Tools & Resources for Library & Archives
About Library & Archives Tools & Resources
The library and archives provides tools & resources to guide your research and help you access our collections.
The catalog helps you discover materials in the collection and provides information on how to access them, whether online or in person. Please note that most items are only available physically and cannot be accessed digitally.
Use keywords related to your topic to begin your search, then refine your results by applying the “Libraries” filter. Select either “Wisconsin Historical Society Library” or “Wisconsin Historical Society Archives” to focus specifically on WHS collection items.
Many collections in the Wisconsin Historical Society Archives include detailed finding aids. These guides outline what’s in each collection, helping you learn more about the materials and plan your in-person research at the Wisconsin Historical Society.
Databases
To aid your research, the Society offers free access to subscription databases. They are accessible from any public computer in the Society's Library, or on personal devices connected to the Society's Wi-Fi. Several databases featured here are freely accessible at home or are accessible at home to Wisconsin residents through Badgerlink’s Wisconsin Online Library.
U.S./Canada History Databases
U.S./Canada History Databases
Accessible Anywhere
The Digital Public Library of America brings together the riches of America's libraries, archives, and museums in one searchable collection.
Available In the Library
Hundreds of databases with primary and secondary source collections on United States and Canadian history are available to use in the Society's Library, including:
- America History and Life
- Jstor
- ProQuest Congressional
- ProQuest History Vault collections
View Databases
Family History Databases
Family History Databases
Accessible Anywhere
The Society’s Library is a FamilySearch affiliate library. Affiliate libraries have access to FamilySearch’s digital genealogical collections that are otherwise accessible only through a FamilySearch center.
Available Free to Wisconsin Residents
Wisconsin residents can access the following genealogy database from home through Badgerlink’s Wisconsin Online Library:
Available In the Library
In addition to those on Badgerlink, you can access a variety of genealogy databases in the Society's Library, including:
- AncestryLibrary
- Fold3
- American Ancestors
Explore Databases
Newspaper Databases
Newspaper Databases
Accessible Anywhere
Chronicling America is a free newspaper collection with over 13 million pages of digitized newspapers from 1690 to 1963, created by the NEH and the Library of Congress.
Available Free to Wisconsin Residents
Wisconsin residents can access the following newspaper databases from home through Badgerlink’s Wisconsin Online Library:
- Archive of Wisconsin Newspapers
- Newspapers.com Library Edition: World Collection
- Newspaper Source Plus
- U.S. Newsstream
Available In the Library
In addition to those on Badgerlink, you can access a variety of newspaper databases in the Society's Library, including:
- 19th Century U.S. Newspapers
- NewspaperArchive.com
- ProQuest Historical Newspapers collections
View Databases
Research Guides
Explore our research and collection guides. These guides are created by librarians and feature lists of resources to help you do your research.
Collection Overviews
Dig deeper into some of the Society’s special areas of focus and collection strengths. Learn more about the collections that tell the story of Wisconsin and the United States.
See All Overviews
Keep your family history research organized and bust down brick walls with our custom genealogy charts and forms. Each fillable PDF is free to download.
Organize Your Research
Collect, organize, cite, and share your references with citation managers. These software tools organize your collection of PDFs, source citations, and other references into an ordered personal library. They can also integrate with writing tools like MS Word to create citations from your library as you write. Anyone working on larger writing projects or trying to manage collections of PDFs will benefit from using a citation manager.
Citation Managers
Zotero is a free, open-source citation manager that runs primarily as an installed application on your computer. Find out more about Zotero.
Mendeley is a free citation manager which can be using in a browser or installed on your computer. Users can opt to pay for additional cloud storage and collaboration options. Find out more about Mendeley.
EndNote is available as EndNote Basic, a free browser-based tool, or as EndNote Desktop, an installed application with more advanced functionality. EndNote offers discounted pricing to students and for version upgrades. Find out more about EndNote.
Additional Resources
Library & Archives Services
We're here to help! Whether you're just getting started or have been researching for years we have the services and amenities to help you find what you're looking for. Learn more about access, study spaces, tours, and more!
State Historic Preservation Office
The Society serves as Wisconsin’s federally designated State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). The SHPO coordinates state & federal preservation programs. They also maintain state records for historic properties and archaeological sites, protect sites on public lands.
Collections Care Information
Browse conservation information individuals looking to preserve important personal items as well as resources for museums, historical societies, libraries, other cultural collecting institutions.
Library 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
Genealogy Programs
Improve your genealogy skills and discover new tips and methods with our virtual genealogy programs, led by nationally-known speakers and Society staff.
