The Archives Department seeks to select, preserve, and make available primary source materials that document the history of UWM and the Milwaukee metropolitan area, and that have long-term value for research and instruction at UWM. We also respond to the information needs of researchers worldwide, provide instruction sessions for UWM courses, coordinate the university’s records management program, and display our holdings on campus and in the community.
The Archives provides further access to primary sources by serving as an Area Research Center (ARC) of the Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS). The Milwaukee ARC Collection includes birth, death, marriage, naturalization, probate, and property records for Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Sheboygan, Washington, and Waukesha counties. By participating in this statewide network of ARCs, the Archives is able to provide local access to the holdings of the WHS and other ARCs via the ARC transfer system.
The Archives is open to all UWM faculty, staff, and students, as well as the general public. No special permission or letters of reference are required. Individuals wishing to use our materials must complete a registration form and present a valid photo ID. Materials must be used in our reading room and may not be checked out. Most collections may be temporarily transferred to another Area Research Center.