Wisconsin 101 is partnering with Old World Wisconsin to highlight the favorite objects of elementary students who visit. Find out more about our favorite things and explore ways to use them in the classroom.
See if you can spot all of these objects during your visit!
OBJECT HISTORY: Badger Wheelmen Pin
During the 1880s bicycling became very popular, and many cycling clubs opened across America. The Badger Wheelmen was a cycling club based in Milwaukee. In clubs, cycling fans could meet and share their love for bicycles. In that era, many people joined social clubs to improve themselves or the world around them. Members wore pins…
OBJECT HISTORY: Slate
Before chromebooks, iPads, and even lined paper, students still had to complete their assignments. In the past, students did most their schoolwork on a slate. A slate is a small, rectangular blackboard made from slate stone. They had two sides and the edges were wrapped in leather or wood to protect students’ hands. In the…
OBJECT HISTORY: Lefse Stone
Can you think of a time when someone wanted you to eat something new? Did you eat it? For many people, if they saw lefse on a plate, they would not know what it was. …
Explore Wisconsin 101: Our History in Objects
Learn about objects in Wisconsin's history
The objects and stories featured on Wisconsin 101 cut across the diverse regional, cultural, economic, and political differences of our state, providing a rich sense of our shared heritage.
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What unexpected histories can you discover behind ordinary objects in your day-to-day life?
Write your own story
Everyone is invited to participate in building this interactive, public resource for exploring Wisconsin’s history and geography. Please share your story!
