About the Event
Stride with pride through the streets where Madison's LGBTQ+ history was written! From bars for socializing to the creation of local organizations to the halls of power, discover the impressive, every day, and unusual spaces where our capital city became a center of activism and advocacy. 
Walk in the footsteps of groundbreaking leaders and citizens who shattered barriers—electing some of America's first openly queer officials and championing landmark anti-discrimination laws along the way. Join us to explore the gathering spots, protest sites, and celebration spaces that transformed Madison into a force for LGBTQ+ rights.

Local Event: Madison’s LGBTQ+ History Walking Tour

Dane County

Madison

Wisconsin

Madison’s LGBTQ+ History Walking Tour

About the Event
Stride with pride through the streets where Madison's LGBTQ+ history was written! From bars for socializing to...

History Maker Space

Learn About the People, Places and Events that Shaped the Badger State
Wish there was a way to get a crash-course on the most unique aspects of Wisconsin history in one place? Look no further than History Sandwiched In, where scholars, historians, authors and community members from across the state join together to hold engaging discussions on wide-ranging historical topics of interest. 
All History Sandwiched In events are free and open to the public. Capacity will be limited to 60 persons per talk. Advanced registration is recommended to ensure your spot.

Local Event: History Sandwiched In Summer 2026

History Sandwiched In Summer 2026

Learn About the People, Places and Events that Shaped the Badger State
Wish there was a way to get a crash-course on the most...

Old World Wisconsin

Time to Explore! Kids Get in Free at Old World Ready to treat your little explorers to a day spent traveling through the past? Take your children to Old World Wisconsin during Kids Get in Free days and show them the wonders of 1800s and early 1900s life at no cost! Each Wednesday from June 11 to August 20, get lost exploring 1800s homes, farms, storefronts and workshops, play early yard and tabletop games, meet heritage breed animals, watch—or ride—historic high-wheel tricycles, try your hand at tasks like egg collecting and butter making, explore the nature trails of the Kettle Moraine Forest, see the village blacksmith work sparks at the forge and more.

Local Event: Old World Wisconsin: Kids Get in Free 

Old World Wisconsin: Kids Get in Free 

Time to Explore! Kids Get in Free at Old World   Ready to treat your little explorers to a day spent traveling through the...

Wash, Card and Spin Your Own Wool 
Want to master the art of spinning wool? This interactive workshop will take fledgling and seasoned students alike through 1800s yarn design: start with sheep fleece and finish with your own wool yarn. Learn how to wash, prepare and card wool before trying your hand at using a spinning wheel like those used in the 19th century. No experience is necessary to spin—a trusted Old World Wisconsin ambassador will help you learn to create yarn you can be proud of. Workshop attendance also includes FREE admission to Old World Wisconsin on the day of the class, a free prepared lunch and a skein of professionally made yarn from the wool of Old World Wisconsin’s sheep.

Local Event: Hands-On History Workshop: Spinning Wool

Hands-On History Workshop: Spinning Wool

Wash, Card and Spin Your Own Wool 
Want to master the art of spinning wool? This interactive workshop will take fledgling and...

A First Look at Hidden Old World Locations 
Locked doors, upper floors, secret basements and hidden buildings... have you ever wondered what’s just around the corner at Old World Wisconsin? For the first time ever, visit the nooks, crannies and hidden spaces of our historic site during this exciting 50th anniversary experience. From select indoor spaces to entire buildings, step into the least visited parts of our historic site and learn interesting new stories about their purpose and past. After your tour, round out your visit with a lunch at the Clausing Barn Cafe.

Local Event: Step Into History: Behind the Scenes

Step Into History: Behind the Scenes

A First Look at Hidden Old World Locations  
Locked doors, upper floors, secret basements and hidden buildings... have you ever...

About the Event
Step up to the historic 1880s stove in the Crossroads Village Four Mile House kitchen and tend the fire as you prepare bread and meals eaten by early Wisconsin settlers—including the Ingalls family. Use recipes, methods and utensils from the 19th century to craft a series of signature dishes the entire family is sure to enjoy. No cooking or baking experience is needed for this special occasion—an Old World Wisconsin ambassador will walk you through the process as you create your delicious eats. 
Workshop attendance also includes free admission to Old World Wisconsin on the day of the class, as well as free prepared lunch. Guests will make food items for tasting to take home and will be provided with recipes used in the program to take home.

Local Event: Hands-On History Workshop: Baking and Cooking

Hands-On History Workshop: Baking and Cooking

About the Event
Step up to the historic 1880s stove in the Crossroads Village Four Mile House kitchen and tend the fire as you...

Forge, Craft and Become a Blacksmith 
Forge your skill and prove your merit as an 1800s metalworker when you step into the heat of the Blacksmith Workshop at Old World Wisconsin! Learn the basics of blacksmithing as you work in small groups shoulder to shoulder with a trained and talented smith. At the warmth of the forge, learn how to heat and work steel by crafting and molding a variety of different objects—which you’ll be able to take home and present to friends, family and loved ones as handmade gifts. No prior experience is needed. This is an introductory level class. Projects to make and take with you include different hook styles and other small items. 
Workshop attendance also includes FREE admission to Old World Wisconsin on the day of the class, as well as free lunch. Each participant will make at least one item to take home; items may vary on skill level and instructor.

Local Event: Hands-On History Workshop: Blacksmithing

Hands-On History Workshop: Blacksmithing

Forge, Craft and Become a Blacksmith 
Forge your skill and prove your merit as an 1800s metalworker when you step into the heat...

The Story of the Couple Who Saved Pendarvis
Go behind the scenes at Pendarvis and learn more about the fascinating lives of the couple who first preserved it. Learn about the relationship between rescuers Bob and Edgar, their plans for the site and little-known details about their secret benefactor. Please note this tour is not accessible without traversing several stairways, uneven paths and hilly ground.

Local Event: Behind the Scenes Tour

Behind the Scenes Tour

The Story of the Couple Who Saved Pendarvis
Go behind the scenes at Pendarvis and learn more about the fascinating lives of the...

Villa Louis Historic Site 

Sip Tea and Explore Women’s History at Villa Louis
Join us for a special day of tea and history at Villa Louis as you explore the rich lives of the women who lived and worked at the iconic estate. Sip hot tea in the Brisbois Warehouse, enjoy refreshments inspired by French Canadian fur trade culture, learn about the Dousmans and other important women of Villa Louis during a presentation, take a guided Brisbois House tour and learn about special objects from the estate collection. The talk will be led by public historian Mary Elise Antoine, author of the newly published An Elegant Edifice: The Women Who Forged a Legacy at Villa Louis. 
Please note that due to its nature as a historic site, not all areas of Villa Louis are ADA accessible. Guests must climb stairs to enter and exit the Brisbois House.

Local Event: Tea with Madame Dousman

Tea with Madame Dousman

Sip Tea and Explore Women’s History at Villa Louis
Join us for a special day of tea and history at Villa Louis as you explore...

About the Event
Interested in what goes on behind the scenes at a stately manor? This tour of Villa Louis presents a more in-depth look at the Dousman family and their home and gives a glimpse into the day-to-day inner workings of this restored Victorian mansion. Each round of behind-the-scenes tours features the care and keeping of a different object from the Dousman family collection.

 About the Event
Interested in what goes on behind the scenes at a stately manor? This tour of Villa Louis presents a more...

Discover the Story of the 23rd Wisconsin Regiment&nbsp;
In partnership with military history interpreters Badger Light Infantry, Old World Wisconsin presents For Liberty &amp; Union: A Civil War Living History Experience. Explore the impact of Wisconsin's communities in the American Civil War in the theater of battle and at home. For 2026, Old World will focus on the 23rd Wisconsin regiment, a group made up of multiple immigrant groups , from across southern Wisconsin.
Please note that out of respect to service members who have experienced active combat, OWW's living history interpreters will not re-enact live battles. Demonstrations featuring blank ammunition may be included in the program.
This Living History Experience is&nbsp;performed&nbsp;in partnership with the Badger Light Infantry.&nbsp;

Local Event: For Liberty & Union: A Civil War Living History Experience

For Liberty & Union: A Civil War Living History...

 Discover the Story of the 23rd Wisconsin Regiment 
In partnership with military history interpreters Badger Light Infantry,...

For Liberty & Union: A Civil War Living History Experience

From Our Founders to Modern Madison: Rich History Awaits 
Discover the rich history and untold stories of Wisconsin’s capital city as you journey through the streets of downtown Madison. Explore the historic Capitol Square and visit the former site of the American House, a modest hotel where state officials stayed during Madison’s earliest legislative sessions. Stop by the Argus Bar, a modern establishment housed in one of Madison’s oldest surviving commercial buildings—a building that was once home to the Argus newspaper. 
Throughout the tour, your guide will discuss the various ways that generations of residents have viewed and shaped the landscape, revealing the many layers of our capital’s past—from its earliest inhabitants to its emergence and establishment as a thriving, modern city. 
This beloved annual walking tour runs from spring through early fall, with scheduled dates on select Thursdays and Saturdays. Reserve your spot today.

Local Event: Hidden History of the Capitol Square Walking Tour

Hidden History of the Capitol Square Walking Tour

From Our Founders to Modern Madison: Rich History Awaits 
Discover the rich history and untold stories of Wisconsin’s capital...

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Posting Activity

Madison’s LGBTQ+ History Walking Tour

JUN

4

5:00 PM

1 S Pinckney St, Madison, WI

History Sandwiched In Summer 2026

JUN

9

12:30 PM

History Maker Space, 1 S Pinckney St, Madison, WI

Old World Wisconsin: Kids Get in Free

JUN

10

10:00 AM

Old World Wisconsin, W372 S9727 WI-67, Eagle, WI

Hands-On History Workshop: Spinning Wool

JUN

11

10:00 AM

Old World Wisconsin, W372 S9727 WI-67, Eagle, WI

Step Into History: Behind the Scenes

JUN

12

10:00 AM

Old World Wisconsin, W372 S9727 WI-67, Eagle, WI

Hands-On History Workshop: Baking and Cooking

JUN

17

10:00 AM

Old World Wisconsin, W372 S9727 WI-67, Eagle, WI

Hands-On History Workshop: Blacksmithing

JUN

17

10:00 AM

Old World Wisconsin, W372 S9727 WI-67, Eagle, WI

Behind the Scenes Tour

JUN

19

2:00 PM

Madison, WI

Tea with Madame Dousman

JUN

27

11:30 AM

Madison, WI

Behind the Scenes Tour

JUL

10

10:30 AM

Madison, WI

For Liberty & Union: A Civil War Living History Experience

JUL

18

10:00 AM

Old World Wisconsin, W372 S9727 WI-67, Eagle, WI

Hidden History of the Capitol Square Walking Tour

AUG

6

5:00 PM

History Maker Space, 1 S Pinckney St, Madison, WI