The 2016 Wisconsin State Capitol ornament, presented by the Wisconsin Historical Foundation, is a replica design of the most prominent features of the
Wisconsin Supreme Court Hearing Room.
The ornament’s beautiful design captures the elegance of the Supreme Court Hearing Room’s stately mahogany bench and its grand pilasters of Italian Breche Coraline marble. The mural image on the ornament depicts George Washington presiding over the signing of the United States Constitution, Benjamin Franklin is on the left and James Madison is on the right, and although he was in France at the time, Thomas Jefferson was painted into the mural because of his great influence on the principles of the Constitution.
"The Signing of the Constitution,” displayed above the judicial bench, is one of four massive murals installed in the hearing room in 1915. Each of the murals symbolizes an origin of Wisconsin law.
"The Wisconsin Supreme Court Hearing Room is one of the most beautiful courtrooms in the country and among the most impressive rooms in the Capitol,” said Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Patience Drake Roggensack.
"This year’s ornament will be a brilliant addition to any holiday décor and it will have a special impact because proceeds will continue to support the State Capitol Restoration Fund,” said Cate Zeuske, Honorary Volunteer Chairperson for the Capitol Ornament Committee.
Since 2004, the proceeds from ornament sales have supported over $70,000 in restoration projects around the Capitol building. Previous ornament sales have helped to fund the visitor’s bird’s eye view from the glass perch inside the dome of the State Capitol.
It is set in a special gift box and comes with an informational insert about the design.
The Wisconsin Historical Foundation exists to advance the mission of the Wisconsin Historical Society: to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. The Wisconsin Historical Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization, receives grants and private contributions benefiting the Society and administers the membership program.