Local Records

The Wisconsin Historical Society serves as the repository for historically significant local government records. This includes records created by counties, cities, villages, towns, school districts, district attorneys, Circuit Courts, and any other form of local government.

All forms of local government are statutorily required to offer obsolete records, or records no longer under retention, to the Society at least 60 days prior to their destruction.

State Records

The State Archives collects records of permanent value created by Wisconsin state agencies. Please visit the state agency records section for information regarding the administration of records, retention schedules and guidelines, and how to transfer records to the State Archives.

Electronic Records

Visit the electronic records section to find resources for managing electronic records and for transferring electronic records to the State Archives.

Learn More About Electronic Records

Records Management

Records are essential to the operation of state and local governments and are an invaluable source for historical research.

Wisconsin law protects public records by defining them and specifying steps for their care, preservation, access, transfer to successors in office, disposition, and in some cases transfer to the Wisconsin Historical Society.

Learn About Public Records Law