Wisconsin Administrative Code Historical Society
The Wisconsin Administrative Code includes rules and regulations set forth by various state agencies, and the Wisconsin Historical Society is one of the agencies responsible for preserving and promoting the history of the state. The Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS), under Chapter HS 1-14 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code, is responsible for managing the state's historical records, archives, and museum collections, as well as providing resources for historical preservation, education, and research.
Here are some detailed cases from the Wisconsin Administrative Code related to the Wisconsin Historical Society:
1. State Historic Preservation Program (HS 2)
Case Example: Historic Preservation Tax Credits
The Wisconsin Historical Society manages the State Historic Preservation Program (SHPP), which works to preserve historically significant buildings and structures across the state. One of the most important aspects of the program is its tax credit initiative, designed to encourage the preservation of historic properties.
Case Detail: In 2016, the WHS provided a historic preservation tax credit for the Gordon Lodge on the Door County Peninsula. The building, which had historical significance as a 1940s-era resort, was eligible for a state tax credit to restore its original features and preserve its history for future generations. The tax credit covered a percentage of the rehabilitation costs, incentivizing developers and property owners to undertake costly but historically sensitive renovations.
Legal Implications: The historic preservation tax credit is governed under HS 2, which is part of the Wisconsin Administrative Code. This section allows property owners to apply for state-level financial incentives to rehabilitate historic structures. The Wisconsin Historical Society is responsible for approving the projects that qualify for these credits and ensuring the work meets the standards of the National Park Service.
2. State Archives and Records Management (HS 3)
Case Example: Archival Management of Government Records
The Wisconsin Historical Society also oversees the State Archives and Records Management Program, which ensures that records produced by state agencies are properly maintained, preserved, and made accessible to the public.
Case Detail: In 2015, the Wisconsin Historical Society worked with the Department of Transportation (DOT) to digitize decades of records related to highway construction projects across the state. These records were essential for understanding the historical development of Wisconsin’s transportation infrastructure. The digitization project allowed citizens, historians, and researchers to access previously inaccessible paper records and provided a safer long-term solution for preserving the information.
Legal Implications: Under HS 3, the WHS is responsible for managing government records, ensuring they are kept for the legally required retention periods, and determining whether records should be preserved permanently. This includes overseeing the digitization of records to ensure long-term accessibility and preservation of state history.
3. Public History Programs (HS 7)
Case Example: Teaching and Promoting Wisconsin’s History
One of the Wisconsin Historical Society's core functions is to promote and teach the history of Wisconsin to the public, schools, and other organizations. Under HS 7, WHS is responsible for overseeing public history programs, including educational outreach, exhibitions, and special projects.
Case Detail: In 2019, the Wisconsin Historical Society launched a traveling exhibit called "The Legacy of the Badger State" that was displayed in museums and libraries across the state. The exhibit featured key moments in Wisconsin's history, from its early Native American history to its role in the Civil War and the development of industrial cities. The traveling exhibit was part of the WHS’s mission to make Wisconsin’s history accessible to all, regardless of location.
Legal Implications: HS 7 provides the framework for the WHS to operate public history programs. The code enables WHS to use state resources to fund educational initiatives, create exhibits, and collaborate with local communities and organizations to promote Wisconsin's history. These programs are designed to foster historical awareness and education among Wisconsin residents.
4. Preservation of Historical Objects (HS 8)
Case Example: Conservation of Wisconsin Artifacts
The WHS is responsible for managing a vast collection of historical artifacts, documents, and artworks. The Preservation of Historical Objects program (under HS 8) ensures that Wisconsin’s historical artifacts are properly stored, conserved, and made available for research and public viewing.
Case Detail: In 2018, the WHS undertook a major conservation project to preserve the Pomeroy Collection, a series of 19th-century photographs and diaries documenting life in rural Wisconsin during the settlement period. The items were fragile and needed specialized conservation to ensure they would not deteriorate over time. The WHS provided funding for the careful cleaning, stabilization, and digitization of these materials to ensure their long-term preservation and access.
Legal Implications: HS 8 outlines the WHS's responsibility for the conservation of historical objects, which includes obtaining, preserving, and ensuring proper care of items of historical value. The WHS provides funding, training, and expertise to ensure that these collections are maintained according to professional standards.
5. Historic Marker Program (HS 10)
Case Example: Erecting Historic Markers
One of the key activities of the Wisconsin Historical Society under HS 10 is the Historic Marker Program, which involves erecting plaques and markers to commemorate historically significant sites and events across the state.
Case Detail: In 2017, the WHS worked with local historical societies to install a marker at the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Yard, a site significant for its role in the construction of ships during World War II. The marker was placed to honor the workers and history of the shipbuilding industry in Wisconsin. It provided context for the site and educated the public about its importance to both the local community and national defense efforts.
Legal Implications: The Historic Marker Program is authorized under HS 10 and allows the Wisconsin Historical Society to provide funding, design, and placement of historical markers at important sites. The program is aimed at increasing public knowledge of Wisconsin’s history by marking locations of historical significance with interpretive plaques and signage.
6. Native American History and Cultural Preservation (HS 11)
Case Example: Preserving Native American Heritage Sites
The Wisconsin Historical Society plays a key role in the preservation and interpretation of Native American history and cultural heritage within the state. This includes managing archaeological sites, historical records, and collaborating with tribal communities.
Case Detail: In 2020, the WHS worked with the Menominee Tribe to protect and preserve ancient burial mounds located in northeastern Wisconsin. The site, which had been threatened by nearby development, was recognized as a sacred and historical area. The WHS coordinated with local governments and developers to ensure the site was properly protected and documented, allowing the Menominee Tribe to preserve its cultural heritage while also engaging in archaeological research.
Legal Implications: HS 11 provides for the preservation of Native American history, heritage, and cultural resources. The Wisconsin Historical Society is tasked with collaborating with tribal governments and local communities to protect and interpret significant Native American cultural and historical sites.
7. Wisconsin Historical Society Publications and Research (HS 6)
Case Example: Historical Publications
The Wisconsin Historical Society publishes a variety of scholarly materials, books, and journals to share the state’s history with the public. This is an important part of the WHS's mission to ensure access to research on Wisconsin’s history.
Case Detail: In 2022, the WHS published a comprehensive study titled “Wisconsin and the Civil War: The Soldiers Who Went, The Families Who Stayed”, which delves into the impact of the Civil War on Wisconsin’s citizens. The publication drew from both primary and secondary sources held in the WHS archives, as well as new research on how the war shaped the state’s development. It was well-received by scholars and the general public, furthering the WHS’s role as a leading institution for historical research and publishing.
Legal Implications: Under HS 6, the WHS is authorized to produce and distribute historical publications that contribute to the public’s understanding of Wisconsin’s history. These publications are often used as references for researchers, educators, and students, and are made available both in print and online.
These examples demonstrate the scope of the Wisconsin Historical Society’s work as it relates to the Wisconsin Administrative Code. The Society plays an essential role in preserving the state's history, managing archives, promoting public education, and safeguarding historical artifacts and landmarks. It also collaborates with local communities, state agencies, and Native American tribes to protect and share Wisconsin's rich and diverse cultural heritage.
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