Gifts of the Season

By Michael Bridgeman & Jennifer Gurske

GIFTS FOR THE SEASON

This holiday season promises renewed opportunities to gather with friends and family. And while supply chain problems may persist, they won’t interfere with purchasing a gift from the Madison Trust, where we think a gift of history and preservation is always in season! 

 

MADISON TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION

A good place to begin your shopping is our Gifts section of our website.  There are few stress-free choices to satisfy those on your gift list.

Annual Membership

An annual membership in the Madison Trust is thoughtful and comes with benefits that last through the year.  They include 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. You can purchase a gift membership online or contact the Madison Trust office at info@madisonpreservation.org.

 Madison Architecture Note cards

Note cards featuring notable Madison buildings lets other know you support the Madison Trust. They’re perfect for sending a personal note of appreciation, a birthday wish or a just-for-fun, thinking-of-you message into your recipient’s mailbox. Sets of 10 cards with envelopes are available in different combinations, check the website for selections and ordering information.  Please place your order by Dec. 15 for delivery before Dec. 24.

Mansion Hill West Historic Architecture Walking Tour

 Seasonal Walking Tour Tickets

Tickets to our Historic Architecture Walking Tours can be the perfect passport to history and architecture for friends or out-of-town guests. Choose from any of our regularly scheduled 2022 tours. Make your plans when the dates, times, and details are posted this spring.

 Private Walking Tours

You can also gift a private tour, which includes tours not in our regular seasonal schedule.  For details and options, see the Private Tours section of our website. Purchase a private walking tour gift card through our office at info@madisonpreservation.org.

 

LOCAL IDEAS FOR MADISON

Monona Terrace

There are numerous other choices for finding just the right Madison-centric gift.  The Monona Terrace gift shop has Madison snow globes and ornaments plus a wide array of Frank Lloyd Wright items, of course.

Art & Gift Fair: Weekends at MMoCA features work by select groups of artists and artisans on weekends through Dec. 12. Images from MMoCA website.

MMoCA

You can stop by one of the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art’s “mini art fairs” on Saturdays and Sundays though December 12. Each weekend will feature 10 artists and makers.

Madison Parks

Looking to gift a new calendar or hang one on your own wall? The Madison Parks has published their 2022 wall calendar from submissions to their photography contest. These photos show the beautiful scenery in the Madison Parks and will have you wanting to grab your coat and head out for a walk.


FROM AROUND WISCONSIN

Wisconsin Historical Society

The Wisconsin Historical Society operates a shop at the Wisconsin Historical Museum on the capitol square as well as an online store. This year you’ll find a new Wisconsin state capitol ornament for 2021, towel and blankets featuring the Madison lakes, historic Madison coasters, plus T-shirts, mugs, glassware, and much more.

The WHS Press catalog runs deep and it’s worth exploring for titles focused on historic buildings and places. Among the enduring favorites are Fill‘er Up: The Glory Days of Wisconsin’s Gas Stations (book and video), Bottoms Up: A Toast to Wisconsin’s Historic Bars and Breweries, Indian Mounds of Wisconsin, Settlin’: Stories of Madison’s Early African American Families, Wisconsin Lighthouses: A Photographic and Historical Guide, and Wisconsin’s Own: Twenty Remarkable Homes.

Home for the Holidays at Old World Wisconsin

Give the gift of memories with your family and friends. Grab your ticket and head to the Crossroads Village at Old World Wisconsin. There you’ll experience a mosaic of ethnic traditions and festivities in the late 19th century. Explore the homes and shops bustling with holiday preparations, listen to carols and sip hot cider. Stop by Santa’s workshop to say hello and take the perfect family photo. After over a year of distancing from family and friends, sometimes the best gift is that of togetherness.

Image from Historic Milwaukee website

Historic Milwaukee Holiday E-Catalog

Madison Trust local partner Historic Milwaukee Inc. has put together a terrific collection of Milwaukee gifts, housewares and books in their 2021 Holiday E-Catalog. Your purchases provide much needed operating support to our nonprofit and help us keep Doors Open and other programs free and accessible to all.

Taliesin Preservation

If you have friends and family who are fans of Frank Lloyd Wright, head to the Taliesin Preservation shop for unique gifts. Check out their great stocking suffers like the luggage tags, tea towels and the 2022 Tiered Wall Calendar or more elaborate items such as a vase, pair of earring or chess set.

MADE IN WISCONSIN

WiscoBoxes prepares and ships gift boxes that bring together Wisconsin products. 

Wisconsin Made is an artisan collective that offers art, prints, and music as well as food and beverages. 

EXPERIENCE-BASED HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS

These suggestions may stray beyond the subject of history, but what if this year, you gave experiences instead of material objects? It’s scientifically proven that experiential gifts improve relationships and evoke strong emotional responses. And let’s be honest—do you know anyone who’s ever said, “Gee, I sure wish I had more stuff in my house!” The best part? The memories you’ll create are priceless.

Wishing you all a happy, healthy holiday season and a terrific 2022!

Madison Trust