FAQs About Buying Historical Images | Wisconsin Historical Society

General Information

FAQs About Buying Historical Images

FAQs About Buying Historical Images | Wisconsin Historical Society

Below are answers to questions frequently asked about ordering images from the Wisconsin Historical Society. If you have other questions, please contact the Reprographics Manager at as askwhsdc@wisconsinhistory.org.

What is the difference between “personal use” and “commercial or non-profit use”?

The Wisconsin Historical Society defines "personal use" as displaying a print of a historical image from our collections in one’s private residence, or giving it as a gift for display in their private residence.

The Society defines "commercial or non-profit use" as any use of historical images from our collections outside the home for commercial or non-profit purposes including but not limited to publication, public or business display, and web use. If you aren’t sure whether your intended use is personal or commercial/non-profit, please contact the Reprographics Manager at askwhsdc@wisconsinhistory.org.

How can I buy a print for personal use?

  1. To purchase a print through the online store, begin by searching our visual materials and clicking on the image you wish to order.
  2. Read the Terms of Image Use linked beneath the "Buy The Image" button, then click the "Buy The Image" button beneath the image. 
  3. Follow the checkout process and make a secure payment online with your credit card.

How can I buy an image for commercial or non-profit use?

To purchase prints or digital files for commercial/non-profit use, fill out a Print-Order-Form or a Digital File-Order-Form, and a Permission-Request-Form and email them as two separate attachments to askwhsdc@wisconsinhistory.org. You’ll receive a fee quote and payment information when your forms are received.

Can I order an image if it's not online?

Yes. To purchase a copy of an image in our collections that does not appear on our website, fill out the Digital File Order Form or Digital Print Order Form and email it to askwhsdc@wisconsinhistory.org. Please also submit a Permission Request Form if the image is for commercial or nonprofit use. You’ll receive a fee quote and payment information when the form is received.

Can I purchase digital files for the purpose of making my own prints?

No, you must order prints of all images from the digital lab at the Wisconsin Historical Society. Please see our Terms of Image Use for more information.

How are digital files delivered?

Download links to digital files of images for commercial/non-profit use will be sent to you via Hightail. Please make sure we have the correct email address for the file reccipient.

How much do images cost?

How do I place a tax-exempt order?

To place a tax-exempt order, fill out a Digital File-Order-Form or a Print-Order-Form, and a Permission-Request-Form and email them as two separate attachments to askwhsdc@wisconsinhistory.org. You’ll receive a fee quote and payment information when your forms are received.

What are the shipping and handling fees?

Shipping fees are calculated at checkout and vary by parcel size, weight, and destination.

 

How long will it take to receive my order?

  • Prints are mailed within ten business days.
  • Digital files are sent within five business days.
  • Images not available online are sent within two weeks.
  • Rush delivery available for an additional fee. Email askwhsdc@wisconsinhistory.org for more information.
  • Orders for a large number of images or for canvas prints may require a longer turnaround time.

What are your standards for image quality?

Most images are scanned on a flatbed scanner at 600 pixels per inch (ppi). All images are color-corrected to closely match the original. Prints are made on archival quality paper with pigment-based inks.

Who owns the copyright on these images?

The Wisconsin Historical Society does not own the copyright to most images in our collections, but grants permission as the owner of the photographs and documents. It is your responsibility to obtain consent from the copyright owner for use of any image with a copyright restriction. See more about permissions and copyright.

Do you offer digitally retouched images?

Yes, in many cases we can digitally retouch images to fix damaged areas or adjust for other problems. Email an inquiry to askwhsdc@wisconsinhistory.org to discuss options. 

Learn More

Have Questions?

Contact the WHI Business Manager by email at askwhsdc@wisconsinhistory.org.

You can also communicate by mail:

Wisconsin Historical Society
Attn: Lisa Marine, WHI Business Manager
816 State Street, Room 407
Madison, WI 53706-1482