‘Tis the Season for Giving
By Michael Bridgeman & Jennifer Gurske
Finding the right holiday gift can be a challenge and while the Madison Trust may not have matched pajama sets or fruitcakes, we have plenty to offer those on your list. A present of the past is always in fashion whether it’s historic architecture walking tour tickets, Madison Trust t-shirts, an annual membership or notecards. Here is our annual list of giving ideas for those who love fine vintage buildings.
Madison Trust for Historic Preservation
2022 Member Appreciation Event at the State Capitol
At the top of our giving list is an annual membership in the Madison Trust. The grateful recipient will enjoy all the benefits of membership including free admission to our seasonal historic architecture walking tours, discounts on events and tours throughout the year, and more. Click here to buy this special gift that gives all year long.
Booking a private tour can be the perfect passport for a family get-together or a great activity with out-of-town guests. See the many tour options by visiting our private tours page, purchase your gift tickets, and then finalize your booking when your plans come together next year.
Note cards featuring notable Madison buildings communicate your support for the Madison Trust. There are two bundles of ten blank cards each that come with envelopes and ship for free. Check the website for selections and ordering information. Please place your order by Dec. 15 for delivery before Dec. 23.
You can also order a variety of items emblazoned with the Madison Trust logo. Visit our online store to select from a variety of t-shirts, tote bags, mugs…even a throw pillow! If you are undecided, you can always get a digital gift card.
Books
Though published ten years ago, Growing Up Black in South Madison, is available this year at some local bookstores and through online vendors. Author Richard Harris, who graduated from UW-Madison is 1961 and later earned a PhD in educational administration, describes his life in Madison from 1942 to 1978. The book “speaks candidly of Madison’s racist history,” a timely topic that still resonates today.
The Fauerbach Brewery may no longer rise on Williamson Street, but it looms large in Madison’s collective memory. This year it’s the subject of a new book by Peter Fauerbach, a member of the brewing family, and can be ordered online. Fauerbach Brewing Company: Madison, Wisconsin 1848-1967 is not only for beer drinkers. The book is generously illustrated and includes company history, family history, and stories of Madison.
Brewtown Tales is a title that may evoke stories of beer, but it is really about author John Gurda’s hometown. The noted historian roams Milwaukee and beyond to capture the spirit of Wisconsin. Perennial author Jerry Apps offers up Meet Me on the Midway: A History of Wisconsin Fairs with stories about county and state fairs. They may be ephemeral places, but fairs express the character of the state as much as a grand building. Both books are available online through the Wisconsin Historical Society and at bookstores.
More Madison Gifts
This year’s capitol ornament from the Wisconsin Historical Society celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Dane County Farmers’ Market. Select ornaments from previous years are also available at the WHS online store. You may also want to get a state capitol mug for that coffee or tea drinker while visiting their online store.
The Monona Terrace gift shop has a variety of Madison-focused items which feature Frank Lloyd Wright’s lakeshore building and the Madison skyline. Visit the Monona Terrace online store to find snow globes, ornaments, ceramics, and prints.
Wisconsin Gifts
If you’re family and friends are fans of Frank Lloyd Wright, head over to the online store of Taliesin Preservation where you can find some wonderful gifts such as the Robie House Mini Lightbox, a 2023 Frank Lloyd Wright Planner and a Why I Love Wisconsin Poster.
Historic Milwaukee, a local partner of the Madison Trust, has a wonderful 2022 Holiday E-Catalog where you can easily find and purchase many terrific gifts from ornaments and puzzles to tea towels and even Wisconsin-opoly!
Two online marketplaces offer a wide range of items from Wisconsin producers and artisans. WiscoBoxes prepares and ships food boxes and gift boxes. Wisconsin Made provides an online marketplace for art, gifts, food and more including CityTins for Madison Restaurants.
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