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
Norwegian Genealogical Plaque
Created in 1879, this beautiful plaque features the genealogy of Sara Magelssen's family, including the story of her and her husband's immigration to Wisconsin in the 1860s.
Graphophone
The graphophone was one of the first ways to record and play sound. And without this invention we would not have things like voicemail, iTunes, or Spotify.
The Crab Tree Special
In the 1890s, mass-produced safety bicycles sparked a bicycle craze across Wisconsin. However, despite the lowered costs associated with mass production, not everyone could afford this new luxury. Walter Atkinson of Ellenboro, Wisconsin, was not going to let a $100 price tag deter him from experiencing the liberating power of bicycle transportation. Tapping into the…
Tell a Story
Propose an Object: Is there an object connected to WI history that you think someone who 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!
Respond to 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