EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – The Wisconsin Historical Society is bringing its popular History Makers Tour into the northwest area of the state with special history events and exhibits happening this June through the end of 2025. The ongoing tour, sponsored by Culver’s, is a collaborative initiative with local communities that provides opportunities to celebrate the people, places and stories that have shaped Wisconsin’s past. The tour first launched in 2023 and will continue to travel throughout Wisconsin until 2027, when the new Wisconsin History Center is set to open.
“The History Makers Tour continues to be a popular initiative throughout the state, and we’re excited to touch down in northwest communities with more chances for Wisconsinites to engage with state and local history. Join us at an upcoming tour stop this summer while we’re in a community near you to have fun while learning something new,” said Mallory Hanson, statewide services coordinator for the Wisconsin Historical Society.
In addition to fascinating exhibits, artifact displays, author talks and more, the History Makers Tour features special signature events developed in collaboration with community partners. The first signature event for the northwest region is “Blue Caps at Carson Park,” a good old-fashioned baseball game played by 1860s rules. The Menomonie Blue Caps will face off against the Rum River Rovers at Carson Park in Eau Claire on June 7. Right before the game, Menomonie Blue Caps Manager Dustyn Dubuque will give a special presentation about the historic sport at the Wisconsin Logging Museum just across from the field. Bring your baseball cap and get ready to cheer on the players at this family-friendly event sponsored by the Chippewa Valley Museum!
Featured Upcoming History Makers Tour Events:
EXHIBIT – Step Into History: The Tommy Bartlett Show
May 27 – Sept. 2, Richard I Bong Veterans Historical Center, Superior
Ready to test your waterskiing skills? Join the Tommy Bartlett Show and become part of the pyramid act! For 67 years, the Tommy Bartlett Show on Lake Delton entertained visitors with waterski stunts, high-speed boats and sky acts. From 1952 to 2019, about 30 million people attended the Tommy Bartlett Show. Have some fun and strike a pose with this large-scale interactive display featuring an iconic historical image from the Society’s archives!
EXHIBIT – Thinking Big Is What We Do History Walk
June 2 – 30, Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center, Ashland
Tall-tale postcards became popular at the start of the 20th century. Modified images like the ones featured in this outdoor display were created when photographers took two prints: one of a background landscape, and another close-up of an object that was cut out and superimposed onto the first. The results are playful pictures in which strawberries reach the size of boulders and fishermen grapple with whale-size catches.
EXHIBIT – We Like to Kick Up Our Heels History Walk
June 2 – Sept. 30, Dunn County Historical Society, Menomonie
Here in Wisconsin, communities come together across cultures with dance. The state has a long history of supporting the art form as a means of social and personal expression. You see it in our schools—UW Madison was the first college in the country to institute a dance program. You see it at annual festivals, which range from polka contests to Hmong New Year celebrations. You see it in Tribal Nations and communities as they celebrate and honor their culture. Take a step (or two) along and explore this outdoor installation yourself.
EXHIBIT – We Take Our Sports Seriously History Walk
June 2 – July 31, Venue TBD, River Falls
There’s nothing that brings Wisconsinites together more than a little friendly competition. Whether it’s for a champion franchise, a university team, or one of our many racing competitions, we love to be part of a cheering crowd all year round. Luckily for us, our state has no shortage of teams and types of sports to root for. So step right up, get your game face on, and discover some of the amazing stories behind the highlight reels through this outdoor installation.
EXHIBIT – Step Into History: Gesell Family Photo
June 2 – Aug. 29, Ashland County Courthouse, Ashland
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 the Society’s archives!
EXHIBIT – We March to Our Own Beat Collections Highlight
June 5 – Aug. 8, Amery Area Public Library, Amery
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.
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.
