Wisconsin Historical Museum facts for kids
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| Location | 30 N. Carroll Street Madison, Wisconsin  United States |
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| Type | Historical museum |
| Owner | Wisconsin Historical Society |
| Public transit access |  Metro Transit |
The Wisconsin Historical Museum is a cool place in Madison, Wisconsin. It's right on the Capitol Square. Right now, it's a shop where you can find books and gifts. These items are all about Wisconsin and its amazing past.
Contents
Discovering Wisconsin's Past
The museum used to show off the history of Wisconsin. It was run by the Wisconsin Historical Society. This group helps preserve Wisconsin's stories. The museum taught visitors about American history too. It used old items, photos, and even life-sized scenes. You could also watch videos and use interactive computer programs.
Saving the Museum
In late 2004, the museum faced a big problem. There were plans to cut its money. This meant it might have to close. But Jim Doyle, who was the governor of Wisconsin, stepped in. He said the museum was very important. It played a key role in telling the state's history. So, Governor Doyle made sure the museum got its funding back. This helped keep it open for everyone to enjoy.
Unique Exhibits and Collections
The museum had many interesting displays. It didn't just show traditional history. For example, it once had an exhibit about malted milk. Did you know malted milk was first made in Wisconsin? That's a fun fact!
The museum also had a special item in its collection. It was a Big Boy statue. This statue is the mascot for a hamburger restaurant chain. It was saved in 1985 when its restaurant closed down.
In 2012, a new exhibit opened. It was about Smart Studios. This was a famous recording studio in Madison. It was co-founded by Butch Vig. He is a musician from the band Garbage (band). Smart Studios closed in 2010, but its history lived on at the museum.
A New Chapter for History
In late 2022, the museum closed its main exhibits. This was to get ready for something new. They are building a brand new place called the Wisconsin History Center. This exciting new center is planned to open in 2026. It will continue to share Wisconsin's rich history with everyone.
