Get Your Capitol Ornament!

First Capitol will reopen for general admission in May 2024. While you wait, add a capitol keepsake to your holiday décor with our 2023 Wisconsin State Capitol ornament!

Get Your Capitol Ornament!

First Capitol will reopen for general admission in May 2024. While you wait, add a capitol keepsake to your holiday décor with our 2023 Wisconsin State Capitol ornament!

Get the Best Deal in History 

Wisconsin Historical Society members receive unlimited free admission to our 11 historic sites and museums, a complimentary annual subscription to the Wisconsin Magazine of History, merchandise discounts and more. Join at the Family level and above for added benefits and discounts at over 1,200 organizations nationwide! 

Kids standing in front of a building at First Capitol

Discover the Birthplace of Wisconsin Government 

Madison has long been Wisconsin’s capital city, but the first 40 laws were made 50 miles southwest, here in Belmont. Welcome to Wisconsin’s First Capitol, where for just 46 days in 1836 representatives met to lay the foundation for our state’s government. Immerse yourself in the world of these founders, walking through the buildings and rooms where these important decisions were made. 


FIELD TRIPS & GROUP TOURS

two boys and their mother looking at a display

Field Trips

The best day of your school year awaits! Don’t just read about history, experience it! Field Trips at the Wisconsin Historical Society’s historic sites and museums allow students to step into the worlds they’re studying through fun adventures and engaging experiences around the state for grades k-12.  

Group Tours

Travel Together Through Time and bring your group tour to the Wisconsin Historical Society’s sites and museums. Experience the worlds and wonders of Wisconsin’s past. Book your group tour today! Tours include private guide(s) that can be customized to meet the needs and interests of your group.

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Members Get Free Admission!

Become a Wisconsin Historical Society member and visit all 12 of our historic sites for free! Membership pays for itself in as little as two visits and includes other great benefits like discounts and reciprocal benefits to more than 1,200 organizations.


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First Capitol

First Capitol

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Discover the rugged origins of the first capitol of Wisconsin Territory, where legislators laid down the framework for the current state government.

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Do you or someone you know love history? Want to work at a place spanning over a hundred and fifty years of Wisconsin’s history? Are you in the Mineral Point and Belmont areas?

Apply for a summer job with the Wisconsin Historical Society at Pendarvis and First Capitol! Help guide guests through the buildings and grounds and experience first hand all the awesome events put on at the site. Apply online, add your resume with your experience--even if it’s only a little--and we will get in touch with you! No experience necessary! We would be happy to have you!

Returning staff need not apply online, you will receive an email.

wihist.org/3uxvOoa
... See MoreSee Less

1 month ago
Do you or someone you know love history? Want to work at a place spanning over a hundred and fifty years of Wisconsin’s history? Are you in the Mineral Point and Belmont areas?

Apply for a summer job with the Wisconsin Historical Society at Pendarvis and First Capitol! Help guide guests through the buildings and grounds and experience first hand all the awesome events put on at the site. Apply online, add your resume with your experience--even if it’s only a little--and we will get in touch with you! No experience necessary! We would be happy to have you!

Returning staff need not apply online, you will receive an email. 

https://wihist.org/3uxvOoa

Happy Thanksgiving from First Capitol!
📸 WHi Image 11717
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4 months ago
Happy Thanksgiving from First Capitol! 
📸 WHi Image 11717