Wisconsin Corporations Index, 1848-1993
Take A Closer Look!
Incorporation papers and charter documents for thousands of Wisconsin corporations from 1848-1993
About The Corporations Index
This index contains incorporation papers and charter documents for thousands of Wisconsin corporations that are housed in the Society Archives. These include corporations that existed in some capacity between 1848 and 1993.
Records typically contain the following types of documents:
- Original articles of incorporation
- Amendments
- Merger and dissolution documents
- Annual reports
- Documents showing changes in officers
Corporations card catalog in the Wisconsin Historical Society Archives
Domestic vs.
Non-Stock Indexes
There are two different indexes that cover the corporation records. Please note that the actual corporation records are not viewable online, only the indexes are available online. If you would like to have a copy of a record or view the records in person contact us.
Want a record?Domestic Corporations Index
1848-1945
Incorporation Papers of Defunct Domestic Corporations
Series 356
Domestic Corporations are for-profit businesses that incorporated under Wisconsin law.
Index includes: Names and counties of domestic corporations that became defunct before 1946, either for failure to file required documents, or by formal dissolution. Detailed descriptions or details of the products manufactured by a corporation are not often included.
Non-Stock Corporations Index
1889-1993
Charter Documents – Domestic Non-Stock Corporations
Series 357
Non-Stock Corporations are any private, non-stock groups that incorporated under Wisconsin law. This includes clubs, civic organizations, social organizations, religious organizations and charitable organizations.
Index includes: Names and counties of non-stock corporations, large and small, that became defunct before 1994, either for failure to file required documents, or by formal dissolution. Dissolved, merged, consolidated, or administratively or involuntarily dissolved corporations are included. County information is not complete for corporations which dissolved, merged or consolidated after 1989.
The Wisconsin Historical Society only holds records for entities that went out of business, or are "defunct."
Files related to any entity that is still active will be at the Department of Financial Institutions.
How to View Records
The corporation records are not viewable online. Only the index is online.
To view the actual records in person, please note the following for each of the records you would like to retrieve:
- The call number (Series 356 for Domestic, Series 357 for Non-Stock)
- The corporate ID number
- The box number
Contact Ask Archives one to two weeks before your visit so we can gather the corporation files you select. You may choose to review the records in the Society's Archives Research Room in Madison, Wisconsin, or at one of the 13 Area Research Centers located throughout the state. There is no charge for requesting and reviewing these records.
To request copies, please note the following for each of the records you would like copied:
- The call number (Series 356 for Domestic, Series 357 for Non-Stock)
- The corporate ID number
- The box number
Please note: You can request all documents in a file. Or, you can request only original articles of incorporation, last annual report and dissolution documents. Requesting only the original articles usually provides all available clues to track the assets of a corporation that is no longer active. This approach also allows you to determine if stock in the defunct corporation has value.
For costs and terms, or to place an order for copies, see our fees page.
Last Updated: April 13, 2026
