Wisconsin Lead & Zinc Mining History

Our exhibits focus on the history of mining and the people of Platteville and Grant County.

Exhibits in the Mining Museum building trace the development of lead and zinc mining in the Upper Mississippi Valley Lead and Zinc District from its beginnings in the 1820s until active mining ceased in 1979. Through dioramas, photographs, maps, and artifacts you will learn how lead and zinc were mined and processed into useful items of everyday life.

Exhibits in the Rollo Jamison galleries explore the personal collection of Rollo Jamison. Rollo Jamison, born in Beetown, Wisconsin in 1899, started collecting arrowheads on his family’s farm. This was just the beginning of his life-long interest in history and the objects used by people in their everyday lives. Rollo’s collection grew over the years, representing the unique history of Southwest Wisconsin. Your tour will take you back to the turn of the 20th century for a look at what life was like in Platteville and southwest Wisconsin.