State Historical Society of Wisconsin. Division of Historic Sites.

The Division of Historic Sites was created in 1980. It was established by 1980 Wisconsin Act 27 and amended by 1985 Wisconsin Act 29. Responsibility for the sites was carried out by the Museum Division (see WIHV86-A2049) from 1978 to 1980 and by the Sites and Markers Division (see WIHV89-A323) from 1954 to 1977.

The division operates and maintains a system of historic sites and outdoor museums in 6 locations for the purpose of enhancing the public appreciation for and understanding of the history and prehistory of the State of Wisconsin. The sites - Villa Louis at Prairie du Chien, Stonefield Village at Cassville, Old Wade House and Wesley Jung Carriage Museum at Greenbush, Madeline Island Historical Museum at La Pointe, Pendarvis at Mineral Point, and Old World Wisconsin at Eagle - care for 168 historic structures and service buildings as well as museum collections totaling approximately 100,000 objects. The administrator is responsible for the collection, research, restoration, and interpretation of notable examples of the architectural heritage and historic artifacts of the state and for developing support at each site location. The division also coordinates the Society's relationship with the Circus World Museum in Baraboo, Wis.