Support the Wisconsin Historical Society

It is because of the vital support provided by the State of Wisconsin, and by dedicated members and donors, that the Society has been able to collect, preserve and share the priceless evidence of the past since 1846. Your tax-deductible membership or donation will ensure that our stories, and those of our ancestors, are told for generations to come.

Learn more about the impact of your gift

The impact of your gift

Your tax-deductible membership or donation ensures our rich heritage is protected and passed on by supporting a number of critically needed programs and services that benefit people in your community, throughout Wisconsin and the nation.

With your investment today, you will help:

Make available one of the top five genealogical centers in the nation
Deliver innovative approaches in history education to teachers, students and history lovers alike
Offer engaging ways to experience Wisconsin history firsthand to over 250,000 visitors each year at 12 historic sites and museums
Support public and private efforts to protect Wisconsin's distinctive historic places
Acquire, conserve and share the largest collection dedicated to North American history outside of the Library of Congress
Provide outreach services, workshops and networking opportunities to more than 380 affiliated county, local and specialized historical societies throughout Wisconsin
Make many of these collections and services available both online and in person

Learn more about the benefits of membership

Membership Benefits

Members Receive

An annual subscription to the award-winning quarterly "Wisconsin Magazine of History"
FREE Admission to the Wisconsin Historical Museum, on the Capitol Square in Madison
Half-price or free admission to all 12 historic sites and museums
One year of "Columns", the Society's informative and colorful print newsletter
A subscription to the Society's weekly e-newsletter with news, events & fascinating facts
10-percent discount on genealogical records, books, historic image prints and more
Invitations to special members-only events & activities

Membership Levels

Individual ($45)

All the benefits of membership for one adult

Household ($60)

All Individual level benefits for two adults and all accompanying children

History Lover ($100)

All Household level benefits plus:

Free admission to 12 historic sites & museums
A coupon for an additional 10-percent discount on a purchase
Parking coupon for Wisconsin Historical Museum or Society headquarters building
One 6-month individual trial membership for a friend

History Guardian ($250)

All History Lover benefits plus:

2 guest passes to 12 historic sites & museums
2 parking coupons for Wisconsin Historical Museum or Society headquarters building
Special online recognition
Invitations to exclusive events

History Ambassador ($500)

All History Guardian benefits plus:

2 additional guest passes to 12 historic sites & museums

Heritage Circle ($1,000 or more)

Heritage Circle members contribute $1,000 or more annually and receive all benefits listed above, plus special benefits and recognition in appreciation of their support. Please contact us by phone at 608-261-9364 or by email at heritagecircle@wisconsinhistory.org for more information.

Other Membership Options

Basic ($30): Benefits of an Individual level membership but does not include "The Wisconsin Magazine of History"
Institutional ($65): A great option for organizations, businesses, schools, and libraries. Benefits include the "Wisconsin Magazine of History", Columns, and a 10-percent discount for regularly priced Wisconsin Historical Society Press publications.

Learn more about the other ways to give

Other Ways to Give

There are many ways to give to the Wisconsin Historical Society.

Tribute Gifts: Give a gift to the Society in honor or in memory of someone you care about. It's a thoughtful way to treasure family or friends, and to recognize an individual's life and accomplishments. To learn more about memorial or honorary gifts to the Society, please contact Monica Dalmau at 608-261-1856.
Legacy Gifts: You can create a lasting legacy and help ensure the Wisconsin Historical Society's ability to collect, preserve and share stories by remembering the Society in your will, naming the Society as a beneficiary of your retirement plan, or establishing a life-income or other planned gift. To learn more about the various ways you can support the Society through gift planning, please contact Sarah Milestone at 608-264-6585.
Employer Match: Make your gift go twice as far when your company matches your gift. Check with your HR department to find out if your gift is eligible to be matched. If your matching gift program requires a printed form, please complete the form and mail it to the Wisconsin Historical Foundation, PO Box 260050, Madison, WI 53726-0050 or fax it to: 608-264-6545, attention Wisconsin Historical Foundation.
Business Partners: Discover how your company can partner with the Wisconsin Historical Society to present exciting exhibitions at the Society's sites and museums, preserve world-class collections, provide educational programming for schoolchildren, and more. To learn about Business Partner opportunities, please contact Julie Lussier at 608-261-9587.
Gifts of Stock: To support the Society with a gift of appreciated stock, please call Sarah Milestone at 608-264-6585. This will insure that the gift is received and properly credited.

Non-cash Donations

Donate to the Collections: The Wisconsin Historical Society relies on the generosity of donors to help fulfill its mission of preserving the state's heritage for future generations. The Society's museum, library and archives will accept qualified donations of items and artifacts that represent the experiences of Wisconsinites from many backgrounds and time periods. Learn how to donate to the Museum collections or Library and Archives collections.
Volunteer: Bring history to life! Join a team of volunteers who come together in variety of capacities to collect, preserve, and share Wisconsin's stories. By volunteering your time you'll meet interesting people, have fun, and tell the story of Wisconsin while learning more about our state's colorful past. Learn about the Society's current volunteer opportunities.