 Local History and Historic Preservation Conference will be held at the Ho-Chunk Casino Hotel & Convention Center
October 15-17
Check back often for announcements and updates on the 2025 conference. Registration opens July 14!
Keynote Speakers
William Nąąwącekǧize Quackenbush
Ho-Chunk Deer Clan Tribal Member
Tribal Historic Preservation Officer
Cultural Resources Division Manager
Ho-Chunk Nation

William Nąąwącekǧize Quackenbush began a career in the Ho-Chunk Nation Heritage Preservation Department in 1999 as a land specialist focusing on realty, land-into-trust applications, and cultural and natural resource management. In 2004, Quackenbush became the Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) for the Ho-Chunk Nation, spearheading the creation of the Nation's THPO program to address tribal preservation needs. Since 2006, Quackenbush has served as both the THPO and the Ho-Chunk Nation Heritage Preservation Department & Cultural Resources Division Manager.
Quackenbush will present "Indigenous Oral History – Is It Relevant Today?" The oral history of the Ho-Chunk People reflects upon a direct connection to their ancestral territories, which encompass much of Wisconsin as we know it today. Stories referring to the last glacial episode speak of the Ho-Chunk residing in what they referred to as a place of refuge – what we now know as the beloved Driftless Area. As the glaciers receded to the north, the Ho-Chunk orally memorialized the environmental change taking place and how they adapted to the environment we now find ourselves experiencing. Listen in as the Ho-Chunk Nation's Tribal Historic Preservation Officer answers the question of how relevant of a role - if any - indigenous oral history plays in the 21st century.
Melanie Adams
Director
Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum

Melanie A. Adams, PhD, currently serves as the Roger Ferguson and Annette Nazareth Director of the Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum. Before joining the Smithsonian, Dr. Adams served as the Deputy Director for Learning Initiatives at the Minnesota Historical Society, overseeing the state's 26 historic sites. Prior to Minnesota, she spent 12 years at the Missouri Historical Society as the Managing Director for Community Education and Events. Dr. Adams is an active member of the museum community. She currently serves on the board of Museum Hue and served on the board of the American Association for State and Local History and the Association of Midwest Museums.
Dr. Adams will present "Weathering Times of Change: How Museums Can Serve Their Communities." In today's rapidly changing environment, museums are at a crossroads as they try to navigate the cultural landscape in their community. There are many common issues such as audience development, fundraising, and how content is interpreted and shared. This keynote will be a conversation that addresses these issues as well as how museums can set themselves up for success and serve the needs of their community.
Special Events
America@250: The American Revolution Sneak Peek & Panel
Al. Ringling Theatre | 136 4th Avenue, Baraboo, WI
Thursday, October 16 | Doors 6:30 PM | Program 7 PM
As we approach the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, join PBS Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Historical Society for an evening of community and reflection. The night will include a special preview screening of the all-new documentary series THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt; the premiere of two new episodes of The Look Back produced by PBS Wisconsin Education; and a panel conversation exploring themes and untold perspectives related to the Revolutionary War era.
This event is part of a statewide America@250 initiative led by PBS Wisconsin in partnership with the Wisconsin Historical Society, Wisconsin Public Radio, Wisconsin Veterans Museum, and the Center for Community & Nonprofit Studies at UW-Madison.

Conference Welcome Social Hour
Sauk County Historical Museum, Van Orden Mansion | 531 4th Avenue, Baraboo, WI
Wednesday, October 15 | 5 – 6 PM
Join us for an evening of camaraderie and connection with fellow enthusiasts of public history and historic preservation, hosted by the Sauk County Historical Society and Wisconsin Council for Local History. Whether you're new to these fields or a seasoned pro, everyone is welcome to relax and bond over shared stories. Enjoy light refreshments as you make new connections with like-minded folks from around the region. It's a great chance for emerging professionals to sharpen their networking skills and learn from seasoned veterans in a social environment. Don't miss out on this opportunity to grow your network and enhance your conference experience!
All attendees are welcome and encouraged to join and connect.

The Renovation of the Al. Ringling Theatre
Al. Ringling Theatre | 136 4th Avenue, Baraboo, WI
Friday, October 17 | 2 – 3:30 PM
Learn about the restoration of the Al. Ringling Theatre, "America's Prettiest Playhouse." The 700-seat theatre was built in 1915 by Al Ringling, co-founder with his brothers of the world-renowned Ringling Brothers Circus, and designed in the opulent style of grand French opera houses.
Session Schedule
Learn more about our upcoming sessions and workshops on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday by downloading our schedule below! Click to view the full three-day schedule!
Read All About It!
Conference Excursions
In this new opportunity for 2025, hop on a bus for an educational excursion to a local historical site! An additional fee of $20 per person and advanced registration...
Read more...Session Highlights
From the protection and preservation of historic landmarks and artifacts to presentations on exciting state history, our sessions are packed with useful tools, tips...
Read more...Workshop Highlights
Workshops put the power of history in your hands! By offering opportunities to develop skills, tap into resources and learn insights through Q&A sessions...
Read more...Local Open Houses
Before and after the conference, visit these local historical societies and museums during featured open house hours to learn more about the history of the...
Read more...2025 Conference Pricing
Wisconsin Historical Society members receive 10% off registration. Discount taken at checkout. Join now at wihist.org/WHSMembership.
Registration opens July 14!
Early Bird Registration Rates (through August 18)
Two-Day: $155
Thursday Only: $105
Friday Only: $100
Regular Registration Rates (from August 19)
Two-Day: $175
Thursday Only: $110
Friday Only: $105
Student Registration Rates (payable before September 30)
Student Two-Day: $70
Student One-Day: $40
Hotel Information
A block of hotel rooms has been organized at the Ho-Chunk Casino Hotel & Convention Center with special rates for conference attendees. Reservations are available by calling (800) 746-2486 or by booking through the link below. The discounted rate is available until October 1; after that, prevailing public rates apply.
The group room block ID is 14048
Book Now2025 Conference Partners
The Wisconsin Historical Society appreciates the support of our 2025 partners:
AIA Wisconsin
AIA Wisconsin is a Registered Provider for the AIA Continuing Education System (CES). AIA members will earn AIA/CES learning unit hours by participating in the designated sessions. Participants must attend entire session to receive AIA/CES credit.
Wisconsin Association of Historic Preservation Commissions
Have Questions?
Contact us at lhhpconference@wisconsinhistory.org.