Wisconsin 101: Our History in Objects
Wisconsin 101 is a statewide collaborative public history project based on an interactive website (wi101.wisc.edu) and featuring radio programs and podcasts on Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR). We aim to create a sense of shared community among Wisconsin residents by involving students, museum personnel, and amateur historians throughout the state in researching and writing the histories of objects important to them and their communities. We offer resources to K-16 teachers for teaching not only Wisconsin and U.S. history, but also the skills students need to write their own histories. On our website, anyone can explore historical objects, their stories, and the ways they connect communities throughout Wisconsin.
Outcomes
In the past 3 years, we have engaged 103 high-school and college students, retirees, museum volunteers and other local history buffs in actively researching and writing about their objects and communities in relation to the history of Wisconsin. Roughly 80 have submitted proposals, of which 35 writers have completed the process as of April 2019. Through our website, we have enhanced the historical understanding of Wisconsin teachers and school children, especially through our popular online "mini tours" of the Wisconsin Historical Museum and additional teaching resources. More broadly, we connect Wisconsin residents to their own local history. We create and oversee internships for undergraduates (3 in summer 2019, for instance).
Focus Areas
Project Leader
Sarah Thal
Associate Professor
- Department/Unit
- History
- School or College
- College of Letters & Science
Project Sites ( 17 total )
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