Who is a Farmer?

media release: Hear from Farmers About Their Connection to the Land

What does it mean to be a farmer in Wisconsin today? Join us at the WisHistory Headquarters for the inaugural event in our new Perspectives series, which connects the past to the present by exploring the diverse faces, stories and voices that shape our state’s history, culture, politics, legacies and more.

Who is a Farmer? spotlights a panel of Wisconsin growers who will share their personal journeys on their successes, challenges and what the land means to them. Before and after the discussion, view a pop-up exhibit featuring unique artifacts and archival materials that illustrate how Wisconsin farm life has changed through time.

What You'll Experience

Hear from a panel of Wisconsin farmers who will share their personal journeys, successes and challenges—including what the land means to them, and why they farm

Learn from growers about how farming has evolved, the way technology has shaped their businesses and their vision for the future of America's Dairyland

See a WisHistory pop-up exhibit featuring artifacts and archival materials that illustrate the transformation of Wisconsin farming and ag life over time

Sponsored by J.H. Findorff & Son Inc.

Cost: Adult (18-64): $15; Teen (13-17): $15; Senior (65+): $15; Child (5-12): $15; Child Under 5: Free

Advance registration is recommended.

Society members receive a 10% discount, please verify your membership where prompted to receive discount at check out.

About the Location

The Wisconsin Historical Society headquarters building is located on Library Mall of the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. Dedicated in 1900, the historic structure contains the Society Library and Archives as well as the offices of most WisHistory programs.

General Information

All activities associated with the event are occurring on the first floor of the Wisconsin Historical Society Headquarters building, with the lecture occurring in the auditorium and the pop-up display located in the lobby.

The pop-up exhibit of WHS collection items will be on display beginning at 4:30 PM. Doors to the panel discussion will open at 5:15 PM, and the event will begin at 5:30 PM.

The pop-up of collection materials will also be available to view following the lecture, until approximately 7:30 PM.

Following the panel discussion, there will be some time set aside for Q&A with the audience.

Regarding Registration & Arrival

Registration is strongly encouraged to ensure your entry to the event. Admittance to the lecture will be provided to ticketholders first, with seating available (when possible) for drop-in attendees.

Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the program. Upon arrival, lecture attendees are to check in with a WisHistory staff member.

Regarding Parking

Visitor parking is not available onsite at the WisHistory Headquarters building.

There is a range of UW-Madison parking available near the WisHistory Headquarters. For more information on options and rates, go to the Transportation Services page on the UW-Madison website. The nearest UW-Madison garage to the Headquarters building is the Helen C. White Garage (600 N. Park St, Madison, WI 53706). It is approximately a 5-minute walk to the WisHistory Headquarters building.

There are also City of Madison public parking options. The nearest City of Madison parking garage is located at State Street Campus Garage – Frances Street (430 N Frances St, Madison, WI 53703). From this garage, it is approximately a 6-minute walk to the WisHistory Headquarters building. The City of Madison also has street parking options listed on their website.

Attendees who are interested in learning more are encouraged to reach out to Jenny Pederson at [email protected] or (608) 669-5160 for more information.