Guided tours by appointment only beginning Sept 2, 2025
Milton House Paws for History Online Cat Photo Contest
Paws for History
From November 1 - 30, 2025, cat lovers are invited to submit photos of their favorite feline(s) for a chance to win a prize package full of purr-fect items for cat lovers! The winner will be decided by which cat receives the most votes from online voting.
Scroll down to submit your photo and/or to vote!
This is an online fundraiser to support the operations of the Milton House Museum, Wisconsin's only certified Underground Railroad site that is open to the public. The museum is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit that depends on tours, special events, fundraisers, and donations to continue to share the important history of courageous freedom seekers.
Submit your cat(s) photo(s)
Digital photos can be submitted online using the link below any time during the contest, which runs November 1st-30th
Absolutely no physical photos will be accepted
Anyone can enter - multiple entries welcome
If your entry was taken by a professional photographer, you are responsible for ensuring you have permission to submit that image in the contest.
Vote your favorite feline to the top
Voting takes place online only, using the link below
Voting on photos ends at
6:00 PM (Central Time) on Sunday, November 30, 2025.
Votes cost $1 each
There is no limit to the number of times you can vote
You are allowed to vote for multiple cats
All proceeds from this contest benefit the Milton House Museum
Why a Cat Contest?
This event honors the legacy of Dr. Rachel Salisbury, a trailblazing Milton educator, historian, and cat enthusiast. A founding member of the Milton Historical Society in 1948 and the Rock County Humane Society (now the Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin) in 1959, Dr. Salisbury spent her life serving education and animal welfare.
After retiring from teaching in 1954, Dr. Salisbury became a national known cat fancier, even creating a new Persian cat color called "cameo" a pinky-peach shade recognized by the American Cat Fanciers Association in 1959. Known affectionally in Milton as "The Cat Lady" she ran her Wanaki Cattery from her home on Madison Avenue in Milton.
The museum is proud to celebrate her remarkable contributions to the community, and know that she would be delighted that her love of cats continues to inspire and support the Milton House Museum today!
Photo: Dr. Rachel Salisbury with a photo of the Milton House Museum
Thank you to our sponsors
This contest would not be possible without pawsome sponsors!
Thank you to the following local businesses for contributing to the Paws for History prize package:
- LA Photo of Milton
- BaristaCats Cafe & Sanctuary for Wayward Cats of Whitewater
- Elmside Goods of Milton
November Hops & History
Wisconsin's Iron Brigade at Gettysburg
Join the Milton House Museum at Goodworks Brewing for this Hops and History guest speaker series featuring Jerry Hunter, a scholar of the Iron Brigade.
The talk will focus on the role that the Iron Brigade played on the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg, including stories of local soldiers. Several reproduction weapons will be available for viewing during the event.
Wednesday November 12th, 6 pm - 8 pm.
Goodworks Brewing Taproom
Advanced Tickets: $8
Tickets at the door: $10 (cash only)
A Christmas Carol Play
A timeless holiday classic
Step into the spirit of the season with A Christmas Carol, brought to life by Creative Outlets Theater at the historic Milton House Museum!
Experience the timeless story of Ebenezer Scrooge as he embarks on a powerful journey of redemption and joy. This lively, interactive production will fill your heart with holiday warmth, delightful performances, and a touch of Christmas magic!
Milton House Museum
18 S Janesville St Milton WI 53563
Showtimes & Dates:
Friday December 12th at 7 pm
Saturday December 13th at 7 pm
Sunday December 14th at 5 pm
Tickets:
$18 for adults & $12 for children (10 and under)
Milton House Museum Annual Events
Civil War Living History Days
Civil War Living History Days
Civil War Living History Days
This event will be held May 15-17 in 2026.
We invite the general public to join us during the weekend portion of this event to see history literally comes to life as Civil War soldiers and civilians camp out on the grounds of the historic Milton House Museum. This event is FREE and fun for all ages.
Twilight Tours
Civil War Living History Days
Civil War Living History Days
Held annually on the 3rd Saturday in September
One of the museum's most popular annual events, Twilight Tours allow guests to experience the Milton House after dark, guided only by candlelight.
A Christmas Carol
Civil War Living History Days
A Christmas Carol
Held annually the 2nd weekend in December
The 2025 shows will be held on December 12th, 13th & 14th
One of The Milton House's most beloved annual traditions, A Christmas Carol Play by Creative Outlets Theatre, is an interactive telling of this classic holiday tale.
Prepare to be transported in time during this production of Charles Dickens' timeless holiday classic.
**Tickets for the 2025 show will go on sale after November 3rd, 2025.**
