Textiles Collection
Take A Closer Look!
The Wisconsin Historical Society is home to one of the premier textile and fiber arts collections in the Midwest. From garments to quilts, these diverse items sustain the deeply personal stories of the original users while also connecting audiences to shared universal experiences--all told through wefts and warps!
Three-quarter view of girl's faded gray coat with red velvet trim. Worn by Jane Larned (Williamson) Hague (born 1819) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. ID:W013I1A
Textiles Collection
History in Every Stitch!
The Wisconsin Historical Society's renowned costumes, textiles, and personal object collections showcases ingenuity in fiber arts across many cultures and time periods. From Swiss woven baskets to Hmong paj ntaub to Irish lace, the story of Wisconsin can be told through a rich, ever-expanding tapestry blending the different fiber craft traditions of our community.
For over 100 years, the collection's reputation as a trusted primary source for researchers and educators has endured. Our textiles have even inspired some familiar products seen today. Did you ever wonder where the original American Girl Dolls got their distinct fashions? Our children's garments collection inspired those iconic wardrobes!
There is always more to learn by examining the (literal) threads of history. Explore our collection today and discover why textiles are a seamless part of our story!
Features of the Collection
- Accessories
- Children's clothing
- Everyday garments (adult)
- Specialized garments (formal, ceremonial, occupational, outerwear, etc.)
- Undergarments
- Curtains
- Dolls
- Quilts & Coverlets
- Rugs
- Samplers
- Textile production tools
Interested in Our Textile Collection?
You can be part of Wisconsin's textile history through these unique opportunities!
Visit our Historic Sites to see textiles of the past come to life. Meet our fiber-producing animals, view stunning examples of Victorian upholstery, watch wool-spinning in person, and learn about historic dyes! Each location offers different opportunities to engage with fiber history. Check out the sites' pages to learn more!
- Black Point Estate and Gardens
- Circus World
- First Capitol
- H.H. Bennet Studio & Museum
- Madeline Island Museum
- Old World Wisconsin
- Pendarvis
- Reed School
- Stonefield
- Vilas Louis
- Wade House
Researchers looking to view textiles in our collection that are currently in storage should contact the Wisconsin Historical Society using the contacts below.
Collections Use FAQs
Explore how you can find, access, and use our collection materials.
The Society's library and archives collections can be searched in the University of Wisconsin-Madison Library catalog and some parts of our collections have been digitized and are available online.
The Society's historical object collection cannot be searched online.
Library & Archives
Many books, bound periodicals, microforms and government publications may be checked out for home use with a library card. Rare, fragile, small and heavily used materials (including genealogical resources) do not circulate. A borrowing card is not required if you want to use materials within the Library. Archival materials are available for use in our Archives Reading Room.
For more information about our borrowing policies Library & Archives Services.
Historic Objects
If you are interested in viewing our historical objects please contact us.
Due to significant demands associated with developing the Wisconsin History Center, the Society has reduced capacity to handle loan requests. Therefore, we are not accepting new requests at this time.
For a credit line: Wisconsin Historical Society, Creator, Title, Unique Identifier.
The Unique Identifier can be found at the top or bottom of the webpage for each item. The name of a downloaded file is NOT the unique identifier.
For bibliographic citations please consult the UW-Madison Libraries Citation Research Guide to ensure compliance with appropriate style guidelines.
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Personal use (prints, gifts, home and study): Request images for personal use
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Commercial use (public display, publishing, media, products, film and more): Request commercial use of our Collection
Materials in our websites and digital collection are provided for research, teaching, and private study. The Wisconsin Historical Society hold rights to some items; others may be governed by additional copyright or donor restrictions.
We encourage users to download low-res images from our website for personal or classroom use, without written permission, within the meaning of the principles of “Fair Use.”
Permission is required for reproduction, publication, or commercial use of any content made available through our websites and digital collection. By using this website, including our digital collections, you agree to the Terms of Use. Users are responsible for determining whether their intended use qualifies as fair use under U.S. copyright law. When relying on fair use, cite the source.
Visit Our
Library & Archives
Perhaps the best way to begin exploring our collections is by visiting us in person. In our reading rooms, you’ll find free and unparalleled access to our collections, helpful staff and amenities, and perhaps, your very own story.
Plan Your Visit Hours
Donate to The Society's Collections
Your Story is Wisconsin's Story
History is made every day, everywhere. Since 1846, contributions from people across the state have helped us fulfill our mission to collect, preserve and tell the stories of Wisconsin.
Find Out HowLast Updated: July 8, 2026
