University Library > Area Research Center

Area Research Center

Table of Contents:

The Area Research Center (ARC) Network | Research Policies and Services |
Hours, Location, and Contact Information | Resources when the ARC is Closed |
Frequently Asked Questions | Genealogical Sites of Interest |
ARC/Special Collections/University Archives Home

The Area Research Center (ARC) Network

The Area Research Center, a cooperative venture between the University and the Wisconsin Historical Society, is one of thirteen centers located throughout the state which contain local government records and manuscripts for designated groups of counties. Each ARC may borrow materials from the others for the use of its patrons. Materials may be identified through the WHS Archives Division's catalog, ArCat. UW-Whitewater is responsible for the materials of Rock, Jefferson, and Walworth Counties.

Holdings include private papers of a number of former state legislators, local church records, and public records for units of government ranging from the Watertown City Council to the Tri-County School District. The collection is especially strong in genealogical materials (state and federal censuses; pre-1907 birth, marriage and death certificates; probate records; naturalization papers; tax lists) for the three counties. A detailed, descriptive guide to the manuscripts and public records is available.

Area Research Center Network Map

For more information about a local center, click on the county or region in which you are interested, refer to the list of ARC locations below, or use the County Index to the ARC network.

Superior Northland River Falls Stout Eau Claire Green Bay Stevens Point La Crosse Wisconsin Historical Society Platteville Oshkosh Parkside Milwaukee Whitewater Area Research Network Map
ARC Locations
Ashland Eau Claire
Green Bay La Crosse
Milwaukee Oshkosh
Parkside Platteville
River Falls Stevens Point
Stout Superior
Whitewater--

Research Policies and Services

 The UW-Whitewater Archives and Area Research Center is open to the public for research purposes. Limited research and reference services are available to distance patrons.

If you cannot visit us in person, Archives staff will make single copies of documents from paper or microforms. All requests must be submitted in writing either via electronic or postal mail. The Archives staff will commit up to two hours of research per request.

Fees
Reference services are free, but patrons are responsible for the cost of photocopies (10 cents per page) and postage. Donations are always gratefully accepted. Checks should be made payable to UW-Whitewater University Library.

To Request Reference Services
To request reference services, submit a request via email, letter, or Request for Research Form. Include as much information as you know about the subject, including variant spellings of names and the counties in which the individuals were located. Be sure to also include your contact information, including your mailing address, telephone number, and email address (if you have one).


Hours, Location, and Contact Information
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Available Resources when the ARC is Closed

 When the ARC is closed, a limited amount of microfilm material is available:
  • Pre-1907 Birth, Marriage, and Death Registration Records for Jefferson, Rock, and Walworth Counties.
    Search pre-1907 Wisconsin Vital Records online at the Wisconsin Historical Society website.
  • Wisconsin State Census Records for Jefferson, Rock, and Walworth Counties (1855, 1875, 1885, 1895, 1905)
  • Federal Census Records for Jefferson, Rock, and Walworth Counties (1850, 1860, 1870, 1880, 1900, 1920)
  • Naturalization Records for Jefferson, Rock, and Walworth Counties
  • County Histories
To use these records when the library is open but the ARC is closed, ask at the Reference Desk.

Genealogical Sites of Interest
Hours, Location, and Contact Information
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Frequently Asked Questions

 I can't visit the ARC in person. Will you do some research for me?
How much do you charge for research requests?

I can't visit the ARC in person. Will you do some research for me?
The Area Research Center/Archives staff will do up to two hours of research for distant patrons.

How much do you charge for research requests?
Archives staff will commit up to two hours of research for free. Patrons are responsible for the cost of photocopies ($.10 per page) and postage.

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For assistance, contact a reference librarian at (262) 472-1032, by email or chat or in person at the Library's Reference Desk.