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Learn with the Wisconsin Historical Society
The Wisconsin Historical Society provides field trips, lesson plans, civics education programs, teacher professional development and more—to help you create transformative learning experiences for you and your students. Explore this page to find in-person and digital resources rooted in historical thinking and inquiry for all ages.
Our Approach: All WisHistory educational resources connect learners with history through primary source exploration, dialogue, and collaboration. Learners work together, with our educators, to think critically about the past, how it has shaped who we are today, and imagine possibilities for our shared future.
Field Trips
Transport your students to the past. WisHistory field trips are available across the state with immersive and exploratory experiences. Field trips are aligned to state standards and available for all grades.
National History Day
Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History
National History Day is an exciting academic enrichment program that helps students learn about historical issues, ideas, people and events.
National History Day is more than a day — it’s a process, a creative outlet and a confidence-building experience for students. It’s an opportunity for your social studies classroom to think beyond the textbook and develop a truly memorable project — one that reflects real life from our past that resonates with students today.
Dive into NHD!
Virtual &
In-Classroom Programs
Bring Wisconsin history to life right in your classroom. We bring museum experiences to you through virtual and hands-on programs that let you travel the state, go back in time and explore Wisconsin’s many stories through one-of-a-kind experiences.
In-Classroom Programs Virtual Programs
Wisconsin: Our State, Our Story
Discover the events and people that shaped our past—from the retreat of the glaciers 10,000 years ago; to the Menominee, Ho-Chunk, and Ojibwe peoples who have lived here for countless generations; to the immigrants from Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America who have settled here—and the stories that make Wisconsin what it is today. Share the many ways that primary sources—personal objects, photos, documents, and more—help illuminate our state’s history.
English and Español versions available in print and digital format.
Explore the TextbookClassroom ResourcesView All Classroom Resources
Act 266 Book List
Book List and strategies for teaching Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander history
Act 266 Scope & Sequence
Classroom resources for a semester length, 5 unit study of Hmong history, culture, and traditions for high school students aligned with Wisconsin Social Studies standards.
Coming to America
Educational materials about the history of Hmong immigration to Wisconsin in comparison and context of global conflicts and regional displacement.
Creating a Story Cloth
Educational resource to help students learn the history of Hmong embroidery, the meaning of story cloths in Hmong culture, and create their own version of a story cloth.
Finding Freedom Education Materials
Education materials based on the book Finding Freedom about the Underground Railroad, Joshua Glover, and the Fugitive Slave Law in Wisconsin
Hmong Leaders in Wisconsin Communities
A series of 3-5 grade lesson plans to support teaching about Hmong immigration history and leadership in Wisconsin communities.
Indian Nations of Wisconsin, 2nd Edition Education Materials
Revised for 2019, these teaching materials are intended for use with the 2nd edition of Patty Loew's seminal work "Indian Nations of Wisconsin.
Juanita Adams: The Heart of an Activist
A series of educational resources with primary sources, vocabulary, and discussion questions about the Milwaukee Civil Rights movement through the eyes of Juanita Adams.
March On, Milwaukee
Explore educational resources on Milwaukee's 1960s civil rights movement presented by the Society's ongoing partnership with March On, Milwaukee to commemorate the fair housing movement and to prom...
Modern Jungles Education Materials
Education materials designed to supplement the book Modern Jungles by Pao Lor and deepen student understanding of the Hmong immigration experience.
Traveling Displays & Exhibits
Share Wisconsin history with your community!
Calling schools, civic organizations and community groups! The Wisconsin Historical Society has displays and exhibits made just for you!
Teacher Professional Development
The Wisconsin Historical Society offers a wide range of professional development programs. From historical thinking and civic learning to strategies for using the Wisconsin: Our State, Our Story textbook – we are here for you!
Professional learning takes place on-line and in-person, all year long.
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Classroom and Library Must Haves
Build Your Library
Somos Latinas: Voices of Wisconsin Latina Activists
Includes Educational Lesson Plan
Witness the contributions of Wisconsin’s Latina activists—from demonstrators to collaborative community-builders—in this first-of-its-kind history of powerful Latinx women.
Sport: Ship Dog of the Great Lakes
Learn Great Lakes maritime history through the beautifully illustrated, real-life adventures of Sport, the rescued pup who served on a lighthouse tender ship.
Voices & Votes: How Government Works in Wisconsin
What are the different levels of government in Wisconsin? How are laws made? What is a political party? Who is allowed to vote in elections? Learn the answers in this revised and updated edition!
We Will Always Be Here: A Guide to Exploring and...
Includes Educational Lesson Plan
Explore Wisconsin's LGBTQ+ history and meet individuals across a wide spectrum of identities who have helped make a positive change in the world.
Get monthly updates about exciting field trips, classroom resources, professional development, and all things history education with the Wisconsin Historical Society!
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