COVID Causing Historical Society Staff Reassignments

Amid ongoing COVID-19 concerns and projected budget shortfalls, staff at Wisconsin Historical Society sites will be temporarily reassigned. In a letter to Historical Society employees, officials estimate a $2.5 million loss in revenue due to the pandemic’s effect on operations. That, plus a $1 million cut in state support, has created this shift to have Historical Society staff partner with other agencies – such as the state Department of Workforce Development, Department of Administration, and Department of Health Services. More than 30 Historical Society members will be moved to other departments to assist with the state’s COVID-19 response. The letter also notes that the reassignments mean a temporary pause in services at some historic sites in 2021. Among those affected are the Villa Louis in Prairie du Chien, the First Capitol site in Belmont, Pendarvis in Mineral Point, and Stonefield in Cassville.