Junior Docent School Program - Milwaukee Art Museum

Tour: Wisconsin History
Background
History is a record of past events relating to a particular people, country, and time
period. History includes events, social and political philosophy, religious beliefs, art,
literature, and music.
Wisconsin history offers an unusually good vantage point for a long view of much of our
national history. It was an important crossroads for the fur trade and therefore important
in diplomacy and Indian policy well into the 19 th century. Wisconsin Territory‟s Organic
Act of 1836 represented a landmark in the interpretation of the Northwest Ordinance of
1787.
State Bird – robin
State Flower – wood violet
State Mineral – galena
State Mammal – badger
State Insect – honey bee
State Dance – polka
State Song – “On, Wisconsin”
State Tree – sugar maple
State Rock – red granite
State Wildlife Animal – white-tailed deer
State Domestic Animal – cow
State Fish – muskellunge
State Motto – “Forward”
Objectives
Students will gain an understanding of the many kinds of people who lived in
Wisconsin originally and those who immigrated to Wisconsin over the years.
Students will increase their appreciation of the geography of the state and how
the terrain and climate have affected the historical development of the state.
Students will develop an awareness of the changes the state has undergone
since explorers and traders first arrived, its rural component, and its city life.
Students will gain an understanding of and appreciation for the way art depicts a
state‟s history and culture and Wisconsin‟s relationship to the rest of the U.S. and
the world.
PRIMARY POINT: The settlement of the territory is reflected in the images of the
artwork. Several examples will include a variety of frontiers: fur trading, mining,
agriculture, lumbering, and urban.
Tour Implementation Ideas
The following works of art are examples that can be used with this tour. Please know
this tour is not limited to the pieces listed below!
The following teaching aides may be useful with this tour and are located in the
Education Resource Room cabinets:
© 2011 Milwaukee Art Museum 700 N. Art Museum Dr. Milwaukee, WI 53202
JDSP – Docent Packet
33