What types of materials are at the archives?

It depends on where you go! Every archives has a unique set of collections. Sometimes materials at one archives overlap with another and other times, resources at one repository are the only versions available. Each and every research path to finding materials is different.

Look at the listings below to learn about some of the most requested resources of two La Crosse area archives. Please note that this listing is not extensive. If you are looking for research advice or specific materials, please feel welcome to contact the archives!

La Crosse Public Library Archives (LPLA)

LPLA Materials:

• Genealogy and family history books
• Books about local and regional history
• City directories 1866-present (1866-1963 digitized)
• Local newspapers, available on microfilm (some newspapers available online)
• Archival manuscript collections relating to La Crosse area history, people, organizations, businesses, etc.
• Maps and atlases
• Newspaper clipping files, arranged by topic
• Photographs
• Yearbooks
• City of La Crosse public records

UWL Murphy Library Special Collections and Area Research Center (ARC)

Special Collections Materials:

• Rare books
• Publications related to the region and its history
• Fine-press publications
• Maps and atlases for La Crosse County and surrounding counties
• Oral history recordings and transcripts
• UWL university records and publications
• Historic photographs (including one of the largest collections of steamboat photographs in the nation)
• City directories 1866-present
• Local newspapers available on microfilm
• Newspaper clipping files, arranged by topic

The Area Research Center (ARC) generally holds the following materials for five area counties (Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Trempealeau, and Vernon):