The Wisconsin Trust for Historic Preservation is a statewide, non-profit, member-supported organization founded in 1986. On May 28, 2025, the Trust adopted a new Strategic Plan to sustain the organization’s impact in a renewed era of advocacy, community engagement, and preservation innovation.
Mission
Our mission is to lead historic preservation throughout Wisconsin by engaging in education, advocacy, coalition building, and technical assistance. We inspire and support a shared commitment to preserving Wisconsin’s architectural heritage by helping people and communities retain, reuse, and celebrate the built environment of our State.
All Wisconsin communities have Places that Matter - Places at the heart of the community that tell residents something about the people who settled there, worked there, and built the town, about what their town was like a century or two ago, or about a period that changed the community. These places can be buildings, historic sites, town squares, factory complexes, old downtowns, and historic districts that are associated with the history and heritage that are at the souls of our communities. We believe it's important for communities to recognize these places, and take steps to maintain their presence so they can say something about the heritage of their communities to future generations.
Core Values
Statewide Commitment: Inclusive of urban, rural, and tribal communities. Professionalism & Accountability: Integrity, fiscal responsibility and good governance.
Innovation & Adaptability: Creative approaches to preservation.
Focused Impact: Strategic alignment for maximal benefit.
Welcoming Engagement: Building a community of preservationists.
City Hall Auditorium - Columbus, Wisconsin