Why The Look Back
Taking a closer look at artifacts from the past can help us tell the stories that have shaped the communities of our state—as well as offer opportunities for us to connect those stories to our own experiences. The Look Back brings the histories of our state to life for learners today through era-forward episodes featuring interesting artifacts, discussion questions, and guides.
Educator Guides
How Did Early Airplane Pilots Navigate Without Modern Tech?: World War I and the Great Depression
Fasten your seatbelts and prepare for landing in the history of aviation. Explore the navigation tools used during the years leading up to and shortly after the Great Depression.
Bowled Over: Vietnam Era
Roll into recreation in Wisconsin during the Vietnam War era through Earlene Fuller’s story.
Did Kids Really Run Away to Join the Circus?: Early Wisconsin
Step right up to see how the circus came to be in Wisconsin and how transportation innovations, business, and social issues were juggled under the big top.
Fit to Print: The Progressive Era and WWI
Read between the lines of The Progressive Era and WWI through the printing of amateur newspapers.
For the Record: World War I and the Great Depression
Tune into the history of the Great Depression through the story of Paramount Records.
An Iron In the Fire: The Fur Trade Era
Spark your thinking about life during the Fur Trade Era through the making and use of a wrought iron toaster.
Not Set In Stone: Early Wisconsin, Civil War, and Reconstruction
Get a different take on Lincoln’s legacy and the freeing of enslaved people through the Emancipation Group sculpture.
On the Move: Modern Era
Get your gears turning about life in the modern era through bicycles and bike making in Wisconsin.
Was Lighthouse Keeper the Most Remote Job in Wisconsin History?: Territory to Statehood
Get on the same wavelength as ship captains during the time before Wisconsin was a state with this towering tale of the Pottawatomie Lighthouse.
Ripe for Change: Postwar Wisconsin
Travel back to the postwar era through the bunk beds that hold the history of migrant farmworkers in Wisconsin.
A Stitch In Time: Territory to Statehood
Sew your way through the time from territory to statehood with Margaret Miekel’s cross-stitch sampler.
How Fake Photos Helped Convince People to Move to the Midwest: Progressive Era and WWI
Craft a new understanding of the myths and realities of life in the midwest over 100 years ago with tall tale postcards.
Time to Shine: Early Explorers
Set your clock to the time of early explorers through the story of the Le Maire Sundial and Compass.
A Trunk Full of History: The New Deal and World War II
Unpack the New Deal and WWII through this Civilian Conservation Corps member’s trunk.
Waterlogged: First Nations
Dive into learning about First Nations in the area thousands of years ago through the dugout canoes recovered from Lake Mendota.
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Quotation
“Social studies is quick to be forgotten because of math and reading, but the length and content of these videos make them perfect for the classroom.”