As summer starts to wind down we turn our thoughts to the new school year! With new education materials, virtual and in-person opportunities from our sites, and new books from the Press, the Wisconsin Historical Society has a wealth of resources for you and your students to enjoy! And scroll down to meet Abby Pfisterer, our new Director of Education. Welcome Abby!
Our Museums & Sites Are Waiting For You!
Our museums and sites will be open for you and your students to explore! From the northern reaches of Madeline Island to the southeastern acres of Old World Wisconsin, there's something for everyone to discover in our living history spaces. Educational programming abounds, so be sure to check out our website for fall visits, too!
Based on individuals in the young reader's non-fiction "We Will Always Be Here" by Jenny Kalvaitis and Kristen Whitson, this new traveling exhibit brings the past to life with beautiful illustrations and exciting stories of personal bravery. For information on how to bring the ten-panel exhibit to your school or library, please visit our website. Free education materials for the book and exhibit are also available!
"Wisconsin: Our State, Our Story" (WOSOS) is the Society's award-winning elementary level textbook. With options for print, digital, or a combination of both, the stories in WOSOS take your students beyond memorizing content and delves into the work of creating their own understanding of the past.
Learn how to bring "Wisconsin: Our State, Our Story" and the study of history that puts the tools into the hands of your learners to your classroom today. Contact Maris Education for samples, quotes, and more.
Hands-On History brings research-based, best practice, museum education into the classroom. Our onsite 1-hour sessions are designed to engage the minds and excite the imaginations of young history explorers.
Aligned with the Wisconsin Standards for Social Studies and designed for grade bands K-2 and 3-5, these sessions will enhance your classroom study of Wisconsin's past. With five different experiences to choose from, Hands-On History will enrich your studies of Wisconsin history.
Hands-On History is available statewide. For pricing please visit our web page below or contact education@wisconsinhistory.org
The Wisconsin Historical Society would like to congratulate the following individuals for their outstanding achievements at the NHD national contest! -- National Winners Krin B.- Junior Individual Documentary: "What They Taught Us: How Grassroots Debate and Diplomacy Shaped the Milwaukee Open Housing Movement"
Emma M.- Junior Individual Performance: "Lutie Stearns: The Difficult Debate and Wise Diplomatic Steps to Strengthen Our Democracy by Promoting the Establishment of Libraries across Wisconsin and the Nation" -- Also congratulations to:
Delia N. & Liesel K. - 3rd in Junior Group Website for "Mendez v. Westminster: Unspoken But Not Unheard"
Nina G. - 4th in Junior Individual Website for: "The Sabin Polio Vaccine: Advancement Between Adversaries"
Natalie P. - Outstanding Affiliate for: "United States vs. Susan B. Anthony"
-- Showcase Winners
The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History's NHD Exhibit Showcase:
Anna S. for: "Debating Primary Elections: Robert M. La Follette’s Fight Against Government Corruption"
The Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture's NHD Documentary Showcase:
Veer G. & Carson T. for: "Redlining, Restrictive Covenants, Fair Housing in Milwaukee: Progression or Regression?"
-- Congratulations to all of our 2021-2022 participants! See you soon!
An Interview with Abby Pfisterer, Wisconsin Historical Society
Tell us about yourself:
Hello! My name is Abby Pfisterer and I am so excited to join WHS as the Director of PK-12 Education. I started with the Society in May after moving from Virginia to Wisconsin with my family, including two dogs and a toddler. When I am not in the office, you can usually find me riding my bike, exploring the local area, or reading my growing pile of books.
What do you do?
My role with WHS is to lead our PK-12 education program for students and teachers throughout Wisconsin and beyond. I am focused on thinking about how WHS can continue to be a dynamic and relevant educational partner within and outside of classroom settings. I get to work with students, teachers, and Society educators to design really exciting learning experiences and imagine where we can go in the future. I am stationed in Madison at the Wisconsin Historical Museum but love whenever I get the opportunity to visit the other WHS locations spread throughout the state.
What are you excited about for the upcoming season?
I am excited to be part of WHS for the upcoming school season. There are so many different ways to participate in learning with the Society and I am looking forward to seeing it all in action. I am also ready to start traveling the state to visit schools and meet teachers. One of my favorite parts of this work is listening to audiences and discovering ways we can collaborate. I can’t wait to meet everyone!
