Wisconsin Historical Society Press

WHI ID #28999.

Today marks 84 years since the establishment of the Badger Army Munitions Plant, originally known as Badger Ordnance Works.

Explore more in this free article from the Summer 2021 issue of the “Wisconsin Magazine of History”: wihist.org/3PtGYSL

It’s National Take a Hike Day!

Hit the trail and uncover Wisconsin’s ancient story—from lava flows to glaciers—with Scott Spoolman’s “Wisconsin State Parks: Extraordinary Stories of Geology and Natural History”.

Learn more here: wihist.org/3ZlL81J

Learn more about this indispensable resource for exploring Wisconsin’s regional history and its Native peoples: wihist.org/INOW

In “Chainsaw Love,” author James Card digs into the culture, craft, and surprising history behind one of the most influential hand tools of the last century.

See more on “Chainsaw Love” here: wihist.org/45paUaB

Happy National Young Reader’s Week!

At WHS Press, we believe stories spark curiosity—and we have books that do just that.

Explore our collection of #YoungReaders titles here: wihist.org/3q7LkAq

Happy Veteran’s Day. Today we honor the millions of service members—past and present—who have sacrificed for our country.

“American Birkebeiner,” our latest title, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the race, the trail, and the community that makes it all possible.

Get your copy today: wihist.org/476bsTu

The Wisconsin Library Association has announced the 2025 Children’s Book Award recipients!

Congratulations to Aaron Boyd, recipient of the Wisconsin Notable Children’s Author/Illustrator Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to children’s literature!

American Birkebeiner: The Nation’s Greatest Ski Marathon An exhilarating and lavishly illustrated journey into the history of the "Birkie," America’s largest cross-country ski race. It will inspire winter sports fans and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

❄️ It’s here! “American Birkebeiner: The Nation’s Greatest Ski Marathon” is now available

Pick up your copy today and relive the thrill of the Birkie: wihist.org/476bsTu

October is Polish American Heritage Month!

Learn more about Wisconsin's Polish history in “Poles in Wisconsin” by Susan Gibson Mikos, part of our People of Wisconsin series.

📖 Discover the book here: wihist.org/4hgzezx

It’s #WorldMentalHealthDay 💚

Take a break from your feed and open a book instead. Your mind will thank you!

Lucky for you, WHS Press has a wide array of fascinating history books to cover everyone’s interests. Check out our book selection here: wihist.org/3J0Adaj

⛷️❄️ Coming Soon! ❄️⛷️

Shipping now to independent bookstores, libraries, and other book retailers. Officially publishing in just a few weeks! Learn more on our website: wihist.org/476bsTu

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It’s Bookshop Day!

It’s a great time to stock up on your Fall reading selections and support local bookstores. Need help finding an independent bookstore in your area?

Use this free tool from IndieBound to locate independent bookstores near you: wihist.org/45VxrZY.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor the legacy of Jesus Salas and the movement he helped lead in Wisconsin.

In his award-winning memoir “Obreros Unidos” (Workers United), Salas shares the powerful story of migrant farmworkers who fueled the Midwest’s agriculture industry: wihist.org/3VTVuqh

On this day in 1891, Devil’s Island Light—Wisconsin’s northernmost lighthouse—first shined across Lake Superior. Discover its legacy and more in the WHS Press book, "Wisconsin Lighthouses": shop.wisconsinhistory.org/wisconsin-li...

Happy #WorldMaritimeDay!

Our newest book!

“Chainsaw Love”: From firewood to forestry, science to pop culture, journalist James Card explores the surprising impact of the world’s most powerful hand tool.

Learn more: wihist.org/3VvXtQl

Wisconsin Historical Society Press Publishing Wisconsin history and culture since 1855.

Take a moment to unwind with Wisconsin history this weekend. If you don’t have time for a full book, explore our YouTube channel instead.

Watch free videos covering a wide range of our state’s stories here:

The cover features artwork by Don Troiani, capturing the dramatic moment when Frank Wallar of the Sixth Wisconsin seized the flag of the Second Mississippi on the second day at Gettysburg—an act that earned him the company’s only Medal of Honor.

Our award-winning “Wisconsin Magazine of History” is back with the Fall edition!

Want to receive the “Wisconsin Magazine of History” in the mail each quarter? Visit wihist.org/49ArMvl and become a member of the Wisconsin Historical Society today!

"Radical Family" Shares Stories of an Earlier Generation of Lesbian Moms - Mombian In a powerful new collection of nine personal essays, lesbian parents who raised children in the 1980s, ’90s, and early 2000s share the stories of forming and sustaining their families.

In a powerful new collection of nine personal essays from @whspress.bsky.social, lesbian parents who raised children in the 1980s, ’90s, and early 2000s share the stories of forming and sustaining their families. #BookSky #MomSky Review: mombian.com/2025/09/12/r...

Image: WHI ID 3950

Wisconsin-born writer Hamlin Garland was born on this day in 1860.

Parents, grandparents, guardians, role models (and everyone in between); today is National Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day!

Try making this Maple Ice Cream Sundae with the young chefs in your life. From the "Flavor of Wisconsin for Kids": wihist.org/3d3IRPY

Meet Vel Phillips, an unstoppable force for justice whose story deserves to be told.

Now, “Valiant Vel” brings her incredible story to life for young readers (and people of all ages): wihist.org/4fM3wb4

The start of modern scuba diving… in Wisconsin?

Yes, you read that right. Milwaukee native Max Gene Nohl helped revolutionize diving technology right here in the Midwest.

After sitting unpublished for decades, Nohl’s autobiography—"I Live Underwater”—is now available: wihist.org/3SrrvDv

State politics roundup, Drinking water quality, Lesbian motherhood We check in on the latest from the state Capitol with a WPR political reporter. Then, we learn more about drinking water contamination in Wisconsin. Then, we hear stories from […]

Editor Margaret Mooney and her wife, Meg Gaines, sat down to talk about "Radical Family," a new book in which nine Wisconsin families with lesbian mothers share their experiences raising children from the 1980s through the 2000s.

www.wpr.org/shows/wiscon...

Available now!

Read more: wihist.org/3JJlYXr

On National Read a Book Day, I’m curling up with _____

Share your pick in the comments—we’d love to see what everyone is reading today!

V-J Day—Victory over Japan—was announced by President Harry S. Truman on August 14, 1945, marking the end of World War II. Today we commemorate 80 years since that historic moment. Historian Mark D.… Victory over Japan: The 32nd Infantry Division’s Role in WWII’s Final Chapter

Today marks 80 years since the official end of World War II.

On September 2, 1945, Japan formally surrendered to Allied forces aboard the USS Missouri. But for thousands of American soldiers, the mission was far from over.

youtu.be/yz6WA7AT2m4?...

Behold the mighty chainsaw! Discover its history, its influence and its people…

Coming soon from WHS Press is a title that will cut right through your “To Be Read” list.

“Chainsaw Love” by James Card is the perfect book for chainsaw users of all stripes.

Learn more here: wihist.org/4n97QFt

Courtesy of Jerry Apps (https://www.facebook.com/jerryapps/posts/pfbid0dzGgEhttuRrEirDSGpPRKChHsC8g1Fjpd6eCwHmgctLGwdbhG3pq5tGSZ7gqY1vl)

In his newest book, “Lunkers, Keepers, and Ones That Got Away,” Jerry Apps shares his favorite fish stories, lessons learned, and a few tall tales told along the way.

Pair it with a matching mug—just like Jerry’s—for the perfect catch! Learn more on our website: wihist.org/42axQaE