FAQs About the Wisconsin Historical Markers Program
Find answers to common questions about the Wisconsin Historical Markers program.
Where can I find the Official List of Wisconsin Historical Markers?
The Official List of Wisconsin Historical Markers is published by the Wisconsin Historical Society. Each marker listed includes its official marker number, official name and location, and a map index code that corresponds to Wisconsin's official state highway map.
How many official historical markers are there in Wisconsin?
Currently there are 600 official state markers in Wisconsin that carry approved text commemorating sites, individuals, buildings, or events of local, state or national significance.
I noticed that a marker is missing or damaged. Whom should I contact?
To report a marker that is missing or damaged, contact Historical Markers Program Coordinator Fitzie Heimdahl. Please provide the date, the title of the marker and its location. Make sure the marker has an emblem of a badger on top (otherwise it is not an official Wisconsin State Historical Marker). We will try to locate the original applicant, who is usually the party responsible for any maintenance.
My marker is in need of restoration. Whom should I contact?
All marker applicants agree to be responsible for maintenance of the marker in perpetuity. For those who would like to see their markers repainted, SEWAH Studios, the manufacturer of all of Wisconsin's State Historical Markers since 1951, offers that service. For more information, click here.
How do I install my State Historical Marker?
It is the responsibility of the marker applicant to install their State Historical Marker in the approved location, taking account any feeback from the State Historic Preservation Office. The following installation guides are provided by Sewah Studios for markers where the poles are included.
Installation Procedures for One-Post Markers
Installation Procedures for Two-Post Markers
Questions About Applying for Historical Markers
Small City Marker, 16"x24"
Historic Marker for Columbia County Asylum Cemetery Potter's Field
One-Sided Large City Marker, 36"x24"
Historic Marker for Lakeside Power Plant, still in shipping crate
Flat-Back Two-Post Marker, 72"x54"
Historic Marker for New London Fairground, with historic photograph and metal posts as furnished by SEWAH Studios for $750
Flat-Back Two-Post Marker, 72"x54"
Maps, photographs, logos, and other graphics can be added to markers for an additional fee.
How much do state historical markers cost?
Markers are available in a variety of sizes, fonts and prices. The cost for a Wisconsin State Historical Marker ranges between $760-$6,240. A standard State or National Register of Historic Places plaque is available for $470. There is also a $250 application fee. The applicant must be able to pay for the cost of the marker and fee, agree to maintain it in perpetuity and have the permission of the landowner where the marker is to be erected. Find current pricing and more application details in the SEWAH May 1 2023 through April 30 2024 Marker Price List.
For only a few hundred dollars more, you can include a photograph, map or graphic on your Wisconsin State Historical Marker. Adding an image to your marker can greatly increase its visual interest. Including an image will reduce the total amount of text you can have on your final marker, but that trade-off might be worthwhile since, as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. Contact Fitzie Heimdahl for sample images.
Who can apply for a state historical marker?
Anybody can apply for a marker as long as the topic addresses an aspect of Wisconsin's history. An application form must be completed for every historical marker desired. Learn more about how to apply and who to contact at How to Apply for a Historical Marker.
How long does it take to get a marker?
The marker text requires the approval of several different Wisconsin Historical Society staff members. Please allow up to six months for us to review your application. After approval, the Society will order the marker from the foundry. As of July 2022, the production time is estimated to be 16 weeks from the time your order is received to when the marker is cast and shipped to you. It is highly recommended that you do not set a date for a dedication ceremony until you receive your state historical marker.
What is the review process?
Wisconsin Historical Society staff review the text for the marker prepared by the applicant. Usually the first draft needs to be modified and is returned to the applicant with suggestions. Be sure to allow time for approval, especially if you are planning a marker dedication ceremony for a specific date. Once you and the Wisconsin Historical Society agree on the final version of the text, Society staff will place the order for the marker.
What topics qualify for a state historical marker?
Markers should describe one of the following aspects of Wisconsin's history: archaeology, architecture, culture, ethnic associations, geology, history, legends or natural history. Your topic needs to meet one of the Criteria for a Historical Marker Topic and Location. You can also review the Official List of Wisconsin Historical Markers to see what types of markers have been approved in the past.
If a property is listed in the State or National Register of Historic Places, does it automatically receive a plaque?
No. You must order a plaque for the registered historic property directly from a vendor. Note: the plaques no longer require approval from the Wisconsin Historical Society. Several suppliers are listed below. This list is not a recommendation as other suppliers may exist.
- Atlas Signs and Plaques
- CenTec Cast Metal Products
- Colonial Brass Company
- Eagle Sign and Design, Inc.
- Erie Landmark Company
- Healy Plaques
- Metallic Arts
- Sewah Studios
- American Sign-Letters
The William G. Pomeroy Foundation does provide a grant to fund the purchase of a National Register Plaque. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations, nonprofit academic institutions, and local, state and federal government entities within the United States. At this time, funding is not available for private residences or commercial properties. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact an eligible local organization, such as a municipal historian or historical organization. They will often apply for the grant on behalf of the individual.
National Register Signage Grant Program
How can I determine if a property is listed in the State or National Register of Historic Places?
To see if a property is listed on the registers, conduct a property record search on our Preserve Homes and Properties page.
Who manufactures the Wisconsin Historical Markers and State Register of Historic Places plaques?
Wisconsin Historical Markers are produced by Sewah Studios. State Register of Historic Places plaques are manufactured by Colonial Brass Company. Custom State Register inscriptions are produced by Sewah Studios. More info about Sewah Studios.
Learn More
Wisconsin State Historical Markers
Have Questions?
Contact:
Fitzie Heimdahl
Historical Markers Program Coordinator
715-471-0770