Overview

The Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS or the Society) is a State of Wisconsin Government Agency that operates 12 historic museums and sites across Wisconsin as well as a variety of programs that support its mission of connecting people to the past by collecting, preserving, and sharing stories. As a State Agency, we follow Ch. 16 of the Wisconsin State Statutes for all purchasing, which require the use of a bid process whenever possible as it promotes free and open competition while allowing the State to pay the best price for a product. Wisconsin’s Department of Administration (DOA), State Bureau of Procurement, publishes the State of Wisconsin Vendor’s Guide which gives a brief, high level overview of how purchasing is conducted by Wisconsin agencies, including WHS.

Vendor Registration

Procurement opportunities for goods and services for all State of Wisconsin Agencies, including WHS, can be found at eSupplier. If you register for eSupplier you can receive notification of opportunities in your area of interest. The system allows you to search and respond to contracting opportunities online.

VendorNet provides general procurement information on how to do business with the State as well as a search function for existing State contracts.

Supplier Diversity

The State of Wisconsin and WHS are committed to supplier diversity. Minority Owned Businesses (MBE), Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (DVB) and Woman-Owned Businesses (WBE) are certified through DOA, Wisconsin Supplier Diversity Program (WISDP). The State has a goal of spending 5% with MBEs and 1% with DVBs.

OpenBook Wisconsin

OpenBook Wisconsin is a website that provides information about how State of Wisconsin Government Agencies, including WHS, spend tax dollars and other state funds. You will find information about expenditures, as well as purchase orders and contracts. There are more than 25 million entries showing payments made for state agencies, the legislature, the courts and the University of Wisconsin system dating back to 2008. Data on this site is updated every two weeks from the State’s accounting system.

Payment Inquiries

If you have a question about an invoice you submitted for payment or a check you received from the Wisconsin Historical Society, please contact the Society’s Accounts Payables team for further information: WHSAccountsPayable@wisconsinhistory.org.

If your inquiry involves a check, please include check number, payee name, and amount.

If your inquiry involves an invoice that has not been paid, please include vendor name, invoice number, PO number (if applicable), good/service provided, and amount.

Procurement Inquiries

For questions about purchasing, procurement, or doing business with the Society please email: WHSProcurement@wisconsinhistory.org.