Wisconsin History Unlocked

This year marks 250 years since the Thirteen Colonies declared independence from British Rule. As we celebrate America's independence, I am joined by Marc Storch from the Wisconsin Veteran's Museum to look at the connections between Wisconsin and the Revolutionary War. We also examine how the war reshaped the region, the veterans who later settled in Wisconsin, and the lasting impact the R...

In this episode, I'm joined by Peter Zanghi, board member and former president of the Milwaukee Preservation Alliance, as we explore the story of the Milwaukee Soldiers Home. Established after the Civil War, the Soldiers Home became a place of healing and community for thousands of Union veterans, and continues building its legacy today. Milwaukee Preservation Alliance: https://www.milwaukeepreser...

Over a hundred years ago, dozens of woolen mills were found in Wisconsin. Now, only a handful are left. Today, I'm joined by Tom Courtney, a fourth-generation owner of the mill who retired in 2024, leading to the mill's closure after 144 years in operation. We look at the history of the company, building features, and most notably the original machinery that was used to process wool. Visit...

Many Wisconsin residents may not know about Yerkes Observatory, located along Geneva Lake in Williams Bay. Today, we are joined by Walt Chadick to discuss the history, notable people, and discoveries made at Yerkes. Visit the Yerkes Observatory: https://yerkesobservatory.org Links: linktr.ee/wihistoryunlocked

Although Wisconsin isn't typically thought of when it comes to the Civil War, it still a deep involvement in the conflict. Today, we're joined by Doug Dammann of the Kenosha Civil War Museum to discuss Wisconsin's involvement in the Civil War. Visit the Kenosha Civil War Museum: https://museums.kenosha.org/civil-war-museum Links: linktr.ee/wihistoryunlocked

Waupun is home to the most notable correctional institutions in the state of Wisconsin, as well as the state's oldest prison and one of the country's oldest prisons. Today, we are joined by Zac from the Waukesha County Historical Society and Museum to discuss the history of corrections in Waupun, notable inmates, and events that took place at the facility. Links: linktr.ee/wihistoryunlocked

The Wisconsin History Unlocked Podcast is back! Today, we are joined by guest John Schoenknect, an expert on Waukesha history and author of the book "The Great Waukesha Springs Era 1868-1914". During the height of Waukesha as the "Saratoga of the West", the planners at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition wanted water from the village piped to Chicago for the fairgoers. Ho...

Why doesn't Wisconsin control the Upper Peninsula? Did they some how lose it? Today, we look at why the UP isn't part of the Wisconsin. Links: linktr.ee/wihistoryunlocked

America's Public Enemy No. 1 had a presence in the state of Wisconsin, including a couple hideouts, which we discuss in this episode. Links: linktr.ee/wihistoryunlocked

Camp Randall Stadium is known as the home of the Wisconsin Badger's football team, but the Camp Randall grounds as a whole holds much history that dates back to before the Civil War. Links: linktr.ee/wihistoryunlocked

Why are so many of Milwaukee’s bridges angled? Today, we look into the Milwaukee Bridge War that took place in 1845, as well as the tension that engulfed the city. Links: linktr.ee/wihistoryunlocked

During WWII, the city of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, was home to a shipyard that built some of the best and most successful submarines. Links: linktr.ee/wihistoryunlocked

Today we look into how the state of Wisconsin got its name, beginning with the Native American roots and French influences behind it. Links: linktr.ee/wihistoryunlocked

In this episode, we look at how a small gathering of aviation enthusiasts in Hales Corners, Wisconsin, turned into the largest air show in the world, which also produces the busiest airport in the world. Links:linktr.ee/wihistoryunlocked

In our first episode, we discover how Cold War tensions brought nuclear-armed Nike missile sites to Wisconsin, and the legacy of them today. Links: linktr.ee/wihistoryunlocked How Did Wisconsin Get Its Name?