WISCONSIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Birthplace of a Great State

Temporarily closed

for public programming

First Capitol remains closed for public programming as many of our team members continue to help the state of Wisconsin’s frontline efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Check back for the most up-to-date information.

Thank you for your continued support of our site during this unprecedented time.
The patience and flexibility of our guests and supporters is what will allow the Wisconsin Historical Society to continue collecting, preserving, and sharing stories for generations to come.

Explore the Site

Kids standing in front of a building at First Capital

Before Madison became Wisconsin’s capital, the first territorial legislature met in the picturesque hamlet of Belmont to chart a path to statehood.

While the site is closed for public programming, explore what this historic site has to showcase.

Explore

2021 Events & Programs at Other Historic Sites

This season, we are excited to welcome visitors to some of our historic sites & museums for general admission and special experiences. Click the button below for more information on how you can safely explore history in a new way through our 2021 programs and events.

Black Point Estate & Gardens
Black Point Estate, a view of the tower and the rest of the building, the clouds are beautiful and really frame the building.

Black Point Estate & Gardens Experiences

Old World Wisconsin
A group of people bail hay out of an old fashioned cart

Old World Wisconsin Experiences

Circus World
A circus cart on a lawn, bright red, yellow, and orange colors.

Circus
World
Experiences

Wisconsin Historical Museum
Walking by the Capitol Square

Wisconsin Historical Museum Experiences

Temporarily closed

for public programming in 2021

First Capitol remains closed for public programming for the 2021 season due to temporary staff reassignments to help the frontline efforts of COVID-19 for the state of Wisconsin. While our teams continue to focus on helping communities and families affected by COVID-19, we will continue to care for and invest in the physical infrastructure and collections at our historic sites. We look forward to welcoming you back in 2022.

Thank you for your continued support of our site during this unprecedented time.
The patience and flexibility of our guests and supporters is what will allow the Wisconsin Historical Society to continue collecting, preserving, and sharing stories for generations to come.

For Your Health and Safety


First Capitol Grounds
MAP & GUIDE

VISITOR GUIDE

Choose an Event by Type

Advance registration is required for all programs – call today to reserve a spot.

Face masks are required for all guests and staff and are available onsite as needed.

Each location is fulfilling an increased daily cleaning and sanitation requirement.

Maintain 6 feet or more space between yourself, other guests, and staff.

Before you visit, make sure to read the 2020 health and safety policies for Wisconsin Historical Society members and guests.

Read Here

Site Protocols

At each program and event, the following protocols will be enforced:

  • Reservations are required to visit any of our historic sites and museums*
  • To protect your safety and ours, face MASKS ARE REQUIRED for all guests and staff at our historic sites and museums
  • Social distancing guidelines will be enforced at all historic sites and museums
  • All events and programs will have a limited capacity to ensure social distancing guidelines are properly followed, keeping the safety of employees and guests as the top priority
  • Disposable masks will be available onsite
  • All facilities will adhere to significantly increased daily cleaning and sanitation requirements and there will be cleaning stations in each building
  • Staff and guests who are displaying symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to stay at home
  • Each location will follow strict guest engagement protocols, including parking, food preparation, and the use of shared facilities such as a public restroom

*There will be some exceptions to the reservation requirement for in-person shopping. Click here to learn what stores are available for in-person shopping.

Download our complete Know Before You Go PDF Here
Download

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