EXHIBITS
The Driftless Historium Museum is an award winning Interpretive Center telling the story of Southwestern Dane County from pre-history to modern day. Over 4,000 square feet of space is dedicated to sharing the lives of our rich cultural heritage. The story is told through carefully chosen artifacts, documents and photographs from the Society's extensive collection. Visit all three of our exhibit areas.
Come and share the fun and learn about the unique Driftless Area of Wisconsin.
Come and share the fun and learn about the unique Driftless Area of Wisconsin.
Permanent Exhibit
The Driftless Historium premiered its permanent exhibit in the renovated 2000 square foot exhibit hall, located in the facility’s north wing.
A year and a half in the making this fascinating walk through history will take visitors on a journey from the great glaciers to the present. Along the way meet American Indians, miners, innkeepers, farmers, cheese makers, sports men, preachers, school teachers, shop keepers, tourists and Civilian Conservation Corps participants as you discover their stories through words, documents, photos, and hundreds of artifacts.
The exhibit incorporates all levels of the museum experience from diorama settings, hands on stations, interactive questions, and media outlets. There is something for all ages.
A year and a half in the making this fascinating walk through history will take visitors on a journey from the great glaciers to the present. Along the way meet American Indians, miners, innkeepers, farmers, cheese makers, sports men, preachers, school teachers, shop keepers, tourists and Civilian Conservation Corps participants as you discover their stories through words, documents, photos, and hundreds of artifacts.
The exhibit incorporates all levels of the museum experience from diorama settings, hands on stations, interactive questions, and media outlets. There is something for all ages.
A sampling of subjects you'll discover:
Driftless Land
Immigraton
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Ebenezer Brigham
Cheese Factories
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Tourism
Civil War
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Aslak O. Lie
Agriculture
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Temporary Exhibit “Creators, Collectors & Communities”
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“Creators, Collectors & Community: Making Ethnic Identity through Art” is an exciting partnership between MHAHS and UW-Madison Professor Dr. Ann Smart Martin and her Material Culture students, with funding generously provided by a 2016 Major Grant from the Wisconsin Humanities Council. In addition, the exhibit development team benefits from the expertise and input of UW Professors of Folk Culture Drs. James Leary and Janet Gilmore, UW-Madison Technology Consultant Steel Wagstaf, Exhibit Designer Nadia Niggli and longtime MHAHS collector and volunteer curator Brian Bigler.
The exhibition aims to create a thoughtful and layered multi-media experience that examines the evolution of ethnic identity in Southwestern Wisconsin. From folk art carefully transported here by the area’s first immigrant residents, to the folksy troll statues that dot Mount Horeb’s Main Street, the area’s ethnic evolution is traced via the creative expression and craft of local artists and artisans.
Additionally, Dr. Martin’s students have researched specific artifacts and will be using their findings to develop a multimedia, interactive “e-book” that will be featured in the exhibit. Companion exhibit catalogs will be available for those who prefer a print experience.
The exhibition aims to create a thoughtful and layered multi-media experience that examines the evolution of ethnic identity in Southwestern Wisconsin. From folk art carefully transported here by the area’s first immigrant residents, to the folksy troll statues that dot Mount Horeb’s Main Street, the area’s ethnic evolution is traced via the creative expression and craft of local artists and artisans.
Additionally, Dr. Martin’s students have researched specific artifacts and will be using their findings to develop a multimedia, interactive “e-book” that will be featured in the exhibit. Companion exhibit catalogs will be available for those who prefer a print experience.
Virtual 360 degree view of Little Norway's World's Fair Pavilion
View the exterior, interior and grounds of this building constructed for the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. At the end of the fair, the building was moved to a Lake Geneva, Wisconsin estate later owned by the Wrigley family of chewing gum fame. Eventually it was moved to Little Norway, a local attraction in rural Blue Mounds.
When Little Norway closed University of Wisconsin - Madison students filmed the building and grounds. The building has since been moved back to Orkanger Norway, where it was originally crafted.
Also on view are the historic Springdale Lutheran Church and a local "hanging" dairy barn.
View the exterior, interior and grounds of this building constructed for the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. At the end of the fair, the building was moved to a Lake Geneva, Wisconsin estate later owned by the Wrigley family of chewing gum fame. Eventually it was moved to Little Norway, a local attraction in rural Blue Mounds.
When Little Norway closed University of Wisconsin - Madison students filmed the building and grounds. The building has since been moved back to Orkanger Norway, where it was originally crafted.
Also on view are the historic Springdale Lutheran Church and a local "hanging" dairy barn.
Kalscheur Room Gallery Exhibits
Temporary changing exhibits are open during regular museum hours in the Kalscheur Family meeting room. These are small installations of various subjects displayed in cases or wall mounted exhibitions.
For additional information on some of the exhibits see our "Events" page.
Temporary changing exhibits are open during regular museum hours in the Kalscheur Family meeting room. These are small installations of various subjects displayed in cases or wall mounted exhibitions.
For additional information on some of the exhibits see our "Events" page.