Area Research Centers
Explore Your Area Research Center
Access History in Your Community
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.
Through a statewide network, most collections are accessible no matter where you are. Materials can be requested and delivered to your nearest center, making research convenient and connected. A shared courier service allows participating centers to borrow and share resources, so you can explore collections from across Wisconsin right from your local ARC.
Explore your town, family or personal history—trained staff are here to help.
Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center
UW Eau Claire McIntyre Library
UW Green Bay Archives
UW La Crosse Murphy Library
UW Milwaukee Archives Department
UW Oshkosh Archives & ARC
UW Parkside Archives & ARC
UW Platteville Southwest Wisconsin Room
UW River Falls Archives & ARC
UW Stevens Point Archives & ARC
UW Stout Archives & ARC
UW Superior Special Collections & Archives
UW Whitewater Archives & ARC
Society Library & Archives
Discover the stories of Wisconsin and beyond at the Wisconsin Historical Society Library and Archives. Whether you are tracing your family history, writing a book or research paper, or simply interested in Wisconsin’s past we are here to help you explore.
Plan Your VisitGet Started Using Your Area Research Center
ARCs are your local gateway to discovery. Supporting everyone from genealogy detectives and history buffs to teachers, students, and researchers who are diving deep into research right in your community.
FAQs
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.
Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center
The Wisconsin Historical Society has a satellite operation located in the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center offering a history center and genealogy services.
Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center helps people connect with the history, culture, and natural resources of the Northern Great Lakes Region.
Plan Your Visit
