Research Help
Whether you're diving into genealogy, local history, a class project, or scholarly work, our research consultations, guides and common questions can help you get started. Let us guide you through the rich historical resources available to you.
Ask an Archivist
Need help with research? Schedule a one-on-one consultation with an archivist to get guidance on archival resources and search strategies for your project. Open to all researchers free of charge, these 30 to 60 minute meetings are tailored to your topic—whether it’s genealogy, local history or a class assignment.
Tailored to Your Topic
In order to use this service, you should have a specific research topic for which you need assistance. You’ll have the opportunity to discuss your topic in-depth with an archivist, and we’ll offer advice as to what historical collections and resources might aid you in your research.
What to Expect
Consultations take place in the UW-Green Bay Archives (Cofrin Library, Room 705). In your consultation, you'll receive guidance on identifying relevant sources, using archival research tools and employing advanced search techniques. We’ll help you navigate collections that align with your topic and refine your search strategies. We will leave the actual research to you.
To plan your visit, see hours, location and parking information on our contact page.
How to Schedule
Appointments are subject to availability. They take place during our operating hours and must be booked at least one week in advance. To start the scheduling process, email us.
Research Guides
From census and court records to unique local archives, these research guides provide the information you need to deepen your understanding of historical records and research strategies. Each guide offers an overview of the types of documents and collections available, helping you uncover valuable historical information in the records.
Census Records
Census records provide a wealth of information about an individual and their lives. Find out more about how you can use these.
Citizenship Records
Explore naturalization and citizenship documents to learn about the paths your ancestors followed to becoming an American citizen.
Court Records
Delve into legal proceedings and case files to uncover the judicial history of individuals and entities.
Probate Records
Learn about the lives and legacies of northeastern Wisconsin’s past residents through wills and probate documents.
House & Building History Research
Researching the history of a house or building can uncover fascinating stories about its past and the people who lived there. Whether you're interested in your ancestral home or need to verify the age of a structure for preservation/legal purposes, this guide can help direct you.
Research FAQs
Don't let uncertainty prevent you from accessing history. Find answers to common questions below.
Q: Are the actual records online?
Most of our records haven't been digitized and are only available as physical items. We have some online offerings to get you started, but know that there's more available.
Search@UW Catalog
Search for historical materials in the collections of the UW-Green Bay Archives and the Wisconsin Historical Society network. This search includes digitized records as well as physical records that you may view in our research room.
Search by Name
A portion of our local history and genealogy archives are searchable in an online index, but the record itself isn't available digitally. You need to submit a records request, and we'll send you a copy for a fee, or you may visit us in-person to see the item.
Q: Do I need an appointment to use your collections?
Appointments aren’t required during our regular open hours. During semester breaks, appointments may be required due to limited staffing. Check our contact page for current hours and visitor information.
If you're familiar with the materials and have straight-forward research questions, visit us during open hours. For complex research questions, we suggest contacting us in advance. We can schedule a one-on-one consultation to ensure you get the support you need. Email us at archives@uwgb.edu.
Q: May I call you with my research question?
While we’re happy to answer general inquiries about our collections and services over the phone, specific research questions are best handled in writing. To help ensure we gather all the necessary information to assist you accurately, we ask that you fill out the appropriate research request form or email us at archives@uwgb.edu.
Q: Can I bring my own equipment?
You are welcome to bring your own electronic devices like a laptop, tablet or smart phone to use in the research room and connect to the wireless internet available on campus. You may also bring your own portable electronic storage devices like a USB thumb drive or a portable hard drive. If you want to bring your own scanning equipment, please contact us ahead of time. We have multiple scanners in the research room that should meet most needs.
Q: How long will it take for you to do my research?
We generally take the research requests in the order we receive them and try to respond within four to six weeks. The response time depends upon number of requests received and our staffing resources. If you have not heard from us within four weeks, email us to check on the status of your request. We will be happy to give you an update.
Q: How much do you charge?
There's no charge to visit in person or for one-on-one consulting services. Researchers who visit the Archives only pay for any photocopying they do.
If you request records online, we charge $10 per name and per record searched. This fee includes up to twenty pages of copying. If a request is over twenty pages, we charge fifty cents per additional page copied.
Q: Do I need to be affiliated with UW-Green Bay?
You don't need to be affiliated with UW-Green Bay to use our Archives. We’re happy to work with all researchers, whether you're a local history enthusiast or a genealogy hobbyist who lives nearby or if you're an academic researcher in another country or state.
If you're seeking to publish materials from our collection, please contact us as usage rights and fees vary by individual items and collections.
We're Here to help
Whether you need a consultation or have a question about our collections, our archivists are ready to assist with your research needs.