Make a Present of the Past

By Michael Bridgeman & Jennifer Gurske

Many traditions may have been interrupted this year. Nonetheless, holiday gifts may still be in order, especially when they can be purchased conveniently and at a distance. At the Madison Trust we believe that a gift of history and preservation is always in season! 

Our Local Partner Organizations

The Wisconsin Historical Society Shop has a wide array of gifts including books, apparel, toys, ornaments and much more. Among this year’s new books are Coming Out, Moving Forward: Wisconsin’s Recent Gay History by R. Richard Wagner andWhen White Pine Was King by Jerry Apps.

 
 

One of the most flexible choices from the Historical Society is gifting a print from the Historical Society’s archive of visual materials. Visit the website to browse the thousands of searchable selections and find purchase information. See below for a couple ideas.

 
 


Historic Milwaukee, Inc. is another Madison Trust local partner with an online shop that highlights items about the city, its suburbs, and the state.  The site has a range of items by James Steeno, a Milwaukee artist and illustrator.

 
 

More for Madison and Beyond

There are numerous other choices for finding just the right Madison-centric gift.  The Monona Terrace gift shop has Frank Lloyd Wright items, of course, and plenty of other choices as well.  In their Gift Ideas section you can find wonderful ornaments, a chess set with board and a picturesque Madison snow globe.

The museum store at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA) offers online shopping as does the Chazen Museum of Art. Store sales at MMoCA support designers and studio artists whose works make the store such a terrific source for Madison shoppers.

If you want to reach out geographically, here are two websites to consider. Dane Buy Local has a special holiday gifts page with selections from local business and nonprofits, including the Madison Trust, the Old Sugar Distillery (where we held the 2018 awards) and Bob’s Copy Shop (where are letterhead is printed).

Wisconsin Made describes itself as a collective that provides an online marketplace for products by Wisconsin artisans. Among their choices are the popular City Tins for five Wisconsin destinations including Madison.

Madison Trust for Historic Preservation

Vilas Neighborhood Specialty Tour

A membership in the Madison Trust comes with benefits that last through the year including free historic architecture walking tours, invitations to free members-only events, and discounted tickets to special tours and events such as the Historic Preservation Awards. Head here to purchase a gift membership.

A private historic walking tour may be just the thing for a gathering of friends or family next summer. The fortunate recipient can choose from any of our tours and the Madison Trust will do our best to find a date and time during our regular tour season that work for them. To purchase a private walking tour gift card, please contact our office at info@madisonpreservation.org or (608) 441-8864.

Madison Architecture Note Cards

Another great option for those who love learning about history and architecture while getting outside, is purchasing gift tickets to our seasonal Historic Architecture Walking Tours. The tours take place May through September each year on Thursdays and Saturdays.

Lastly, we have a new gift option from the Madison Trust—not that you need to limit your gift selections! We have created Madison architecture note cards featuring photographs of notable Madison buildings. Check the website for selections and ordering information.  Please place your order by December 16 for delivery before December 23. We have a limited inventory so we encourage you to order early.

 

Have a wonderful holiday season!

Madison Trust