Contact: Kara O’Keeffe
Kara.okeeffe@wisconsinhistory.org
608-261-9596
Mauston, WI. – The Wisconsin Historical Society is traveling around the state to hear from local communities about what they would like to see in a new, modern state history museum on Wisconsin’s Capitol Square in Madison and on Monday, February 11, they will be holding a listening session in Mauston at the Hatch Public Library.
“The new museum will be about more than bricks and mortar,” said Christian Overland, Ruth and Hartley Barker Director of the Wisconsin Historical Society. “The new museum will reach all 72 counties and represent all Wisconsinites. Communities will be able to share their stories in this new museum network and because of that we want to hear from people all across the state.”
The event will take place from 6:00-7:30 pm with doors opening at 5:30 pm and is in partnership with the Juneau County Historical Society and the Hatch Public Library. The Hatch Public Library is located at 111 W. State Street in Mauston. The evening will start with an introduction to the new museum project. Guests will then hear from Alicia Goehring, director of special projects and then participate in two workshops. For pre-event tickets visit, http://bit.ly/2FhPQXM.
“Juneau County Historical Society is proud to partner with the Wisconsin State Historical Society in bringing the program “Share Your Voice” to Mauston,” said Karla Riley, Juneau County Historical Society board member. “It will be a unique opportunity to explore the rich history of the area and to tell our story.”
During these sessions, guests will have the opportunity to share feedback on current design concepts and share their thoughts on “What makes Wisconsin, Wisconsin” and how they would like a state history museum to serve their community.
The Wisconsin Historical Society has been working towards building a new $120 million, 100,000-square-foot museum for more than 20 years. The new museum will more than double exhibition space, and include state-of-the-art technology while providing learning, meeting and flexible spaces. The new museum will reach and connect people all across the state through distance learning technology and exciting, modern exhibits.
“The input we receive at these public workshops will help shape future exhibits and storylines,” continued Overland. “This is a rare opportunity for the public to be a part of this process and to provide their vision of how the new museum can represent Wisconsin and their history to create relevant stories that have local significance and national impact.”
In total, the Wisconsin Historical Society will be holding over forty listening sessions in local communities across the state. All sessions are free and open to the public. For a full list of events and to pre-register visit, wihist.org/yourvoice.
“Listening sessions are community-based including African-American, American-Indian, Latino, and Hmong communities in multiple locations,” Overland continued. “These sessions are an important part of the process of ensuring the new museum represents the diversity and inclusion of the people of Wisconsin.”
The Society will also seek input through classroom visits with students and teachers.
For more information on the Wisconsin Historical Society visit wisconsinhistory.org.
