A Digital Museum Created By You
Wisconsin 101 is a statewide, collaborative project exploring Wisconsin’s diverse, interconnected histories through objects. Learn more.
The Latest Objects and Stories
The Bathroom as a Household Space
When we think of a “bathroom,” we usually imagine a room containing three standard fixtures—a bathtub, a sink, and a toilet. Bathrooms such as these are so universal in homes today that we can scarcely …
OBJECT HISTORY: Paramount Records Power Wheel
Located near the heart of Grafton, a rusted power wheel sits on the steep west bank of the Milwaukee River. Despite its corroded appearance, this metal device once provided power to an entire factory responsible …
OBJECT HISTORY: Two-sided Spork
The Door County fish boil is a culinary event local to Northern Wisconsin and it involves a few custom tools not found anywhere else. The Master Boiler cooks a meal of fish, potatoes, and vegetables …
Tell a Story
Propose an Object: Is there an object connected to WI history that you would like to write a post about? Let us know!
Choose an Object: Interested in writing a post for us, but haven’t yet found the perfect object? Choose one from this list!
Write about an Object: Ready to start writing? Find instructions and inspiration for your post.
New Videos On Wi101
MUSEUM MINI TOURS
Find out a bit more about the docents’ favorite objects at Old World Wisconsin and the Wisconsin State Historical Museum & download lesson plans for your favorite museums around the state.
Mini tours Lesson plans
In the World & On the Map
“Teaching first-year students Wisconsin history through and with objects allowed for a deep and collaborative investigation of location, identity, and primary source research.”
— Krista Grensavitch, Instructor, UW-Milwaukee