Discover the Birthplace of Wisconsin Government
Madison has long been Wisconsin’s capital city, but the first 40 laws were made 50 miles southwest, here in Belmont. Welcome to Wisconsin’s First Capitol, where for just 47 days in 1836 representatives met to lay the foundation for our state’s government. Immerse yourself in the world of these founders, walking through the buildings and rooms where these important decisions were made.
FIELD TRIPS & GROUP TOURS
Field Trips
The best day of your school year awaits! Don’t just read about history, experience it! Field Trips at the Wisconsin Historical Society’s historic sites and museums allow students to step into the worlds they’re studying through fun adventures and engaging experiences around the state for grades k-12.
Group Tours
Travel Together Through Time and bring your group tour to the Wisconsin Historical Society’s sites and museums. Experience the worlds and wonders of Wisconsin’s past. Book your group tour today! Tours include private guide(s) that can be customized to meet the needs and interests of your group.
Members Get Free Admission!
Become a Wisconsin Historical Society member and visit all 12 of our historic sites for free! Membership pays for itself in as little as two visits and includes other great benefits like discounts and reciprocal benefits to more than 1,200 organizations.
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First Capitol
Discover the rugged origins of the first capitol of Wisconsin Territory, where legislators laid down
Happy 4th of July!
On this day in 1836, Wisconsin became a territory, including all of present day Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota, and the eastern halves of the Dakotas. The first legislative session of the new territorial government would meet at here at Belmont a few months later.
Zoom in on our 1838 map of the region: ... See MoreSee Less
Map of the settled part of Wisconsin Territory, 1838
wihist.org
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Photos from Wisconsin Historical Society's post ... See MoreSee Less
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Do you love history and sharing it with others? We’re now hiring for seasonal tour guides at First Capitol! This position requires some weekend hours. Seasonal staff enjoy 20% off in the museum store, 40% off Wisconsin Historical Society Press books, free admission to the other 11 Wisconsin Historical Society historic sites, and special staff-only behind-the-scenes enrichment programs.
This application process is for new hires only! Applications are ONLY accepted online through the link below. All questions should be directed to HR@wisconsinhistory.org.
Application and more information below:
wj.wi.gov/psc/wisjobs/CAREERS/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Actio... ... See MoreSee Less
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