The library collection of the Research Center is to be used for study and research as directed by the mission of the museum. Its resources include: publications relating to Waukesha County history; biographical, genealogical, ethnic, and geographic information for Waukesha County; museum and archives resources; topical information pertinent to the history of Waukesha County; and publications by Waukesha County authors. Items or publications acquired for the Research Center Library Collection are not accessioned, but are catalogued and made accessible in the Research Center. The Archivist has the authority to receive or accept items and publications into the Research Center Library Collection. The resources of the Library Collection are non-circulating but may be used as reference material within the Research Center.

The objective of the Research Center Library Collection is to operate within the context of the Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum and within the larger library communities of the Waukesha County, Southeastern Wisconsin, Wisconsin, and United States. Collection development and management is conducted by the Archivist, who takes into consideration other area library collections. The Research Center Library Collection collects, organizes, and makes available materials of contemporary significance and long-term value to Waukesha County. The collection is reviewed and revised on an ongoing basis to meet contemporary needs. With the exception of rare books, the collection is not archival nor is the material available in other libraries needlessly duplicated. The Archivist makes a final decision to withdraw materials from the collection according to standard library collection management techniques. Materials are withdrawn from the collection in order to maintain usefulness, currency, and relevance. This Library recognizes and respects intellectual property rights and adheres to relevant legislation to copyright use and restrictions.

With the use of these materials, the patron assumes all copyright responsibilities.

Collection Criteria

Library materials in the Waukesha County Historical Society’s collection shall meet one or all of the following criteria:

  1. All items must meet the Museum’s stated mission.
  2. Items considered suitable to the collection must be evaluated on the basis of the following (listed alphabetically):
    3. General criteria: Content criteria: Special considerations for electronic information sources:
Collection Objectives

The Research Center Library strives to meet the needs of the Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum and the patrons who use our facility. The Research Center Library Collection shall include:

  1. Those publications pertaining directly to Waukesha County & its territory (1846-present, and time of Waukesha County being a territory of Milwaukee County).
  2. Publications included in the Research Center Library Collection consist of secondary publications (published or unpublished) from Waukesha County & territory, the subject of which pertains to the following, unless otherwise specified:
    1. Buildings
    2. Businesses
    3. Churches
    4. County histories
    5. Ethnicity/Heritage
    6. Genealogy
    7. Land/Home/Farms
    8. Local History
    9. Medical History/Practitioners
    10. Military
    11. Museum/Archives Resources
    12. Native Americans
    13. Organizations
    14. Springs
    15. Schools
    16. Wisconsin
    17. Women’s History

Donations to the Library Collection can be arranged by appointment.

For more information, please contact Eric Vanden Heuvel at evandenheuvel@wchsm.org or 262-521-2859 ext. 223.

To view types of information contained in our Archives or Library, stop by during regular business hours or visit our Major Reference Sources page.

Diverse Use of the Library Collection

Diverse individuals and groups use the Research Center for information gathering. Recently, a teacher and group of students from the Kettle Moraine School District contacted us to learn how to use our facility. This group was researching the background of their school in preparation for an anniversary celebration. We provided guidance and resources to help in their search. In this instance, we had a multitude of newspaper articles organized by school name that were of use. We welcome this interaction with various groups and ages who are able to use our resources responsibly.



Library Collection Spotlight

Spotlight on a new volunteer coming soon!