The University of Wisconsin–Madison has stood as the flagship university of the state since Wisconsin was founded in 1848. For nearly two centuries, there have been thousands of people who have attended or worked at this institution — some carrying on a family tradition and others simply excited to embark on a new educational journey. Through its history, UW–Madison has marketed itself not only as a school, but also as a community that is invested in the cultivation of well-rounded scholars, cutting-edge researchers, and strong leaders. The marketing tactics change, but are always implemented with the same goal: to foster a sense of belonging at UW. Whether or not people at UW–Madison feel as if they belong within the bounds of this institution, though, is another thing completely.
Year: 2023
Public History Project Final Report
The UW–Madison Public History Project began as a temporary initiative in 2019 with a mandate to uncover and give voice to the histories of discrimination and resistance on campus. Following the successful delivery of the project’s final public history products, the project is being replaced by the permanent Rebecca M. Blank Center for Campus History. The Public History Project’s final report showcases the work accomplished over the past four calendar years. It acts as a synopsis of the project in its entirety — covering the project’s budget and staffing, highlighting research and community engagement processes, laying out challenges faced by project staff, and providing insights for those wishing to undertake similar work.