Contact: Keri O’Keefe, Wisconsin Historical Society
(608)-261-9597
keri.okeefe@wisconsinhistory.org
Madison, Wisconsin – Discover the hidden history of Madison as the Wisconsin Historical Museum kicks off their annual Hidden History Walking Tour series this spring.
“We are excited to bring the city’s cultural heritage to light,” said Mike Hollander, museum director. “These tours allow people to get outside and experience Madison history in a new way.”
The Wisconsin Historical Museum will offer three different versions of the Hidden History Walking Tour: Hidden History of the Capitol Square, Hidden History of Madison’s Water Obsession, and Hidden History: A Walk on Madison’s Weird Side.
Hidden History of the Capitol Square will give guests the opportunity to discover how downtown Madison has changed (and stayed the same!) over hundreds of years by featuring stories of the men and women who established the iconic square as a center of politics, commerce, and social life. This tour meets in front of the Wisconsin Historical Museum (30 N. Carroll Street) from 2:30 – 4:00pm and is being held on the following dates:
May 20, June 17, July 15, August 19, and September 16
Hidden History of Madison’s Water Obsession will use Lake Mendota, the Yahara River, and Tenney Park to explore how Madison’s waterways have impacted the history of the city and those living here. Stories include everything from boating and beer to myths and monsters. This tour meets by the Tenney Park Lock from 5:30 – 7pm and is being held on the following dates:
June 13, June 27, July 11, and July 25
Hidden History: A Walk on Madison’s Weird Side will explore strange and mischievous tales of Madison’s quirky characters, notorious murder trials, and creepy creatures, taking guests from the Capitol Square to Monona Terrace and back again. This tour meets in front of the Wisconsin Historical Museum (30 N. Carroll Street) from 5:30 – 7:00pm and is being held on the following dates:
August 8, August 22, September 12, and September 26
The cost is $10/person, and Wisconsin Historical Society members receive 10% off ticket price. Drop-in spots are limited – pre-registration is strongly suggested. The tours each cover a little over one mile. Please note that tour participants may have to stand for extended periods of time and it will take place rain or shine. Wear tennis shoes and dress for the weather.
To register visit wisconsinhistory.org/hiddenhistory or call 608-261-9359.
About the Wisconsin Historical Museum: The Wisconsin Historical Museum, one of 12 Wisconsin Historical Society sites, is located at 30 N. Carroll St. on Madison’s Capitol Square. The Museum features four floors of exhibition space and a unique museum store. The Wisconsin Historical Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday 9 am-4pm. All Wisconsin Historical Society members receive free admission. Admission is by suggested donation: Adults $5, Children (5 and up) $3. Call 608-264-6555 for more information, or visit us online at www.WisconsinHistoricalMuseum.org.
About Wisconsin Historical Society: The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active, and most diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving, and sharing stories. The Wisconsin Historical Society serves millions of people every year through a wide range of sites, programs, and services. For more information, visit wisconsinhistory.org.
