BRAVA Magazine

Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical
2025-10-18 14:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-18 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | The Playhouse at Overture Center, 201 State St, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Back by popular demand! Based on Dahl’s beloved classic, this captivating musical follows a brilliant little girl with extraordinary powers who refuses to let her cruel parents or a tyrannical headmistress hold her back. Armed with a sharp mind, a vivid imagination, and a bit of magic, Matilda dares to take a stand and rewrite her destiny. Packed with high-energy dance numbers and unforgettable songs, MATILDA is a joyous triumph of one girl’s fight for what’s right.
Recommended for ages 9+
Happens on the following Dates:
Oct 4, 2025, 2:00pm to 4:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 4, 2025, 7:00pm to 9:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 5, 2025, 1:00pm to 3:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 5, 2025, 6:00pm to 8:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 11, 2025, 2:00pm to 4:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 11, 2025, 7:00pm to 9:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 12, 2025, 1:00pm to 3:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 12, 2025, 6:00pm to 8:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 17, 2025, 7:00pm to 9:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 18, 2025, 2:00pm to 4:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 18, 2025, 7:00pm to 9:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 19, 2025, 1:00pm to 3:00pm Timezone: CDT

Madison Misdeeds: A True Crime Walking Tour
2025-10-18 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-10-18 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-10-16 17:00 - 18:30 UTC | History Maker Space, 1 S. Pinckney Street, Madison, WI, 53703
Step into Madison’s shadowy past and uncover some the city’s unsavory secrets on this true crime walking tour! From the 1840s through the 1970s, Wisconsin’s capital was home to a surprising and unique underworld of bootleggers, bank robbers and even killers who left their malevolent mark on Madison. Hear historic tales of backroom deals, gambling dens, daring heists, holdups and cold-blooded murders as you walk the downtown streets where these misdeeds unfolded.
Note that this walking tour explores mature themes and is recommended for ages 13 and up. Please read “Know Before You Go” for more information about the tour.
Cost
Adult (18-64): $20
Teen (13-17): $20
Senior (65+): $20
Children (5-12): $20
Children Under 5: Free
Advance registration required.
Society members receive a 10% discount, please verify your membership where prompted to receive discount at check out.
About the Location
An active, community-focused space that hosts school groups, pop-up exhibits, author talks, public programs and more; located in the US Bank Building on Madison’s Capitol Square.
History Maker Space
1 S. Pinckney Street
Madison, WI 53703
Know Before You Go
General Information:
Although the tour is based out of the Wisconsin History Society (WHS) History Maker Space, this tour will be taking place within the community and will be visiting multiple locations in the Capitol Square area.
The starting and ending location of the tour will be in front of the U.S. Bank Plaza building (1 S. Pinckney Street) and facing the Wisconsin State Capitol building.
We recommend arriving at the starting location at least 15 minutes prior to the tour start time. Upon arrival, please check in with a WHS staff member to confirm your tour reservation.
The guided tour is approximately 1.3 mile in length and covers some paved but hilly terrain.
Comfortable shoes for walking are strongly recommended. Tour participants are encouraged to bring water, sunglasses, and a hat with them. With the tour taking place outside, shade will vary.
Walking tours will happen rain or shine. In the case of inclement weather, consider bringing an umbrella.
Parking:
For Thursday tour dates, it is strongly recommended not to park in the underground onsite garage at the U.S. Bank Plaza Building. The U.S. Bank Plaza parking garage closes after 6 p.m. on weekdays and will not reopen until Friday morning when regular business hours at the U.S. Bank Plaza building resume.
Regarding Saturday tour times, the underground onsite garage at the U.S. Bank Plaza building is not open.
As an alternative to parking onsite at the U.S. Bank building, there are public parking options available in downtown Madison. There is a public parking garage, Capitol Square North Garage (218 E. Mifflin St., Madison, WI 53703), located about two blocks and a 6-minute walk from the tour’s starting location and end location. In addition, there is street parking information on the City of Madison website.
Tour participants with questions about the tour content, or with mobility concerns are encouraged to contact Jenny Pederson at jennifer.pederson@wisconsinhistory.org or (608) 669-5160.

Sci-prov
2025-10-17 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Discovery Building – UW, 330 N Orchard St, Madison, 53715, United States
Join the Wisconsin Science Festival and Amalgam Improv for an evening fusing science and spontaneous improv comedy like no other at Sci-prov!
Sci-prov combines science and improv in creative, funny, and never before seen ways. In this special, fusion event, scientists Rachael Shields and Amy Koike will present their work in short, digestible presentations followed by brief Q&A, all of which will become fodder for the improv scenes. The improv scenes are created on the fly, unique to each show, and performed by a troupe of phenomenal improvisers!
Rachael Shields is a landscape architect and graduate student in the School of Human Ecology Design Studies program, while Amy Koike is a PhD student in the People and Robots Lab at UW-Madison.
Light refreshments and cash bar available. Tickets are free and registration is requested to ensure adequate seating.

Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical
2025-10-17 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-12 13:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-11 14:00 - 21:00 UTC | The Playhouse at Overture Center, 201 State St, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Back by popular demand! Based on Dahl’s beloved classic, this captivating musical follows a brilliant little girl with extraordinary powers who refuses to let her cruel parents or a tyrannical headmistress hold her back. Armed with a sharp mind, a vivid imagination, and a bit of magic, Matilda dares to take a stand and rewrite her destiny. Packed with high-energy dance numbers and unforgettable songs, MATILDA is a joyous triumph of one girl’s fight for what’s right.
Recommended for ages 9+
Happens on the following Dates:
Oct 4, 2025, 2:00pm to 4:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 4, 2025, 7:00pm to 9:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 5, 2025, 1:00pm to 3:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 5, 2025, 6:00pm to 8:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 11, 2025, 2:00pm to 4:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 11, 2025, 7:00pm to 9:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 12, 2025, 1:00pm to 3:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 12, 2025, 6:00pm to 8:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 17, 2025, 7:00pm to 9:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 18, 2025, 2:00pm to 4:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 18, 2025, 7:00pm to 7:00pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 19, 2025, 1:00pm to 3:00pm Timezone: CDT

Dracula, A Feminist Revenge Fantasy. Really.
2025-10-16 19:30 - 2025-11-01 21:30 UTC | Bartell Theatre, 113 E Mifflin St , Madison, Wisconsin, WI, 53703, United States
Dracula, A Feminist Revenge Fantasy. Really.
Written By Kate Hamill
Directed By Hannah Nies
Bouncing between horror and humor, Kate Hamill’s adaptation of Bram Stoker’s novel is a thrilling play that questions who the true monsters are. Fierce, feminist, frightening. “When your survival is at stake… will you be able to distinguish the monster from the man? Both terrifying and riotous, Kate Hamill’s imaginative, gender-bending “feminist revenge fantasy” is like no Dracula you’ve ever seen—exploring the nature of predators and reinventing the story as a smart, disquieting, darkly comic drama. Hamill’s signature style and postmodern wit upends this familiar tale of Victorian vampires—driving a stake through the heart of toxic masculinity.”
Performed on the Bartelll Theater’s Evjue Stage
Upcoming Performances
Thu, Oct 16th – 7:30pm
Fri, Oct 17th – 7:30pm
Sat, Oct 18th – 7:30pm
Sun, Oct 19th – 1:30pm
Thu, Oct 23rd – 7:30pm
Fri, Oct 24th – 7:30pm
Sat, Oct 25th – 7:30pm
Sun, Oct 26th – 1:30pm
Thu, Oct 30th – 7:30pm
Fri, Oct 31st – 7:30pm
Sat, Nov 1st – 1:30pm

Zonta Club of Madison Presents Wild & Scenic Film Festival
2025-10-16 17:30 - 20:30 UTC | WI
7 Short Films About Women Impacting Climate Change
Women are disproportionately affected by climate change. These films presented by Zonta Club of Madison/Zonta Madison Foundation in conjunction with Wild & Scenic Film Festival, presents the impact of climate change on women and the women who are making an impact on climate change,. The mission of the Zonta Club of Madison/Zonta Madison Foundation, a member of Zonta International, is to improve the status of women through service and advocacy and thus build a better life for women and girls.

Science on the Square
2025-10-16 17:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Downtown Madison, 452 State Street, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Join us in downtown Madison on October 16th, 2025 from 5-9pm to kick-off the 15th Wisconsin Science Festival!
Science on the Square – One fantastic night blending science with downtown Madison businesses!
Back for its 8th year, Science on the Square will once again be fusing with the Madison Night Market to create a unique way to explore hands-on science activities while supporting local businesses and vendors. This year, Science on the Square will kick off an extended, 10 day, festival in celebration of the 15th Wisconsin Science Festival!
At Science on the Square, outdoor STEM-themed activities will mix with Madison Night Market vendor tents throughout State Street. Indoor locations will showcase interesting exhibits, talks, or menu/product specials for you to check out as well. Learn more about the science that surrounds us every day while exploring downtown Madison. Be sure to stop by the top of State Street (near the capitol) to see live physics demonstrations, create a fun glowing design on a giant Science Brite, and more. Then make your way down to Lisa Link Peace Park (400 block) for live music, stopping at hands-on science stations along the way!
The Wisconsin Science Festival and Madison’s Central Business Improvement District are proud to bring you an event you won’t want to miss. Join us in downtown Madison between 5 and 9 p.m. on Thursday, October 16th, for fun for all ages!

Nature Explorers: Join the Wisconsin BioBlitz!
2025-10-16 - 2025-10-26 | Statewide in Wisconsin, 330 N Orchard St, Madison, WI 53715, Madison, WI, 53715, United States
Nature Explorers: Join the annual WiSciFest BioBlitz!
Have you ever wondered how many species exist in our environment? From the shores of Lake Michigan to the forests of the Northwoods or the soil in your backyard, Wisconsin is teeming with life – and the Wisconsin Science Festival is launching a statewide BioBlitz project to learn more!
What is a BioBlitz?
A BioBlitz activity tries to measure as much life as possible within a defined space and time. Interested in bugs? Spend an afternoon counting all the insects at a local park. Teaching a unit on plants? Take your class to count all the flowering species you can find in a nearby meadow. Feeling ambitious? Organize your community to count every species you can find during the Wisconsin Science Festival. A BioBlitz can take place in a park, a school, an urban lot or your backyard. The possibilities are endless! BioBlitzes are a way to bring the community together to celebrate biodiversity while experiencing the wonder of nature in all of its fabulous niches.
Your Mission
During the Wisconsin Science Festival Bioblitz, join with people from all across the state from sunrise on the first day of the Festival until sunset on the last day. Download the iNaturalist app on your device (optional but encouraged), find at least 10 species in the environment around you and add your observations to the Wisconsin Science Festival Bioblitz project on iNaturalist.

Wisconsin Science Festival
2025-10-16 - 2025-10-26 | Statewide in Wisconsin, 330 N Orchard St, Madison, WI 53715, Madison, WI, 53715, United States
The Wisconsin Science Festival is a statewide celebration of science, technology, engineering, art, and math with activities for people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests throughout Wisconsin. Events include hands-on science exhibitions, demonstrations, performances, tours, pub nights, workshops and more.
Founded in 2011 on the premise that art and science go hand-in-hand, the festival has grown from a few days of events in Madison to a full week of activities spanning over a hundred cities. The Wisconsin Science Festival continues to grow, welcoming new event hosts and attendees every year. Join us October 16-26, 2025 to unleash your curiosity! The Wisconsin Science Festival welcomes all disciplines utilizing science, technology, or art to explore and nurture curiosity. Each year, we spotlight a specific topic to emphasize its significance and value to the state and its people. Check out our festival feature page to see all the topics celebrated in past festivals!
In 2025, we are highlighting Rock & Roll! This special, 15th anniversary feature is really three features in one: music, motion, and the geology that shapes Wisconsin. This festival feature aims to engage audiences of all ages by blending earth science, physics, and music, creating a dynamic, interactive, and appealing way for kids, families, and lifelong learners to explore science!

Cancer Support Services through Gilda’s Club Madison [Virtual]
2025-10-15 19:00 - 19:30 UTC | Gilda’s Club Madison, 7907 UW Health Court, Middleton, 53562, United States
Have you or someone you loved been given a cancer diagnosis? Are you looking for a space to connect with others who understand?
Join Gilda’s Club for a group New Member Meeting delivered on Zoom.
This meeting will discuss the resources we have to offer and get you started as a Gilda’s Club member.
*If you do not wish to meet in a group setting, please email program@gildasclubmadison.org to schedule an individual New Member Meeting.
Questions? Please email program@gildasclubmadison.org or call 608-828-8880.

Trivia Night at Working Draft Beer Co
2025-10-15 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-10-08 18:30 - 20:00 UTC | Working Draft Beer Company, 1129 East Wilson Street, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Every Wednesday night Working Draft hosts its house-made Trivia.
The top three teams win WDBC gift cards (or other fun prizes) and the last place team gets to pick one category for the next week.
Seats fill up fast, so we recommend getting here early.
We often have a food truck popping up, so you can enjoy some delicious dinner along with your tasty brews (and brain-bending questions). And even if we don’t have a truck on site, you can take advantage of our delicious Sal’s Tomato Pies pizzas and giant soft pretzels from Batch Bakehouse!
This event runs from Feb 12, 2025 to Dec 17, 2025 and happens every:
Wednesdays: 6:30pm – 8:00pm

Noogiefest Halloween Social
2025-10-15 18:00 - 19:30 UTC | Gilda’s Club Madison, 7907 UW Health Court, Middleton, 53562, United States
This year’s Noogiefest Halloween social is all about the Northwoods!
Come dressed in your favorite costume: costumes welcome, but not required. We’ll provide you a fun night for all ages in our backyard and inside the clubhouse! Play a few games, eat some treats, and assemble crafts.
Please email Elizabeth at Elizabeth@gildasclubmadison.org with any questions.

Designer Purse Raffle & Trivia
2025-10-14 08:00 - 17:00 UTC | WI
Designer Purse Trivia Night
Join The Business Forum for a fun-filled evening of trivia, tacos, and designer purses! Bring a team or come solo—everyone’s welcome. Each round you win earns extra raffle tickets for a chance to take home one of five designer handbags valued at hundreds of dollars.
📅 Monday, November 10
🕔 5–7 PM
📍 Breakwater | 6308 Inland Way, Monona
💸 Cost:

Trivia Buy-In: $25/person (includes 8 raffle tickets)
Taco Bar (optional): $20
Extra Raffle Tickets: $5 for 3 or $20 for an arm’s length

Cash bar available

Lego Night at Working Draft Beer Co
2025-10-13 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-10-06 18:30 - 20:00 UTC | Working Draft Beer Company, 1129 East Wilson Street, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Monday nights we are bringing back the childhood classic and nemesis of barefoot parents everywhere – LEGO! Join us from 6:30-8pm for 3 laid-back rounds of Lego fun! You can vote for your faves and even snag Working Draft or Bricks and Minifigs gift cards! We do three rounds of building with Lego. Each round we give you a topic / category, and you build something awesome. The winner of each round gets a gift certificate to Working Draft or our partners in Lego, Bricks and Minifigs – Madison. We’ve got the Lego covered, just bring your cool ideas. Kids are welcome and we either have a food truck or on-site pizzas for dinner! Lego Night is now every Monday at 6:30!

Frank Lloyd Wright and Georgia O’Keeffe: Imagining Midwestern Landscapes
2025-10-11 18:00 - 19:00 UTC | Hillside Theater, Taliesin, Spring Green, 5481 County Road C, Spring Green, WI, 53588, United States
Born twenty years and sixty miles apart in southwest Wisconsin, Frank Lloyd Wright and Georgia O’Keeffe were deeply influenced by the unique landscapes of the late-nineteenth century Midwest. Friends for many years, O’Keeffe and Wright’s only documented meeting was at Taliesin in 1942 — an experience that helped inspire a painting O’Keeffe later gifted to Wright. In her new book, Through the Long Desert: Georgia O’Keeffe and Frank Lloyd Wright (Rizzoli Electa, September 2025), author Sarah Rovang considers both their enduring friendship and the influence of place and landscape writ large on the artistic development and careers of these two twentieth-century American icons. This talk emphasizes their shared origins in Wisconsin and interrogates how they carried early exposure to the divergent landscapes of Spring Green and Sun Prairie into their later work.
This lecture features new material not included in the book and never before publicly presented, including analysis of Wright and O’Keeffe’s creative engagement with the iconic red barns of Wisconsin. Rovang’s book, created in association with the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, will be available for purchase and signing after the talk.

Quesadilla 2025: A Seasonal Lunch Workshop - Saturday, October 11th
2025-10-11 12:30 - 14:30 UTC | The Deliciouser, 931 E. Main St. Suite 7, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Join us for a lunch workshop where a simple quesadilla is elevated through Chef Patrick O’Halloran’s signature techniques and The Deliciouser’s bold spice blends. Each year Patrick creates a signature quesadilla, and for 2025 he’s taking it in a fresh, seasonal direction—replacing the traditional tortilla with tender swiss chard leaves at their peak flavor. In this workshop, Patrick will show you how to fill, fold, and cook this vibrant creation, served with Morita Chili salsa and rich Oaxaca spiced mole.
You’ll also enjoy a side of sweet corn street corn dip seasoned with our Zócalo spice blend—a warm, bright complement to the dish. Enjoy a dish that proves beauty and bold flavor can share the same plate.
Bar & Shopping @ 12:00 p.m.
Workshop @ 12:30 p.m.
Tickets: $70

Winnie the Pooh (and His Pals too!)
2025-10-11 10:30 - 2025-10-19 15:50 UTC | Sunrise Theater at MYArts, 1055 E Mifflin St, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Step into the gentle world of the Hundred Acre Wood. A delightful Theater for the Very Young production created especially for 2-5 year olds. Through playful movement, music, and multi-sensory storytelling, young audiences will join Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, and friends on an interactive adventure filled with friendship, curiosity, and wonder. Perfect for a first time theater experience!
Recommended for ages 2-5
Happens on the following Dates:
Oct 11, 2025, 10:30am to 11:20am Timezone: CDT
Oct 11, 2025, 1:00pm to 1:50pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 11, 2025, 3:00pm to 3:50pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 12, 2025, 10:30am to 11:20am Timezone: CDT
Oct 12, 2025, 1:00pm to 1:50pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 12, 2025, 3:00pm to 3:50pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 16, 2025, 10:00am to 10:50am Timezone: CDT
Oct 17, 2025, 10:00am to 10:50am Timezone: CDT
Oct 18, 2025, 10:30am to 11:50am Timezone: CDT
Oct 18, 2025, 1:00pm to 1:50pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 18, 2025, 3:00pm to 3:50pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 19, 2025, 10:30am to 11:20am Timezone: CDT
Oct 19, 2025, 1:00pm to 1:50pm Timezone: CDT
Oct 19, 2025, 3:00pm to 3:50pm Timezone: CDT

Behind the Scenes Tour
2025-10-10 14:00 - 16:00 UTC | Pendarvis Historic Site, 114 Shake Rag Street, Mineral Point, WI, 53565, United States
Go behind the scenes to learn more about this unique site and the fascinating lives of the couple who first preserved it. We’ll visit rooms and buildings usually off limits to visitors. This tour will focus on Bob and Edgar’s private life at Pendarvis. You will learn about their relationship, their plans for Pendarvis, and their secret wealthy benefactor, Gordon McCormick. Discover their unrealized projects and view the private accommodations enjoyed by their overnight guests in this all-access tour. We will end with a viewing of special objects from the collection and time for a drink in the pub. Please note this tour is not accessible with several stairs, uneven pathways, and hilly ground on the tour.
Pendarvis
Pendarvis, 114 Shake Rag St
Mineral Point, WI 53565-1063

Noche Gratuita en Celebración de la Herencia Hispana / Free Night: Hispanic Heritage Celebration
2025-10-09 17:00 - 20:00 UTC | Madison Children’s Museum, 100 N Hamilton St, Madison, WI, 53703-2116, United States
Únanse al Madison Children’s Museum en nuestra celebración anual de la herencia hispana el jueves 9 de octubre, de 5 a 8 p. m. ¡Disfrute de una noche de música, comida, actividades artísticas, espectáculos culturales y programas graciosos, todo gratis!
______________________
Join Madison Children’s Museum for our annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration on Thursday, October 9, 5–8 pm. Enjoy a free evening of music, food, arts activities, cultural performances, and playful programs!

Cancer Support Services at Gilda’s Club Madison [In-Person]
2025-10-08 18:30 - 19:30 UTC | Gilda’s Club Madison, 7907 UW Health Court, Middleton, 53562, United States
Have you or someone you loved been given a cancer diagnosis? Are you looking for a space to connect with others who understand?
Join us for an in person group new member meeting. We’ll take some time to talk about the resources available at Gilda’s Club Madison, then take a short tour of the clubhouse.
Meet at the Clubhouse located at 7907 UW Ct, Middleton, WI.

Race2: Short Race, Big Win to Benefit Breast Cancer Recovery
2025-10-08 16:30 - 19:00 UTC | Hilldale, 726 N Midvale Blvd, Madison, WI, 53705, United States
The Race² Short Race, Big Win is back and bigger than ever! (Still only .2k or 352 yards!)
Our annual fundraiser at Hilldale Mall will be held on Wednesday, October 8.
This “run” is for every level of walker, runner, shopper, and foodie,
as well as your crew looking to do something fun on a Wednesday night.
What is Race²? A .2k or 352-yard race from Great Dane – Hilldale to Cafe Hollander – Hilldale.
How does the Race² course look? Racers can walk, run, shop, play games, and take a water break along Price Place Drive at Hilldale.
Get ready for a fun-filled event! Participants will kick things off by carbo-loading at Great Dane Pub, then relax and cool down at Cafe Hollander. Plus, there will be exciting raffle prizes, delicious appetizers, and refreshing drinks to enjoy throughout this year’s race.
2025 Registration
$55.00 includes T-Shirt, 2 Drinks, Carbo and Cool Down appetizers!
$195 for Team of 4
Race² 2025 Course

Bingo Night at Working Draft Beer Co
2025-10-07 18:30 - 20:00 UTC | Working Draft Beer Company, 1129 East Wilson Street, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Join us for BINGO! It’s free to play, you can win Working Draft merch, gift cards, and other fun prizes!
We always have pizzas from Sal’s and giant pretzels from Batch Bakehouse and often have local food trucks for dinner.
We host Bingo Night every other Tuesday night starting at 6:30.
Yahtzee! I mean, Uno! Um, uh, oh yeah, Bingo!!!
Happens on the following Dates:
Feb 11, 2025, 6:30pm to 8:00pm Timezone: CST
Feb 25, 2025, 6:30pm to 8:00pm Timezone: CST
Mar 11, 2025, 6:30pm to 8:00pm Timezone: CST
Mar 25, 2025, 6:30pm to 8:00pm Timezone: CST
Apr 8, 2025, 6:30pm to 8:00pm Timezone: CST
Apr 22, 2025, 6:30pm to 8:00pm Timezone: CST
May 6, 2025, 6:30pm to 8:00pm Timezone: CST
May 20, 2025, 6:30pm to 8:00pm Timezone: CST
Jun 3, 2025, 6:30pm to 8:00pm Timezone: CST
Jun 17, 2025, 6:30pm to 8:00pm Timezone: CST
Jul 1, 2025, 6:30pm to 8:00pm Timezone: CST
Jul 15, 2025, 6:30pm to 8:00pm Timezone: CST
Jul 29, 2025, 6:30pm to 8:00pm Timezone: CST
Aug 12, 2025, 6:30pm to 8:00pm Timezone: CST
Aug 26, 2025, 6:30pm to 8:00pm Timezone: CST
Sep 9, 2025, 6:30pm to 8:00pm Timezone: CST
Sep 23, 2025, 6:30pm to 8:00pm Timezone: CST
Oct 7, 2025, 6:30pm to 8:00pm Timezone: CST
Oct 21, 2025, 6:30pm to 8:00pm Timezone: CST
Nov 4, 2025, 6:30pm to 8:00pm Timezone: CST
Nov 18, 2025, 6:30pm to 8:00pm Timezone: CST
Dec 2, 2025, 6:30pm to 8:00pm Timezone: CST
Dec 16, 2025, 6:30pm to 8:00pm Timezone: CST
Dec 30, 2025, 6:30pm to 8:00pm Timezone: CST

James Madison Lecture Series: The Pursuit of Happiness with Jeffrey Rosen
2025-10-07 17:00 - 19:00 UTC | Wisconsin Historical Society Headquarters Building, 816 State Street Madison, WI, Madison, WI, 53706, United States
The Wisconsin Historical Society and the Center for the Study of the American Constitution at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are excited to present the 2025 James Madison Lecture featuring Jeffrey Rosen, President and CEO of the National Constitution Center. Rosen is also a professor of law at the George Washington University Law School and a contributing editor of The Atlantic. He was previously the legal affairs editor of The New Republic and a staff writer for the New Yorker.
The Declaration of Independence identified “the pursuit of happiness” as one of our unalienable rights, along with life and liberty. Jeffrey Rosen, the president of the National Constitution Center, profiles six of the most influential founders—Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton—to show what pursuing happiness meant in their lives.
Rosen will present at the Wisconsin Historical Society headquarters auditorium at 6 p.m. A pre-lecture reception with light refreshments will be held at 5 p.m. Space is limited; please arrive early to ensure seating.
About the James Madison Lecture Series
The James Madison Lecture is an annual lecture series on early American history co-presented by the Wisconsin Historical Society and the Center for the Study of the American Constitution at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. The lectures honor the scholarly work of Dr. Merrill Jensen (1905-1980), an influential scholar of the American Revolution, beloved mentor, and longtime faculty member of the University of Wisconsin Department of History.
Lectures are free with funding generously provided by the Lynde & Harry Bradley Foundation. Additional funding is provided by the James Madison Lectures endowment, which was made possible by a generous bequest from the Estate of John A. Peters and many private donors.
Know Before You Go
· Audience members should arrive promptly at 5 p.m. to attend the pre-lecture reception.
· Capacity is limited to 250 persons and attendance will be permitted on a first-come, first-served basis.
· The lecture will be held in the Wisconsin Historical Society auditorium on the first floor of the Society’s headquarters.
