This year’s Capitol Ornament is a special edition honoring the 250th anniversary of America’s independence.
The Semiquincentennial ornament is now for sale at Madison area retailers and online at the Wisconsin Historical Society’s online store. Perfect for holiday gifting and beyond, it celebrates the nation’s independence leading up to the July 4, 2026 festivities in Wisconsin and throughout the country.
The design features a photo by Jackie Johnson (AMFMGirl Photography) of the Wisconsin State Capitol dome framed by fireworks during a past Fourth of July celebration in downtown Madison.
The ornament, manufactured in America comes gift-boxed with an 8-page brochure. The booklet includes vintage photographs and images of past Independence Day parades and community celebrations around the state.
The Capitol Ornament program began in 2004 and is supported by the Wisconsin State Historical Foundation. A volunteer group coordinates the design and development of the ornament each year.
Proceeds from the sale of the ornament go to the State Capitol Restoration Fund. Projects funded through these proceeds have included the visitor’s viewing deck, which is located inside the dome and overlooks the rotunda.
Priced again at $20, the ornament is available at the following:
*The Capitol Tour Desk in the ground floor rotunda of the State Capitol
*The State Historical Society online at
wisconsinhistory.org/CapitolOrnament
*The gift shop at the Monona Terrace Convention Center, 1 John Nolen Drive, Madison
*The gift shop at Wisconsin Veterans Museum, 30 W. Mifflin Street, Madison
*Orange Tree Imports, 1721 Monroe Street, Madison
*Tis the Season, 6333 University Avenue, Middleton
*Prairie Flowers by Hen & Chick, 245 E. Main Street, Sun Prairie
*Brennan’s Market, 8210 Watts Road, Madison
For more information on the Capitol Ornament, contact Cate Zeuske at (920) 264-7027.
