UW-Parkside Library > Archives Home
Welcome
The UW-Parkside Archives & Area Research Center is a repository for the University's records and those of the Wisconsin Historical Society.
We are located in the D2 level of the UW-Parkside Library and work with other departments within the library to facilitate the teaching and research needs of the University.
We also work with family historians, scholars and other researchers from around the country and the world interested in Racine, Kenosha and Southeastern Wisconsin. We provide guidance and support to local schools, community groups and historical agencies.
University Records
It is the Archives primary mission to document the history of UW-Parkside by preserving and making accessible the records of the university and its predecessor institutions. We acquire records from all levels of the university, including administrative and governance units; academic departments; athletic programs; and student organizations.
Parkside Area Research Center
The Parkside Area Research Center (ARC) was opened in 1977 and operates in connection with the Wisconsin Historical Society. It is part of a network of fourteen Wisconsin centers which make local public records and historical manuscripts available to the public. By participating in this statewide network of ARCs, the Archives is able to provide access to the holdings of the Wisconsin Historical Society and other ARCs via the ARC transfer system.
The Parkside ARC Collection includes:
- Birth, death, and marriage records
- Naturalization, probate, and property records for Racine and Kenosha counties
Local Manuscript Collection
In addition to its ARC holdings, the Archives Department also houses a variety of local and regional manuscript collections. These holdings include the Vincent F. Ruffolo 
Collection of Nash and AMC materials, the Irving Wallace collection, the National Association of College Learning Association records, and the records of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, among others.
Special Collections
The UW-Parkside’s Special Collections include a rich selection of Artists’ Books, small press publications and monographs published in or about Racine and Kenosha. It also contains first and rare editions as well as a number of signed editions.
Our Services
Area Research Center staff can answer in-person, e-mail, written and telephone requests for information.
The Archives is open to all UW-Parkside faculty, staff, and students and to the general public. No special permission or letters of reference are required, though appointments for weekend, evening or other special hours are necessary.
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. Please contact an Archives staff member for details.
