The Library History Buff

Promoting the appreciation, enjoyment, and preservation of library history

The Wisconsin Historical Society Library

The Library of the Wisconsin Historical Society was established in 1848 making it one of the oldest libraries in the state.  The building in which it is located was built in 1900 to house both the WHS library and the library of the University of Wisconsin at Madison. The library is home to one of the nation's great North American historical collections. 

A postcard depiction of the reading room of the Historical Society Library. After visiting the library, Henry M. Utley, then Director of the Detroit Public Library and a former President of the American Library Association, wrote: "The general reading room is the most attractive room of the kind I have ever seen. I do not believe it has its equal."

The entire Historical Society Library was housed in this bookcase in 1853.  Still preserved, it has been described as the "holy grail" of Wisconsin library artifacts. 

The exterior of the Historical Society Library is depicted on this piece of souvenir china.  As one of the most prominent public  buildings in Wisconsin, it was depicted on numerous souvenir items.

Other Links for the Wisconsin Historical Society Library

Home Page for the Library http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/libraryarchives/

The building in which the library is housed http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/about/building/

  This site created and maintained by Larry T. Nix

  Send comments or questions to nix@libraryhistorybuff.org

  Last updated: 9-09-08   © 2005-2008 Larry T. Nix