10 Unique Wisconsin-Themed Gifts for the History Lover
For Immediate Release (November 8, 2024)
10 Unique Wisconsin-Themed Gifts for the History Lover
MADISON, Wis. (Nov.8, 2024) – Just in time for the holiday season, the Wisconsin Historical Society is delighted to share our specially curated 2024 Wisconsin History Lover’s Gift Guide. This handpicked collection showcases 10 treasures perfect for gifting—from locally crafted keepsakes and historic memorabilia to books and games exploring iconic Wisconsin lore, and so much more! Whether you’re shopping for lifelong history buffs or someone passionate about the Badger State, these unique gifts reflect Wisconsin’s vibrant culture and rich history. You can even find gifts for the littlest Wisco lovers in your life!
Shopping with the Wisconsin Historical Society supports our mission to connect people to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing the stories of our state and nation for generations to come.
WISCONSIN HISTORY LOVER’S GIFT GUIDE
Wisconsin Historical Society Gift Membership and Exclusive Wisconsin Ornament (New!)
The holiday season is the perfect time to give the gift of history! From Nov. 1 to Dec. 31, the Wisconsin Historical Society will offer 40% off gift memberships. As an extra-special touch, each holiday gift membership will come beautifully packaged with a complimentary Wisconsin-themed ornament and wrapped in an elegant navy-blue ribbon for a memorable gift-giving experience.
Shoppers can purchase these specially packaged gift memberships online at shop.wisconsinhistory.org with code “GIVEHISTORY” at checkout or in-person at select historic sites including Old World Wisconsin, Wade House and Villa Louis during their holiday events. With membership status, giftees enjoy free access to 11 historic sites and museums, a subscription to the Wisconsin Magazine of History and the Society’s “Columns” newsletter, member-only discounts on merchandise and ticketed events, invitations to exclusive events and more! The most popular membership level also includes reciprocal admission benefits and discounts at more than 1,200 cultural institutions across the country.
View membership options here.
2024 Wisconsin State Capitol Ornament ($20)
A can’t miss collectible! The 2024 State Capitol Ornament celebrates the architectural and artistic treasure housed beneath the historic granite dome: the iconic State Capitol Rotunda. The ornament comes with an eight-page brochure filled with history and detailed photographs of the rotunda’s four mosaics and other artistic highlights. Proceeds from this decorative ornament go to the State Capitol Restoration Fund.
Great Lakes Shipwreck Guides ($25, Sale Price: $12.50)
Know an avid diver or simply curious about the lost ships of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior? This deck of two-sided waterproof dive guides reveal the locations of many Wisconsin shipwrecks along with schematics, diving information, ship data and history. The guides are a result of hundreds of hours of archaeological and historical research conducted by the Wisconsin Historical Society and were produced in partnership with the UW Sea Grant Institute.
Heritage Breed Java Chicken Plush ($19.95)
This fuzzy little chicken dates back to the 1830s! The Java Chicken is the second oldest breed of chicken developed in America and is known for its abundant egg production and friendly demeanor. The Wisconsin Historical Society is honored to help preserve this rare heritage breed on site at Old World Wisconsin and this cuddly stuffed animal celebrates the now endangered homesteading hero.
Hodag Brick Set ($30)
Get building as you learn about one of Wisconsin’s most fearsome legends, the Hodag! This ferocious critter figured prominently in early Paul Bunyan stories and, according to legend, was captured alive by Rhinelander pioneer Eugene Shepard in 1896 before being put on display at the first Onedia County fair, where thousands of spectators gathered for a peek of the iconic beast. This imaginative brick building set pairs perfectly with the Society’s extensive collection of unique hodag giftables.
Madeline Island Plush ($22.95)
While cuddly and adorable, this plush also interprets the meaning of the Anishinaabe name of Madeline Island, which in Anishinaabe is called Mooniingwanekaaning and in English translates to "The Home of the Golden Breasted Woodpecker." Featuring the symbols of this woodpecker and the oblong shape of the island, this vibrant plush is perfect for sharing the fascinating history of island home of Ojibwe people. Made custom for the Madeline Island Museum, this meaningful plush is also available on the Wisconsin Historical Society online store.
Wisconsin Adventures D&D-Inspired Gaming Module ($24.95) and 7-piece Dice Set ($19.95)
This Dungeons & Dragons-inspired fantasy roleplaying game takes players on a 56-page-long adventure that reveals legends and lore familiar to Wisconsinites and beyond: A werewolf known as the Beast of Bray Road is on the prowl, frightening travelers along a dark road; a ferocious lizard-like creature reminiscent of the infamous Hodag feasts on livestock by the light of the moon; a knight errant on a quest to save the village from an ancient curse, and more.
The roleplaying game pairs perfectly with the custom Wisconsin Adventures 7-piece dice set—a Wisconsin Historical Society exclusive!
Wisconsin Adventures Gaming Module:https://shop.wisconsinhistory.org/wisconsin-adventures-myths-legends-paperback
Wisconsin Adventures Dice Set: https://shop.wisconsinhistory.org/myths-legends-dice-set
Great Lakes Cribbage Board ($145)
This beautiful Great Lakes Cribbage Board is made in Wisconsin out of solid wood, with varied wood types. It showcases a detailed layout of the famed Great Lakes with topographical maps and information. This impressive cribbage board is an ideal addition to any cabin, lake home, or anywhere you may want to play a time-honored game with friends and family.
https://shop.wisconsinhistory.org/great-lakes-cribbage
Wooden Wisconsin Coaster Set ($35)
Brandy Old Fashioned Crewneck Sweatshirt ($39.95)
Show off your favorite beverage with a Wisconsin twist! “Only in Wisconsin,” the Brandy Old Fashioned Sweatshirt is an exclusive Wisconsin Historical Society item within a series of drink-themed merchandise. This classic crew has frontside and backside designs, a cute drink decal, little cherries and ingredients for the favorite beverage listed on the back! Pay tribute to a beloved Wisconsin spirit, by wearing one!
For more unique gift ideas, visit the Wisconsin Historical Society online shop at shop.wisconsinhistory.org.
About the 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 www.wisconsinhistory.org.