University of Wisconsin–Madison Archives

History and Founding

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Archives was formally established in 1951 as the official repository for the institutional records of the University of Wisconsin–Madison. It is located in Steenbock Library on the UW–Madison campus and serves as the permanent repository for university records of enduring historical and administrative value.

Collections and Holdings

The Archives collects and preserves official records of the university, including administrative records from central administrative offices, academic departments, faculty papers, student organization records, and other materials documenting the life of the institution. Holdings span from the university's 1848 founding to the present day. The collections are cataloged in the University of Wisconsin–Madison library catalog.

Notable Materials

University records include governance documents, faculty senate records, publications, photographs, and audiovisual materials. The archives also manages born-digital records and works in coordination with the Wisconsin Historical Society, which serves as the broader North American history research center for UW–Madison.

Access and Usage

The Archives reading room is open Monday through Friday. Researchers are encouraged to contact the archives in advance to arrange access to specific collections. The archives catalog is accessible via the UW–Madison library system online.