The Wisconsin Historic Preservation Database (WHPD)
Access Information
The State Historic Preservation Office is open for research Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Appointments to use the WHPD database are strongly encouraged. Access to files and appointments are subject to SHPO staff availability.
- Access to use WHPD database: Contact whpd@wisconsinhistory.org to schedule an appointment.
- Access to SHPO Archaeological Site Files and Archaeological Reports:
Contact amy.rosebrough@wisconsinhistory.org to schedule an appointment. - Access to Architectural Files, NRHP files, and Building/Architectural Survey Materials:
Contact ian.gort@wisconsinhistory.org or leah.penzkover@wisconsinhistory.org to schedule an appointment.
About the Wisconsin Historic Preservation Database
The State Historic Preservation Office is the official state repository for collecting, managing and preserving information about historic buildings, archaeological sites, burial sites, and archaeological surveys in Wisconsin. We manage and make this information accessible online in the Wisconsin Historic Preservation Database (WHPD). Records are added and revised on a daily basis to ensure that your research is up to date.
WHPD gives users access to these four databases:
- Archaeological Report Inventory (ARI) – contains summaries of archaeological investigations at archaeological and burial sites.
- Archaeological Sites Inventory (ASI) – contains information about archaeological and burial sites, unmarked cemeteries, marked cemeteries and cultural sites.
- Architecture and History Inventory (AHI) – contains basic information on historic buildings, structures, and objects. Most records include exterior images.
- National Register of Historic Places (NR) – contains information for historic properties listed in the State and National Register of Historic Places including nomination PDFs.
There are three options, described below, for authorized researchers who would like to request access to the WHPD database.
Three Ways to Access WHPD
WHPD Online Subscription
An annual license to access WHPD is available for subscription fee. With this license, the registered user can use the WHPD website to search all three inventories and view complete records, images, and maps of historic properties. The WHPD subscription is priced according to the number of users registered within an organization:
| Access Level | Number of Users | Private Companies | Public Agencies |
| Project (2 weeks) | 1 | $100 | $50 |
| One Month | 1 | $250 | $125 |
| Six Months | 1-5 | $800 | $400 |
| One Year | Sole Proprietor | $750 | N/A |
| One Year | 1-5 | $1500 | $750 |
| One Year | 6-10+ | $2000 | $1000 |
| THPO | 1-10 | N/A | $0 |
PLEASE DOWNLOAD OUR NEW REGISTRATION FORM. Requests submitted on old forms will not be accepted or processed.
- WHPD License Agreement 2021(PDF, 560 KB)
- WHPD User Form 2021 (PDF, 223 KB)
To purchase a license, please complete the registration form and the license agreement and email to whpd@wisconsinhistory.org. Credit card payment instructions will be provided after completed forms are accepted. Payment by check must be mailed to State Historic Preservation Office, 816 State Street, Madison, WI, 53706. User account information will be provided via email after payment is received. If you have questions concerning the registration process, please contact whpd@wisconsinhistory.org.
WHPD Access Terminal
Authorized researchers can make a free appointment to use the database in person at the SHPO office by contacting Kay Romanin at whpd@wisconsinhistory.org.
WHPD GIS Data
Customers can also request GIS data as a subscription or for a single use. The data sets available are the Archaeological Sites Inventory, the Archaeological Reports Inventory, and the Architecture and History Inventory and are provided in ArcGIS shapefile format in the WTM83, NAD83 (1991) coordinate reference system. (Note: We do not release the locations of sites located on federally recognized tribal lands).
| GIS Custom Data Set | Private Companies | Public Agencies |
| Custom data set up to 5 counties | $250 | $125 |
| Custom data set over 5 counties: $250 + $100 per additional county up to $1500 | $250+ | $125+ |
| GIS Data Subscriptions | Private Companies | Public Agencies |
| Custom data set up to 5 counties with quarterly updates | $500 | $250 |
| Custom data set over 5 counties with quarterly updates: $500+ $100 per additional county | $500+ (Max $1500) | $250+ (Max $1000) |
To request GIS data, complete the License Agreement for Digital Geographic Datasets and data request form.
PLEASE DOWNLOAD OUR NEW DATA REQUEST FORM. Requests submitted on old forms will not be accepted or processed.
- WHPD GIS Data Request Form 2021 (PDF, 248 KB)
- WHPD GIS License Agreement 2021 (PDF, 167 KB)
Please submit the forms by email to Felipe Avila.
Upon receipt of your request, the GIS Coordinator will begin working on your order and will contact you directly with any questions. Credit card payment instructions will be provided after completed forms are accepted. Payment by check must be mailed to State Historic Preservation Office, 816 State Street, Madison, WI, 53706. GIS data will be provided after payment is received.
Learn More
Information for Preservation Consultants and Archaeologists
Have Questions?
whpd@wisconsinhistory.org