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!
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.
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
Discover the rugged origins of the first capitol of Wisconsin Territory, where legislators laid down the framework for the current state government.
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.
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Today, your support will go three times as far. Our Board of Directors is generously offering a 2-to-1 match on all Giving Tuesday donations, effectively TRIPLING your gift!
Our goal is to raise $1,000 on Facebook to help meet our overall goal of $10,000. Will you chip in to help us reach our goal?
Giving Tuesday is one of our biggest public fundraisers each year and your gifts help ensure we can continue to collect, preserve and share Wisconsin history for generations to come. ... See MoreSee Less
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Happy Thanksgiving from First Capitol!
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