Digging in to UW’s Past, Skeletons and All
“History is written by the victors.” That’s often attributed to Winston Churchill.
But what about the other sides of the story? The stories we don’t learn about in school: how some students and staff were denied housing due to their race and why some UW leaders held dangerous, racist ideas about genetic superiority. And what about the stories of students who fought to make campus more accessible and better for all?
The UW Public History Project is here to tell them. Kacie Lucchini Butcher is the project’s director. The project’s work evokes another famous quote, this one closer to home, from former UW President Charles Kendall Adams:
“Whatever may be the limitations which trammel inquiry elsewhere, we believe that the great state University of Wisconsin should ever encourage that continual and fearless sifting and winnowing by which alone the truth can be found.”
Learn more:
🎓 Sifting & Reckoning: UW–Madison’s History of Exclusion and Resistance
Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram!
Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the Madison Minutes morning newsletter.
Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Latest Episodes
'Your City Could Be Better': Why Portland’s Considering Hiring a Night Mayor — Presented By City Cast Madison
Madisonians, what do you do when your night life starts to dwindle? Nightlife is a huge economic driver for cities, but city offices are...
UW System President Ousted, Men's Shelter Update, and Another Round For Essen Haus
This week, the Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents voted to fire its president, Jay Rothman. The regents say this has been a long...
What’s New in Madison’s Restaurant Scene This Spring
From Ba Lao to Friends Applaud, there are so many new restaurants in the Madison area to check out this spring. In her recent Cap Times...
2026 Wisconsin Spring Election Results
Last night’s election results are in! More than 50% of registered voters in Dane County turned out to the polls, and it was a good night...
It’s Time to Vote! Plus, Get Psyched for Summer Sports, and RIP Tone Madison
Happy Election Day, Madison! We’re wrapping up our election primers today with a breakdown of the contested Madison City Council races. P...
Veterans Memorial Coliseum Is Ready for an Encore
Back in the 1990s, it was normal, if not expected, that big-name bands would stop in Madison. From Metallica to Bon Jovi to Reba McEntire...
'Your City Could Be Better': Denver’s Bet on a Women’s Soccer Stadium — Presented By City Cast Madison
If you are a fan of the Madison's professional women's volleyball team LOVB, you already know how incredible women's sports are! While mo...
Pedestrian Safety, Dane County Judge Race, and Hoofers Expansion
After nearly 30 years, the City of Madison is revising its pedestrian plan to make Madison safer and more walkable. Plus, UW’s largest st...
Your Guide to April 2026 in Madison
Happy April, Madison! It’s a new month, which means the City Cast Madison team is here to share our tips on how to make the most of it. T...
Meet the Candidates: Judge Chris Taylor For Wisconsin Supreme Court
Wisconsin’s spring election is less than a week away — and that’s no April Fools joke! On April 7, voters across the state will cast thei...