Library & Archives Services
About Library & Archives Services
Our library and archives team provides a wide range of services designed to support learning, research, and community engagement.
Our Services
Whether you're a seasoned researcher, starting your first project, or simply exploring our collections, our reference staff is here to support your success.
Our staff is available to answer reference and information requests, assist you in identifying and requesting materials, and help you discover the breadth and depth of our extensive collections. We're here to help you make the most of your research experience.
We provide in-person reference assistance to all visitors and offer multiple ways to connect with us remotely. Researchers can contact via email, by phone, or by mail for help with their research needs.
Contact Us
Copying Collection Materials
Most Library and Archives materials may be copied unless their physical condition or legal constraints prohibit it. We reserve the right to deny copying of materials. Rare, fragile, and large format items such as bound newspapers may not be copied. Most other printed or microform items may be copied.
Visitors may use self-service scanners to copy printed materials and microforms. Saving images to a flash drive or email is free. Copies cost ($.07) whether from printed materials or microforms. Printers do not operate with cash but rather with a Wiscard. Non-UW Madison guests may obtain a guest copy card from the reference desk.
Researchers who cannot visit the Library-Archives may order copies by e-mail or letter. We do not accept orders by phone. In your request, please be sure to include a specific reference to title, author, and page numbers for library materials; and collection title, call number, box, and folder number (if known) for archival materials. Normal turn-around time is approximately two to four weeks but may be longer.
Please note: Requests that do not include a specific reference to title, author, and page numbers will be treated as requests for research assistance. The Library and Archives can only provide limited research service and we reserve the right to turn down research requests on a case-by-case basis.
The Library-Archives can only provide limited research assistance to those who cannot visit the Historical Society. If you need assistance conducting your research, please contact us, and we will advise you regarding whether we can undertake the work.
| Service | Society Members | Non-Members WI Residents | Non-Members Out of State |
| Copies ordered by mail or email | $10 Service Charge per order* plus 25¢/page | $15 Service Charge per order* plus 25¢/page | $20 Service Charge per order* plus 25¢/page |
| Sound Recordings | $10 Service Charge plus $20/hour of original audio, choice of CD or MP3 file | $15 Service Charge plus $20/hour of original audio, choice of CD or MP3 file | $20 Service Charge plus $20/hour of original audio, choice of CD or MP3 file |
*Orders for extensive copying (more than 300 pages) may incur additional charges.
Special Fees
| Service | Society Members | Non-Members WI Residents | Non-Members Out of State |
| Rush Fee: within 7 working days | $25 in addition to all other fees | $25 in addition to all other fees | $25 in addition to all other fees |
| Document Certification | $10 in addition to all other fees | $10 in addition to all other fees | $10 in addition to all other fees |
Credit card (Visa or MasterCard) payment is preferred and is required for international orders. If you are unable or unwilling to pay via credit card, contact staff to discuss other methods of payment. Staff will provide instructions about payment via email, but questions about fees can be directed to reference staff.
Contact Us.
The Microfilm Reproductions Lab is not currently accepting duplication and digitization requests. Please direct questions to the Ask Digital email.
Research
Whether you are charting your family’s history, engaging in academic research, or delving into a new hobby, the collections of the Society are ready for your exploration, with helpful guides and tools for your journey.
Search Our Digital CollectionsLibrary Instruction & Tours
The Wisconsin Historical Society Library & Archives offers research instruction and guided tours designed to help visitors confidently explore our collections and resources. Whether you are a student, educator, community group, or independent researcher, our staff provides engaging and informative experiences tailored to your needs.
Research Instruction & Tours
Our research instruction sessions introduce participants to the breadth of materials available at the Wisconsin Historical Society and provide guidance on how to effectively conduct historical and archival research. Sessions may include:
- Overview of Library & Archives collections
- Introduction to archival research methods and best practices
- Guidance on using catalogs, finding aids, and digital resources
- Tips for handling primary source materials
- Research strategies for specific topics or projects
- Orientation to Reading Room procedures and policies
Guided tours provide visitors with an introduction to the Wisconsin Historical Society Library & Archives facilities and services.
Instruction sessions and tours can be customized for:
- College and university classes
- K–12 student groups
- Educators and academic researchers
- Genealogists and local historians
- Community organizations and professional groups
Visit Our
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.
Plan Your Visit HoursArea Research Center Services
The Wisconsin Historical Society and the University of Wisconsin System cooperate in a network of 14 Area Research Centers (ARCs) located at UW campus libraries throughout the state and at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center. Each ARC focuses on a specific geographic region, preserving and providing access to records created in and about that area. These collections are permanently housed at the ARC that serves their region, ensuring local history stays rooted in its community.
Explore our ARCsFAQs
Each Area Research Center is unique. Each has strengths in certain resources. Most have the following materials related to their region:
- Business records
- Census records
- Citizenship records
- City directories
- City and county board minutes
- Community organization records
- Court records
- Diaries
- Genealogy books
- Immigration records
- Letters
- Local and county histories
- Local government records
- Local newspapers
- Manuscript collections
- Maps and atlases (Wisconsin)
- Oral histories
- Photographs
- School record books
- Scrapbooks
- Tax rolls
- University records
- Vital records (pre-1907)
You can search the Library and Archives Catalog to see what is located at your local ARC.
Historical records gathered through the network generally are organized and cataloged by archivists at the Society Headquarters in Madison. The materials then are returned to the appropriate Area Research Center. Most centers also hold archival records from their campuses and additional special collection holdings not owned by the Society.
Archivists at each Area Research Center can answer questions, provide guidance, and help you access archival materials. Collections are usually held at the Society's Archives Reading Room or an Area Research Center, and some may travel within the network to support researchers across Wisconsin. Before visiting confirm availability and hours, as some collections may be on loan.
