Inspired! The Legacy of Gary Gygax

Event Details:
Saturday, Aug 22, 2026 | 9:30 AM–2 PM

Explore the Legacy of Gary Gygax with Renowned Artists, Authors and a Historian
Pack your Bag of Holding and head to Madison for D&D-themed sessions brimming with fantasy and science fiction art, writing, worldbuilding and more! Join us for three FREE talks exploring the legacy of TSR as well as Dungeons & Dragons, both co-created by Gary Gygax.

9:30 AM–10:30 AM — James Lowder, fantasy author, editor and game designer
Once upon a time, and not so long ago, Wisconsin ruled fantasy fiction publishing from the little town of Lake Geneva. Join author, editor, and game designer James Lowder for an insider look at the TSR fiction program and its impact on pop culture. From both editing and penning early TSR novels set in the Forgotten Realms and Ravenloft shared universes to designing, editing or consulting on publications for the first through the current fifth editions of Dungeons & Dragons, Lowder hails from a generation of creatives who championed TSR as a powerful force in fantasy publishing.

10:30 AM–11:30 AM — Jeff Butler, Dungeons & Dragons and comics visual artist
Covers, monsters, epic heroes swinging steel and slinging spells in mid-combat... Jeff Butler’s illustrations have helped define Dungeons & Dragons products—as well as the Dragonlance series—for generations. In addition to helping cultivate the visual style of D&D for millions of players, Butler has worked on a variety of comic book titles and AAA video games in his long career. Learn about Butler’s craft and his contributions to the universe created by Gygax and TSR.

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Paul Stormberg, Dungeons & Dragons historian and exhibit developer
An expert on TSR, D&D, and the RPG industry history, Paul Stormberg develops presentations, exhibits and all-new fantasy adventures at popular events such as Gary Con and Gen Con. Stormberg also researches and writes for print and digital RPG magazines, contributes to initiatives highlighting Gary Gygax’s role in creating D&D and more. Following his talk, Stormberg will host a pop-up exhibit, inviting guests to partake in a mini adventure within his exhibit world.

9:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Children's Programming
Young minds—as well as those young at heart—are welcome to stop into our children’s programming area! Take on a challenge in the Beast of Bray Road Matching Game, test your mettle during the Cheese Stands Alone adventure and exercise your creativity at our Character Creation Station.

2 PM – 4:30 PM – There's Something in the Dairy Air: A 5e Wisconsin Adventures One-Shot
Looking for even more adventure? Don on your armor, prepare your spells, and purchase tickets ($25 per person) for a Wisconsin Adventures D&D one-shot adventure. There’s Something in the Dairy Air, a D&D 5e Adventure, hosted in the History Maker Space from 2 PM – 4:30 PM.

What You'll Experience:
Talks from renowned TSR, D&D, and fantasy writers, designers, editors and illustrators, including James Lowder, Jeff Butler and Paul Stormberg
Opportunities to pick up signed art and books
A pop-up merch table and fantasy display
Children’s programming featuring mini adventures and RPG-themed activities


Cost 
Free and open to the public
Lecture room capacity is limited to 60 people. Walk-ins welcome, but registration is strongly recommended to guarantee your seat.



About the Location
An active, community-focused space that hosts school groups, pop-up exhibits, author talks, public programs and more; located in the US Bank Building on Madison's Capitol Square.
History Maker Space
1st Floor
US Bank Building
1 S. Pinckney Street
Madison, WI 53703

Know Before You Go & Accessibility
Please note that capacity for the lectures is limited to 60 people per talk. To guarantee your spot, registration is strongly recommended.
Admittance to lecture programs will be provided to registered ticketholders first, with seating available (when possible) on a first-come first serve basis for walk-in attendees.
This ticket is valid only for lectures and does NOT include admission to the follow-up Wisconsin Adventures Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying session, There’s Something in the Dairy Air, a D&D 5e Adventure, hosted in the History Maker Space from 2 PM–4:30 PM.
Families interested in participating in the children’s programming can engage at their own pace between 9:30 AM–12:30 PM. No ticket is required to participate.
Individuals interested in viewing the pop-up exhibit or shopping at the merch tables do not need a ticket.
From 12:30 PM–2 PM, guests will be able to visit the pop-up fantasy exhibit and purchase merchandise, signed art and books in the History Maker Space public programming area.

Parking and Entry Information:
On Saturdays, there is no parking onsite at the U.S. Bank building.
However, there are public parking options available in downtown Madison. There is a public parking garage, Capitol Square North Garage (218 E. Mifflin St., Madison, WI 53703), located about two blocks and a 5-minute walk from the History Maker Space. In addition, there is street parking information on the City of Madison website.
Following parking and upon arrival at the U.S. Bank Plaza building, attendees are to enter from the street through the doors located along S. Pinckney St., or E. Washington Ave.
Please reach out to Jenny Pederson at jennifer.pederson@wisconsinhistory.org with any questions regarding programming.


Have Questions?
For more information, please contact the box office at 608-264-4848 or boxoffice@wisconsinhistory.org.