What is Recollection Wisconsin?
Here's what you need to know about Recollection Wisconsin and a few of its fascinating collections
"Recollection Wisconsin" is a free and accessible digital library showcasing Wisconsin archives from 250 libraries and institutions throughout the state. Here's what you need to know about Recollection Wisconsin and a few of its many noteworthy collections.
About Recollection Wisconsin
Recollection Wisconsin is an official partner of the Digital Public Library of America. It is a digital library that provides vital information from Wisconsin libraries, archives, museums, and historical societies. All resources supplied through Recollection Wisconsin are entirely free to the public.
Recollection Wisconsin shares photos, letters, maps, diaries, artifacts, oral histories, and other historical resources from over 200 Wisconsin libraries, cultural heritage institutions, and museums. They elevate the state's culture and history to a broader, national audience.
Wisconsin libraries, historical societies, museums, and archives provide their collections in an accessible online space with their help. They amplify the contributions of grants and funders that allow people to access the digital library for free.
Notable Collections
Invictus
First published in 1977, "Invictus" was a University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee student newspaper created by the UWM Black Student Union (BSU). Its origins began with the publication of "The Black Critic" and "The Black Student Union Newsletter" in the early 70s. It highlights the voices of the growing Black student population at UW-Milwaukee.
Shall Not Be Recognized
"Shall Not Be Recognized" highlights Wisconsin LGTBQIA+ voices to hear their perspective on a local government decision. In November 2006, Wisconsin voters agreed to amend the state's constitution to make it "unconstitutional" to recognize same-sex marriages and civil unions.
Thus, in 2007, author Will Fellows teamed up with photographer Jeff Pearcy to create photographs and audio recordings of 30 same-sex couples in the Milwaukee area who were living under a prohibition on same-sex marriage.
Somos Latinas Project Oral Histories
The Somo Latinas (We Women) History Project (2012–2016) documented Latina women's hidden but highly significant contributions in Wisconsin. The collection highlights Latina activists' accomplishments in K-12 and post-secondary education, women's rights, civil rights, immigration reform, domestic abuse services, political representation, peace and justice, and more. Somos Latinas currently contains 52 interviews from 37 Latinas all across Wisconsin.
Landglade County Historical Society
The Langlade County Historical Society aims to protect, advance, and disseminate the knowledge acquired about Langlade County. Affiliated with the Wisconsin Historical Society, the LCHS hosts various programs discussing the area's local history. It houses local historical archives, artifacts, and historical sites near the museum campus.
Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center
This historical center gets its name from Dick Bong of Poplar, Wisconsin, one of the most successful pilots of WWII. Since its establishment in 2002, the Bong Center has followed a mission of honoring the legacy of Major Bong and veterans all over the country. It shares veteran stories from WWII along with modern conflicts.
The S. Verna Fowler Academic Library and Menominee Public Library
The S. Verna Fowler Academic Library and Menominee Public Library is a joint venture between the College of Menominee Nation, Menominee County, and the Menominee Tribe. This partnership provides various services to community members within these parties and the surrounding area. The library's Special Collections Archive includes originals and copies of unique documents detailing the community's tribal and regional history.
Visit everylibrary.org to learn how you can support the essential resources that libraries offer their communities.
