Bar chips! Drink chips! Tavern tokens! Whatever you call them, you’re likely aware of these pieces of decidedly Midwestern currency that can be redeemed for free beverages at drinking establishments. As you might know, we here at Milwaukee Record are avid collectors of the things, having twice hosted a “Bar Chip Bonanza” event—with a third one planned for early next year!—in which we gave away prize wheel spins in exchange for these treasured tokens. Evidently, we aren’t the only ones interested in your chips.
On Monday, Wisconsin Historical Society put out the call for such bar-based items. As part of an endeavor they’re calling the “Tavern Token Project,” WHS is asking folks from all corners of the state to send in some of their chip collection to be part of a so-called “tavern token” exhibition that’s planned for the forthcoming Wisconsin History Center that’s currently being built on Capitol Square in Madison.
“The future Wisconsin History Center wouldn’t be complete without a tribute to Wisconsin’s famed tavern culture and the local establishments that have served as vibrant community hubs across the state for generations,” says a recent Wisconsin Historical Society social media post. “But we need your help to ensure every corner of Wisconsin is represented in the exhibition display.”
Between now and August 31, the public is encouraged to send in tokens, chips, and the like from some of their favorite Wisconsin watering holes to:
Wisconsin Historical Society
Tavern Token Project
816 State Street
Madison, WI 53706
The posting also makes sure to note “tavern tokens submitted to this crowdsourcing effort will become property of the Wisconsin Historical Society. Depending upon the final number of submissions we receive, we may not be able to include all tokens in the exhibition display.”
If you’re cool with sacrificing a free domestic tapper or rail cocktail to be a part of Wisconsin history, send some chips to Wisconsin Historical Society this month and help their Tavern Token Project. Cheers!
