A steady spring rain swept through downtown Madison Wednesday morning, leaving puddles along Carroll Street and a gray veil over the Capitol dome. But just before noon — almost as if on cue — the clouds parted, and a warm burst of sunlight welcomed guests to a historic moment on the Capitol Square: the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Wisconsin History Center.
Held on the site of the former Wisconsin Historical Museum at 30 N. Carroll St., the event marked more than the start of construction. It symbolized a decades-long vision nearing realization — one that promises to transform the way Wisconsin preserves and shares its stories.
The event opened with a ceremonial ground blessing and veterans’ song performed by the Ho-Chunk Nation drum group, Little Priest Singers, reminding all in attendance of the land’s Indigenous roots.
“The sacred land we stand on here in Teejop — named for the four surrounding lakes that have sustained us since time immemorial — carries generations of stories, traditions and steadfast resilience,” said John Greendeer, president of the Ho-Chunk Nation. “Today, we take an important step in ensuring that the stories of our ancestors continue to be preserved, honored and shared for generations to come.
“Our tribe is named after our language rather than the other way around … The last day we speak our language is the last day we exist.”
The new $160.5 million Wisconsin History Center is scheduled to open in fall 2027. When complete, it will span five stories and 100,000 square feet, doubling the size of the state’s former museum space. Designed to welcome more than 200,000 visitors and 60,000 schoolchildren annually, the new center will feature three core galleries, a rotating community gallery, a cafe, classroom and multipurpose spaces, as well as a fifth-floor event venue with a rooftop terrace.
“This is a historic day for Wisconsin,” said Christian Øverland, director and CEO of the Wisconsin Historical Society. “With two decades of support from the state Legislature, the generosity of private donors and the dedication of countless project champions, we are building more than just a museum — we are creating a place where all Wisconsinites can see themselves in history.”
Øverland called the new facility “Wisconsin’s living room of history,” adding that it will be “so much more than just exhibits and artifacts — a source of pride for our entire state, and a draw for visitors from across the country.”
The project team includes Wisconsin-based Continuum Architects in association with SmithGroup as lead facility designers, with exhibit design led by Ralph Appelbaum Associates, whose previous work includes the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and London’s Imperial War Museum. Findorff will lead construction efforts, which are expected to take just over two years.
“The Wisconsin History Center ensures that the shared history of our region remains accessible, relevant and inspiring for generations to come,” said Kathy Blumenfeld, secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Administration. “It will also support future civic engagement, educational opportunities and economic vitality with ripple effects across Wisconsin.”
The project is funded by $112.3 million in state funds and $48.2 million in private donations to date — part of a $66.5 million private fundraising goal. Major contributors include Jerry Frautschi and Pleasant Rowland, as well as more than a dozen lead donors. Retired judge Angela Bartell, president of the Wisconsin Historical Society Board of Curators, and Pat Fee, chair of the Historical Foundation Board, were also in attendance.
Legislative leaders from both parties joined the ceremony, emphasizing the bipartisan nature of the effort. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos reflected, “Every single part of Wisconsin is part of this today. … It’s important to live in the moment but never forget the past.”
Senate President Mary Felzkowski added, “We’re building not just a bridge but a place for the people of Wisconsin.”
Julie Lussier, executive director of the Wisconsin Historical Foundation, brought her two school-aged children, Carter and Lucy, for the event.
“The Wisconsin History Center is a testament to the generosity and passion of so many individuals and organizations that believe in the power of history to inspire and unite us,” Lussier said.
While the permanent facility is under construction, the historical society is operating a temporary History Maker Space inside the U.S. Bank Plaza on the Capitol Square, offering school programs, sneak peeks of future exhibits and community programming. The mobile Wisconsin History Makers Tour is also underway, bringing pop-up exhibits, author talks and traveling artifacts to communities across the state.
