Wisconsin Historic Preservation Database
About The Wisconsin Historic Preservation Database (WHPD)
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 investigation reports at archaeological and burial sites.
Archaeological Sites Inventory
ASI
Contains information about recorded 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.
Three Ways to Access WHPD
1. WHPD Online Subscription
An annual license to access WHPD on the web is available for a subscription fee. With this license, the registered user can use the WHPD website to search all four inventories and view complete records, images, and maps of historic properties. Please note that we do not provide access to records of resources located on federally recognized tribal lands. Uses must contact the appropriate Tribal Historic Preservation Officer when researching historic places on tribal land.
The WHPD subscription is priced according to the number of users registered within an organization:
| Access Level | Number of Users | Private Companies | Gov/Nonprofit/Educational |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project (2 weeks) | 1 | $120 | $60 |
| One Month | 1 | $300 | $150 |
| Six Months | 1-5 | $900 | $450 |
| One Year | Sole Proprietor | $825 | N/A |
| One Year | 1-5 | $1650 | $825 |
| One Year | 6-10+ | $2200 | $1100 |
| One Year | 11+ | $3000 | $1500 |
| THPO | 1-10 | N/A | $0 |
WHPD Online Registration Forms
To purchase a license, please complete the registration form and license agreement and email to Wisconsin Historic Preservation Database. Credit card payment is preferred and instructions will be provided after complete forms are received. Payment by check must be coordinated with SHPO staff prior to payment. User account information will be provided via email after payment is received. If you have questions concerning the registration process, please contact Wisconsin Historic Preservation Database.
2. WHPD Research Access at the SHPO
Authorized researchers can make a free appointment to use the database in person at the SHPO office by contacting Wisconsin Historic Preservation Database.
3. 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. Please note that we do not provide access to records of resources located on federally recognized tribal lands. Uses must contact the appropriate Tribal Historic Preservation Officer when researching historic places on tribal land.
| GIS Custom Data Set | Private Companies | Gov/Nonprofit/Educational |
| Custom data set up to 5 counties | $300 | $150 |
| Custom data set over 5 counties: $250 + $100 per additional county up to $1500 | $250+ | $125+ |
| GIS Data Subscriptions | Private Companies | Gov/Nonprofit/Educational |
| Custom data set up to 5 counties with quarterly updates | $600 | $300 |
| Custom data set over 5 counties with quarterly updates: $500+ $100 per additional county | $550+ (Max $1650) | $275+ (Max $1100) |
To request GIS data, complete the License Agreement for Digital Geographic Datasets and data request form.
Please submit the forms by email to Wisconsin Historic Preservation Database.
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 is preferred and instructions will be provided after complete forms are received. Payment by check must be coordinated with SHPO staff. GIS data will be provided after payment is received.
Many of the historic properties recorded in WHPD have additional paper files located at the SHPO. Appointments to use the WHPD database or to review paper files are strongly encouraged. Access to files and appointments are subject to SHPO staff availability.
Contact Us Today!
You can contact the below offices by phone or by email using the links:
Archaeology: 608-264-6496
Review and Compliance: 608-261-2457
Historic Buildings: 608-264-6502
Burial Sites Preservation: 608-264-6464
National Register of Historic Places: 608-264-6502
Certified Local Governments: 608-264-6512
Report Burial Discovery Emergencies (Toll-Free in WI): 800-342-7834
Last Updated: April 10, 2026
