MADISON, Wis. — Another historical election is nearing, and Wisconsin is playing a pivotal role.

The Wisconsin Historical Society is working to document this time in political history for years to come.

Abbie Norderhaug is a state archivist and director of acquisitions. She said she’s always looking for things that will show moments in time for future generations.

“[I love] really being able to share stories and make sure people know that the things they’ve experienced are reflected in the historical record,” she said.

Norderhaug said having the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee and the Democratic National Convention nearby in Chicago offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The historical society collected items like a cheesehead worn by a delegate and tote bag from the RNC. From the DNC, they have a “Coach Walz” sign and a magazine with Kamala Harris on the cover. From both events, they have T-shirts and baseball hats.

Historical society staff attended both conventions to take photos, collect items and share business cards, because it relies on community donations for the archives.

“As they attend conventions, speeches, events, people often come away with buttons or signs, and then down the road, they think of the historical society as a great place to preserve those memories for them,” Norderhaug said.

RNC and DNC mementos and photographs are still being reviewed, documented and sorted. Each piece is measured and photographed for preservation.

“I think what’s really important about what we collect and the stories we tell is making sure that the people of Wisconsin can see themselves in this larger national picture, and see themselves in historical events,” Norderhaug said.