Government Information
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The Wisconsin Historical Society is the State Archives, an official depository for State of Wisconsin government publications, with the University of Wisconsin-Madison a regional depository for United States government publications.
Front cover of "Wisconsin: a Guide to the Badger State" featuring a Harold Hone photograph of the Wisconsin State Capitol with gilding on the dome. ID:W0141B2
Wisconsin Government Publications & Records
The Society Library serves as the permanent collection for all Wisconsin state government publications (except for University of Wisconsin publications, which are held at university libraries).
The State Archives collects and provides access to the records of Wisconsin State Agencies and Local Government units.
Search Government RecordsGovernment Publications
The Wisconsin Historical Society Library has been a depository for government publications since its founding and holds publications from all levels of government for the U.S., plus Canadian federal and provincial governments.
In partnership with UW-Madison Memorial Library, WHS is a Regional Depository Library in the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP). We hold extensive collections of military, department of defense, census, and Congressional publications, as well as publications from numerous other federal agencies.
The WHS Library is also one of the three official state-level depositories for State of Wisconsin publications as part of the Wisconsin Document Depository Program (WDDP). We hold the most complete, and only permanent, collection of Wisconsin state government publications, spanning the time from territorial days up to the present. The library also collects publications from Wisconsin counties and municipalities.
Copy of an artist's rendition of an exterior view of the Elisha D. Smith Library. Pen and ink drawing is signed: "G.J. de Gelleke, 1899." Bottom of drawing reads: "Elisha D. Smith Library, Menasha, Wisconsin. Van Ryn & de Gelleke, Architects, Milwaukee, Wisconsin." Reverse of image reads: "1898, cost $20,000." The image shows the front facade, arches at top of entrance steps, and pedestrians. ID:W014CIZ
State Records
The State Archives collects records of permanent value created by Wisconsin state agencies.
Our holdings include the following:
- Minutes and materials of governing boards and commissions
- Substantive Policy Records created by or on behalf of agency heads
- Legal Opinions, Administrative Rule making, and Legislative Files
- Narrative, Statistical Reports, and Special Studies of the agency programs
- Records of Agency and Interagency Committees and Task Forces
- Public Relations Records including speeches, addresses, and comments of agency heads and senior officials; news releases; and publicity material.
- Formal Agency Histories and selected background materials.
- Case Files for cases that lead to precedent setting decisions
Local Government Records
The Wisconsin Historical Society is tasked with preserving Wisconsin local government records that have long-term historical and informational value.
Our holdings include the following:
- Common Council proceedings
- County and Municipal ordinances and resolutions
- County Board proceedings
- Court case files (including criminal, civil, family and divorce cases)
- Grantor/grantee indexes
- Land deeds
- Naturalization records
- Probate case files
- School district and school board reports
- Tax rolls
- Wills
Collections 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 low-res 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.
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.
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Donate to The Society's Collections
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 8, 2026
