Access to Wisconsin State Agency Records
Public Access
State and local government records are valuable tools for understanding the history of Wisconsin and its communities and are open to the public with a few exceptions. Information about records closed for public access can be found in the catalog record. Records held by the State Archives also circulate within the Society's Area Research Center Network.
Records with Restricted Access
State and federal statutes govern access to certain types of information that may be found in government records, including, but not limited to:
• patient health care records
• student education records
• military service records
• records concerning juveniles in the State’s custody
• guardianship or other protective care records
• mental health related court records
• public assistance records
• archaeological site location records
• specifications or plans for state-related buildings
• attorney-client privileged information
• adoption records
• personally identifiable information (PII)
The State Archives encourages users to discuss avenues of access to restricted records with archives reference staff which may include permission of the creating agency, court order, access for certain individuals specified by statute, or access prior to or after a certain date.
Agency Access
The State Archives makes every effort to facilitate access for a state agency that has turned over its records. State Archives staff cannot undertake extensive research for an agency but will provide easy access to the records so the staff of the agency can perform the necessary research.
In addition, agency records officers are encouraged to work with State Archives staff to address any records scheduling, preservation or transfer issues.
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Last Updated: July 8, 2026
