MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Historical Society’s History Maker Space is launching a series of programs to mark America’s 250th anniversary. Highlights include a NEW “Democracy in Action” walking tour and a Gen Z–focused pizza party centered on civics, democracy and history. The lineup also features a series of FREE “History Sandwiched In” talks, which explore Wisconsin’s role in American History.

The History Maker Space, located in the US Bank Plaza building on Madison’s Capitol Square, serves as a temporary hub for public programming while the new Wisconsin History Center is under construction. The space hosts walking tours, pop-up exhibits, author talks, and K–12 educational programs. The Wisconsin Historical Society Headquarters, located on the University of Wisconsin’s Library Mall, will host the “Made By Us” Gen Z programming.

The public is invited to take part in these free and low-cost events, taking place from June-August.

New walking tour:

Democracy in Action Walking Tour, Thursday, July 2 and 9 from 5 to 6:45 p.m. and Saturday, July 18, 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and 1 to 2:45 p.m.

This walking tour explores the layered and multifaceted history of Wisconsin. During the tour, participants will consider the different layers of government from federal to local that shape everyday lives, as well as discuss the ways individuals and groups have contributed to the democratic process. Conversation will highlight how Wisconsinites have engaged over time with issues they cared about, and spotlight democracy-forward movements and legislation that impacted local, state, and national politics. Tour stops include the State Capitol, various locations on the Capitol Square, State Street, and the Library Mall on the UW Campus. The cost is $20 per person.

History Sandwiched In:

The popular “History Sandwiched In” series, held at the History Maker Space, 1 S. Pinckney in the US Bank Plaza Building on Capitol Square, offers free monthly programs featuring authors, historians, and other experts. In recognition of America 250, summer topics will span the state’s history, from mid-1700s through the Civil War. Advance registration is strongly recommended.

Wisconsin During the American Revolution, with Mary Elise Antoine, June 9, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

In the mid-18thcentury, residents of the land now called Wisconsin – Indigenous and Euro-American – were distant yet informed and took part in the American Revolution. Mary Elise Antoine will explore their roles and impact, as well as the revolution’s effects on the region. Their involvement spanned key campaigns and reflected the broader struggle actively shaping North America.

The Milton House Museum: An Iconic Milton Structure, with Kevin Scannell, July 14, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

How did the town of Milton begin, and what’s the story behind Milton House? Join Kevin Scannell of the Milton House Museum to explore the town’s founding, the house’s construction, and its role in the Underground Railroad. The talk also examines the social and political climate of Wisconsin and the United States in the 1850s-1860s.

Connoisseurs of Courage: Stories from the Iron Brigade’s Sixth Wisconsin, with James Marten, Aug. 11, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Civil War historian Bruce Catton called the Iron Brigade “connoisseurs of courage,” a claim proven by the battle records of the Sixth Wisconsin and its sister regiments. Drawing on his own research into the remarkable Sixth regiment, historian and author James Marten traces the lives of several of the nearly 2,000 soldiers – from their enlistment across Wisconsin to major battles such as the Battle of Antietam and the Battle of Gettysburg – and back home again, where the war continued to shape their lives.

Made By Us Partnership programs:

Held at the Wisconsin Historical Society’s headquarters at 816 State Street on Library Mall, UW-Madison Campus, these free programs – implemented in partnership with Made By Us – aim to spark interest in civics and history among Gen Z (ages 18-30).  Made By Us is a national coalition of history museums, sites, and cultural institutions dedicated to engaging young adults with American history in innovative and meaningful ways and encouraging civic participation.

Wish Wall: What’s Your Wish for the U.S.? June 19-July 18, Mondays-Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Write a “birthday wish” to America and place it on the Wish Wall at the Wisconsin Historical Society Headquarters, between Monday, June 19 – Saturday, July 18. Open to people of all ages and welcoming participants during the building’s open hours, this pop-up is part of a nationwide initiative capturing Americans’ dreams for the future of the U.S. In addition, participants can also submit their wishes to a digital wish wall, adding their voice to an ever-changing and dynamic tapestry of hopes for the country’s next 250 years.

A Slice of History: Pizza with a Side of Wisconsin History, June 25, 6 to 8 p.m.

Gen Z is invited to learn about civics, democracy and history at an informal pizza party! Taking place on Thursday, June 25 in the Wisconsin Historical Society Headquarters Lobby at 816 State Street, the free event features a building scavenger hunt, Wisconsin trivia, some prizes, and a pop-up display of historic materials that provide insight into pivotal moments in Wisconsin – and the country’s history. Stories will be shared and history brought to life during this free event from 6 to 8 p.m. Advance registration is encouraged.

For more information or to register for the America 250 programs presented by the Wisconsin Historical Society, visit wisconsinhistory.org or click here.

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 http://www.wisconsinhistory.org.