What do we have in store for the 2024 Local History & Historic Preservation Conference?

From the protection and preservation of historic landmarks and artifacts to presentations on exciting state history, our sessions are packed with useful tools, tips and strategies for building your organization, promoting new initiatives, securing funding from crucial donors and more. Take a look at our list of breakout sessions below for a snapshot of each presentation.

For a full presentation schedule timeline and additional details:

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Looking for more in-depth learning? Check out our workshop offerings here.

Engaging History Sessions

Bridging Worlds: The Lost Coastal Communities of Wisconsin

The untold story of the coastal communities of Wisconsin is finally coming to light. Through submerged remains and historical artifacts, these oft-forgotten ports, piers and villages have left clues and stories in their wake—complete with tales of catastrophic fires, panicking cooks, neighing horses, nosy clerks and of course, ample beer and cheese. Learn about the Society’s initiative to explore and trace the histories of the people and ships who once lived along the Lake Michigan coastline.

American Indian Studies: Act 31 and Museums

In this informative deep-dive, Wisconsin Historical Society Tribal Liaison Rachel Byington will illuminate the history of Act 31 and how it applies to museums and historic sites.

A-Frames & Flying Saucers: Midcentury Religious Architecture

Babies weren’t the only thing booming in the post-World War II era! From humble one-steeple churches to massive houses of worship, America experienced a rapid expansion in religious architecture in the 1950s and 1960s that changed the landscape of United States culture and history forever. Join in on this fast-paced presentation for a snapshot of midcentury modern architectural and religious history.

Marketing & Promotion Sessions

Build Your Own Speaker Series

In 2010, the Appleton Historical Society created a successful speaker series on relevant topics in city history—with this session, you can learn how to build, manage and promote a similar program at YOUR historical society.

How to Work with Influencers on a Budget

Tapping an influencer can be a great way to get your next project off the ground, but if not done correctly, the process can be expensive, overwhelming and confusing. Don’t fall down the influencer rabbit hole—instead, learn everything you need to know so you can start creating and building relationships with influencers who know how to tap into your audience!

Work Smart Not Hard: Website Edition

You don’t need a degree in computer science to attend this website building lesson! Learn how to use simple, easy website creation platforms like WordPress, Wix, as well as tips to optimize and streamline your landing page in ways that resonate with visitors.

Minimal Effort, Maximum Impact: Digital Marketing Basics for Local History Organizations

Learn how local history organizations can maximize their impact with minimal effort. This session covers the essential digital marketing tactics you need to employ, offering tips and tricks to make your marketing efforts more efficient and effective.

Creating Your Own Google Maps

Yes, you CAN customize your own Google Map! Learn how to use data records to create personalized maps that users can filter to learn more about your mission, organization and important historic sites.

Community Outreach & Fundraising Sessions

History is free—but promoting it doesn’t come cheap. Get a blueprint on how to leverage your own historical brand to hold successful events that raise money for your organization.

Bridging Cultures, Building Communities: Museums as Catalysts for Change

In an increasingly diverse world, museums hold the power to bridge gaps in cultural understanding and increase community empowerment. How will you bring about change? Listen to Dr. Sabrina Robins as she presents on a range of innovative strategies for cultivating partnerships between museums, local leaders, corporations, government agencies and non-profit organizations to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities and create positive change from the ground up.

Making Your Field Trip a Success

Historic sites and history museums go hand in hand with classroom learning—but how can you make sure every student involved gets the most out of their field trip? Get a crash course on how curators and teachers can work together to create a thrilling educational experience that meets standards-aligned curricula while offering an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

Building Meaningful Donor Relationships

Looking for insight into building meaningful donor relationships, stewarding and growing your membership base, or working with volunteers and board members to enact your mission? We’re here to help! Each member of our panel has significant expertise and experience in core components of fundraising. Come with questions and leave with a game plan for achieving your goals.

Collections Care & Management Sessions

Closed for the Season: Cyclical Care for Seasonal Historic Sites

In charge of a site with seasonal operating hours? Learn the basics of seasonal historic site preparation and gain useful tips for simple, affordable techniques that will help you offer visitors the best possible experience upon reopening.

Historic Preservation Sessions

Check In! Human Rights Homestead Restored

From the depths of animal-infested disrepair to a triumph of architectural restoration, the Historic Brisbane House has seen it all. Uncover the history of this hidden Wisconsin gem, its builder, and its lasting impact on current and future generations.

Historical Wood Structures

Wood structures need proper inspections to assess their condition! Make sure your structures are safe and well-maintained in this informative presentation.

Historic Masonry Cleaning, Repair, and Repointing

The best way to learn about historic preservation methods? Take lessons from projects that went awry. In this informative (and sometimes humorous) session, get information on cleaning, repair and repointing of historic masonry, tips on connecting with qualified contractors in your area and a look at several amusing repair case studies and the challenges restoration workers faced in overcoming them.

HPC Basics: Rescission & Design Review without Staff

While rescission of landmark designation doesn’t happen often, your team should always have a plan for navigating it. Get tools on interpreting design standards and processes without professional staff.

Preservation with Public Purpose

The Paine Art Center and Gardens is a historic estate in Oshkosh and recipient of the 2024 “Arts, Culture and Heritage Award” at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism. Learn about the recent process of developing a long-range historic preservation plan for the estate.

Historic-ish: Evaluating Alternative Materials

The Madison Landmarks Commission is evaluating new materials proposed to replicate historic features in historic districts! See how this might impact your historic preservation project while keeping true to time-tested practices and standards.

Strategies for Designating Local Landmarks

Local historic preservation ordinances are how we keep important landmarks safe for future generations to enjoy! Cut through the red tape and learn how to successfully navigate the process of local designation.

Research & Discovery Sessions

Researching Historic Buildings

Every building has a story. Learn how to research commercial and residential buildings in your community and take home valuable skills to teach your organization.

Wisconsin Newspapers Online

This session will cover two important topics: how to locate digitized Wisconsin newspapers online, and how to digitize your own newspapers for future historical reference.

Partnering with UW-Madison to Explore Local History

Interested in partnering with an academic partner to think through respectful and responsible ways to preserve historic landmarks, artifacts and more? The UniverCity Alliance at UW-Madison helps local governments solve challenges like these by connecting them with scholarly resources. Gain useful knowledge on how UniverCity has helped curators and historical society members honor local history.

Local History Engagement through Digital Humanities

Vital Signs: The Chippewa Valley 1918 Influenza Project is a digital humanities resource exploring the impact of the 1918 Influenza Pandemic on Northwestern Wisconsin. This presentation explores a collaborative local history research method, building a digital exhibit and collection with Omeka, and creating an educational toolkit for teachers.

Join us at the Local History & Historic Preservation Conference! Connect with fellow history enthusiasts, explore unique tours, and dive deep into our region's rich heritage. Don't miss this chance to be part of something truly special—reserve your spot today!

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Any questions? Please contact lhhpconference@wisconsinhistory.org.