Mass Communications
Take A Closer Look!
Papers and photographs of Pulitzer Prize-winners, nationally significant journalists, network television reporters, foreign correspondents, opinion journalists, and individuals and organizations active in civic journalism.
NBC Camera Man
A U.N. war correspondent is shown filming with a news camera next to an NBC Television Newsreel vehicle.
View NBC Camera ManMass Communications History
Collections of print and broadcast journalists from Wisconsin and beyond
The Mass Communications History Collection was established in 1955 to document the importance of the mass media in 20th-century American life. This collection documents mass communications on both the national level and in the state of Wisconsin.
The collection includes the papers of hundreds of important individuals, corporations and professional organizations in the fields of journalism, broadcasting, advertising and public relations.
Features of the Collection
- Association for Education in Journalism & Mass Communications
- Bruce Barton
- David Brinkley
- John Chancellor
- Dickey Chappelle
- Rowland Evans and Robert Novak
- Foote, Cone & Belding
- Joseph Harsch
- John W. Hill
- H.V. Kaltenborn
- Clark Mollenhoff
- National Broadcasting Company (NBC)
- National Educational Television
- Howard K. Smith
- A. Merriman Smith
- Pacifica Foundation
- Marlene Sanders
- Sigrid Schultz
Woman Peeling Potatoes in front of TV
"All To Myself" brochure for the NBC Matinee Theater with a woman sitting front of the television peeling potatoes with her shoes off. There is an outline of a house around her.
View Woman Peeling Potatoes in front of TVCollections Use FAQs
Explore how you can find, access, and use our collection materials.
The Society's library and archives collections can be searched in the University of Wisconsin-Madison Library catalog and some parts of our collections have been digitized and are available online.
The Society's historical object collection cannot be searched online.
Library & Archives
Many books, bound periodicals, microforms and government publications may be checked out for home use with a library card. Rare, fragile, small and heavily used materials (including genealogical resources) do not circulate. A borrowing card is not required if you want to use materials within the Library. Archival materials are available for use in our Archives Reading Room.
For more information about our borrowing policies Library & Archives Services.
Historic Objects
If you are interested in viewing our historical objects please contact us.
Due to significant demands associated with developing the Wisconsin History Center, the Society has reduced capacity to handle loan requests. Therefore, we are not accepting new requests at this time.
For a credit line: Wisconsin Historical Society, Creator, Title, Unique Identifier.
The Unique Identifier can be found at the top or bottom of the webpage for each item. The name of a downloaded file is NOT the unique identifier.
For bibliographic citations please consult the UW-Madison Libraries Citation Research Guide to ensure compliance with appropriate style guidelines.
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Personal use (prints, gifts, home and study): Request images for personal use
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Commercial use (public display, publishing, media, products, film and more): Request commercial use of our Collection
Materials in our websites and digital collection are provided for research, teaching, and private study. The Wisconsin Historical Society hold rights to some items; others may be governed by additional copyright or donor restrictions.
We encourage users to download images from our website for personal or classroom use, without written permission, within the meaning of the principles of “Fair Use.”
Permission is required for reproduction, publication, or commercial use of any content made available through our websites and digital collection. By using this website, including our digital collections, you agree to the Terms of Use. Users are responsible for determining whether their intended use qualifies as fair use under U.S. copyright law. When relying on fair use, cite the source.
For questions about rights, permissions, or reuse, please contact our reference staff.
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Library & Archives
Perhaps the best way to begin exploring our collections is by visiting us in person. In our reading rooms, you’ll find free and unparalleled access to our collections, helpful staff and amenities, and perhaps, your very own story.
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Your Story is Wisconsin's Story
History is made every day, everywhere. Since 1846, contributions from people across the state have helped us fulfill our mission to collect, preserve and tell the stories of Wisconsin.
Find Out HowLast Updated: April 13, 2026
