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Legislators' Guide to the Wisconsin Historical Society | Wisconsin Historical Society

General Information

Legislator Guide

Legislators' Guide to the Wisconsin Historical Society | Wisconsin Historical Society

Government Relations Mission

The Wisconsin Historical Society connects people to the past by collecting, preserving, and sharing stories. The Government Affairs office provides the direct link between Wisconsin’s governing body, the needs of your community, and the expertise of the State Historical Society.

 


 

 

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

With the Wisconsin Historical Society and Somos Latinas

Wednesday, October 1 | 1:30 PM
Wisconsin State Capitol, Room 412 East

Back Up Room Provided in Case of Committee Use: North Hearing Room

Join us for a special Hispanic Heritage Month Speakers Panel featuring contributors of the The Somos Latinas Digital History Collection (Wisconsin Historical Society) and published work Somos Latinas: Voices of Wisconsin Latina Activists. This incredible panel will feature Latina activists over the age of 50 who have made significant contributions to Wisconsin, the USA and in some cases internationally. The panelists will provide an overview of select Somos women’s community-building actions, as well as discuss their role models, motivations, and positive risk taking.

Through their activism, Somos women have created and/or supported college scholarships, women’s health and domestic abuse programs, K12 bilingual education programs, a community newspaper, worker and migrant rights programs, Latinx serving non-profit organizations, and so much more.

Cover of Somos Latinas: Voices of Wisconsin Latina Activists by Andrea-Teresa Arenas & Eloisa Gomez

Meet Our Speakers

Eloisa Gómez

Eloisa Gómez is a public speaker on Latina activism in WI, and nonpartisan Latino voter outreach. She is the co-author of Somos Latinas: Voices of Wisconsin Latina Activists(WI Historical Society Press). She received her B.A. in history from Mt. Mary University and an M.S. in Urban Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Eloisa is the 2025 recipient of the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin’s Meg McClane for Advocacy for Latino voter education and outreach, leadership on the League’s statewide Community Alliances Committee, and dedication to nonpartisan bilingual ballot access in WI.

Barbara Medina

Born in Texas, Barbara Medina moved to Wisconsin with her family in the early 1960s. The daughter of migrant farm workers who sought better opportunities, Medina became a community activist. She has dedicated her career to coalition building, with a specific focus on electoral politics and Latina empowerment.


State Relations

The Legislators' Guide and Society Scorecard contain information most commonly requested by Wisconsin legislators. Legislators and others can consult these documents for Wisconsin Historical Society facts, programs, services and contacts.

Capitol Artwork Loan Program

Learn more about our artwork loan program for elected officails. Browse our available collection and learn if you’re eligible for local artwork through our program.

Browse Art

Scorecard & KPIs
2024

See the Society's major contributions to Wisconsin's economic, educational and cultural health through innovative initiatives.

Score Card

Fact Sheet & 411
2024

Read a brief overview of our history and divisions and view a detailed map of Society programs across Wisconsin's 72 counties

Fact Sheet

State Senate Maps Final
2025

Explore your district's distinct impact on Wisconsin State History.

State Maps Statewide Map


Wisconsin History Center Update

Learn all about the plans for the Wisconsin History Center. Details of design work, partners, construction timelines and more!

RECENT NEWS! Wisconsin Historical Society Breaks Ground on the New Wisconsin History Center

Wisconsin History Center

State Outreach

The Wisconsin History Makers Tour will travel throughout the state from September 2023 to February 2027. The tour is a collaboration with local history organizations, libraries, community groups, cultural venues, and other partners.

History Makers Tour 
groundbreaking

Wisconsin State Legislators and Leaders at the Wisconsin History Center Groundbreaking


History Advocacy Day

Join us on Wednesday March 19, 2025, for the 8th Annual History Advocacy Day in Wisconsin!

Learn More

Traveling Displays and Exhibits

Share Wisconsin history with your community!

The Wisconsin Historical Society offers banner displays to schools, civic organizations, community groups, and other public and private venues.

For more information or questions about scheduling and exhibit, please email [email protected]

Learn More
Great Lakes Small Streams Exhibit Kettle Moraine

"Great Lakes Small Streams" on display at Kettle Moraine Middle School


Keep In Touch

Capitol Connections Email Newsletter

Stay up to date on all things Wisconsin Historical Society with our bi-monthly E-newsletter exclusively developed for state legislators. See the latest editions below. 

Have Questions?

The Society is happy to answer any questions you may have. Please contact Kate Easton, Director of Government Relations, by phone at 608-264-6442 or by email at [email protected]