Hours
For Headquarters, Library, Archives and Program Offices
Temporary Change to Library Hours
Beginning Monday, May 19, the Wisconsin Historical Society Library will operate under adjusted hours to support the Wisconsin History Center project
This schedule is temporary. We expect to return to normal hours in 2027.
This change does not affect Archives hours.
General Information
The Wisconsin Historical Society's headquarters building (map) is located on Library Mall of the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. We are free and open to the public.
Wisconsin Historical Society
816 State Street
Madison, WI 53706
Library & Archives
Library Reading Room
M – W: 8 AM – 5 PM
Th: 8 AM – 7 PM
F: 8 AM – 5 PM
Sat: 9 AM – 4 PM
Closed Sundays
Archives Reading Room
M - F: 8 AM - 5 PM
Sat: 9 AM - 4 PM
Closed Sundays
For information on exceptions to our hours (e.g. for holidays and private events) please review our Scheduled Closures.
VIRTUAL SERVICES
In addition to our in person services, we also provide a number of virtual services including:
- Research inquiries via email
Library questions: asklibrary@wisconsinhistory.org
Archives questions: askarchives@wisconsinhistory.org - Virtual Records & Obituary Search Services
- Digital Collections
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Contact our Library and Archives staff at 608-264-6535 or by email below:
asklibrary@wisconsinhistory.org
askarchives@wisconsinhistory.org
Historic Preservation Office
Our hours are Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm, appointments are strongly recommended but not required.
For information on exceptions to our hours (e.g. for holidays and private events) please review our Scheduled Closures.
To schedule an appointment:
- Access to Archaeological Site Files and Archaeological Reports (SHPO only):
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.
All appointment requests must be accompanied by a full list of requested materials. Access to files and scheduling is subject to staff availability.
For all other services visit us at wisconsinhistory.org/hp or email your request to askshpo@wisconsinhistory.org
Scheduled Closures
The chart below reflects dates when the Library and Archives are closed or close early, for holidays and other events. This schedule may change without notice. Before traveling to Madison to use our collections, please call 608-264-6534 to confirm operating hours.
Date | Change to Schedule | Reason |
---|---|---|
May 24-26 | Building Closed | Memorial Day |
May 31 | Library Closes at 2:30 | Special Event |
July 4-6 | Building Closed | Independence Day |
July 26 | Library Closes at 3:30 | Special Event |
August 23 | Library Closes at 3:30 | Special Event |
Aug 30-Sep 1 | Building Closed | Labor Day |
November 27 | Building Closed | Thanksgiving |