Wisconsin 101

Polka’s Popularity in the United States

After World War II, polka made its first mainstream American appearance thanks to Cleveland, Ohio’s celebrated “Polka King,” Slovenian-American Frankie Yankovic. The genre remains popular today, especially with the older crowd in the Midwest.

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May 17, 2020

Ino / Object Histories / Bayfield County / Ethnicity & Identity / Curators' Favorites / Global Connections / 1900-1918 / Region 1 - North West / Society & Religion

OBJECT HISTORY: Slovak Catholic Altar

During the 19th and early 20th century, immigrants from all across Europe began coming to Wisconsin. Some had heard of economic opportunity from industries like mining, logging, or farming. Some were being treated unfairly in their home countries because of their race or religion.…

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April 6, 2020

Crawford County / Brown County / Columbia County / Green Bay / Prairie du Chien / Object Histories / Industry / Clothing, Apparel & Fashion / 1787-1848 / Everyday Life / Curators' Favorites / Global Connections / Manufacturing & Trade / Nature & Environment / Region 5 - Center East / Region 6 - South West / Region 7 - South Center / Fur Trade

OBJECT HISTORY: Beaver Felt Hat

The beaver felt hat was one of the main reasons for the success of the fur trade in northern states, such as Wisconsin, and in Canada. But why was this hat more popular than others? Clothing allows for people to choose their…

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April 6, 2020

Art & Design / Art, Sport & Entertainment / Home Furnishings / Object Histories / Ethnicity & Identity / Everyday Life / 1848-1877 / Global Connections / Transportation & Tourism / Norwegians

OBJECT HISTORY: Norwegian Trunk

In the 1800s, European immigrants coming to America had to find a way to preserve the objects indispensable to their lives, bringing their most precious belongings on an ocean voyage to a far-away new home. Most families were only able to bring…

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April 6, 2020

La Crosse / Madison / Dane County / Related Stories / Ethnicity & Identity / 1848-1877 / Global Connections / La Crosse County / Society & Religion / Region 3 - Center West / Region 7 - South Center / Norwegian Genealogical Plaque

The Emigranten and Other Norwegian-Language Papers

Throughout the 19th century, Wisconsin was home to dozens of foreign-language newspapers representing cultures from throughout Europe. These papers provided opportunities to create connections in America, maintain homeland networks, and keep current with news in their native language.

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July 1, 2019

Broad History / Ethnicity & Identity / Related Stories / Global Connections / Society & Religion / Norwegian Genealogical Plaque / Norwegians

Norwegian Women Immigrants

Norwegian women played a vital role in the agricultural and social lives of rural communities. Spurred by a cultural acceptance of work, women on the farm took on both domestic chores and contributed to the family’s economy through production of food and material goods.

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July 1, 2019