The Wisconsin State Fair is one of the state’s most iconic traditions, and it now enters its 175th year.

In this episode, we’re joined by Wisconsin State Fair historian Tom Zimmerman taking a trip through the history of the Fair, from its beginnings in 1851 to the massive celebration we know today. We’ll explore how the fair evolved from an agricultural showcase into a Wisconsin tradition filled with livestock, competitions, food, entertainment, carnival rides, and some of the state’s most recognizable traditions.

Wisconsin State Fair Trivia: https://wistatefair.com/175triviatime/

Website: https://www.wisconsinhistoryunlocked.com

From thousands of jars lining the walls to the incredible story of how a heartbreaking Boston Red Sox loss inspired one man to create one of Wisconsin’s most unique museums , this episode explores the history of the National Mustard Museum in Middleton, Wisconsin. Learn how founder Barry Levenson transformed this idea into the world’s largest collection of mustards and mustard memorabilia, attracting visitors from around the globe.

National Mustard Museum:

https://mustardmuseum.com

Wisconsin History Unlocked:

https://www.wisconsinhistoryunlocked.com

From a small gathering of aviation enthusiasts to the largest fly-in convention in the world, the story of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is one of Wisconsin's greatest contributions to aviation history. In this episode, I'm joined by Dick Knapinski, who is the Director of Communications for the EAA, as we explore the founding, development, and expansion of the EAA and its lasting impact on aviation.

EAA:

https://www.eaa.org/eaa

Links:

linktr.ee/wihistoryunlocked

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 Revolution had on the state's early development.

Wisconsin Veterans Museum:

https://wisvetsmuseum.com

Links:

https://linktr.ee/wihistoryunlocked

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.milwaukeepreservation.org

Links:

https://linktr.ee/wihistoryunlocked

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 the Appleton History Museum:

https://appletonhistory.com

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. However, this caused much controversy for the residents of Waukesha, leading to court battles and confrontations between both sides.

Links:

linktr.ee/wihistoryunlocked