Genealogy and Local History

Tell Your Story

The library can help you discover your family's story. See below for links to a variety of research tools. 

Our helpful staff are also available to assist. For quick questions, or to arrange a tour of our genealogy materials, give us a call: (608) 643-8346. For detailed requests, please complete the form at the bottom of this page. Include as much information as possible, including name variations and birth and death dates.

Our Genealogy and Local History Collection

Local History Collection in Library:

• Books on Wisconsin History
• Obituary Files:
  • English language (1929-1953)
  • German language (1859-1929)
• Local Newspapers on Microfilm
  • Pioneer Press (1859-1952)
    • Printed in German until Sept. 19, 1929
  • Sauk County News (1882-1953)
    • Not all issues included
  • Sauk City Star (1952-2005)
• Cemetery Inscriptions of Sauk County (11 Volumes)
• Historic Photographs  - Courtesy Sauk County Historical Society
• Plat Books
• Vertical Files on Subjects of Local Interest

Digital Collections:

Some of our local history materials are now digitized. You can search Myrtle Cushing's property record notes and her translations of the Pionier Presse. The collections can be found here:

•  
  • DPLA -Digital Public Library of American
  • Recollection Wisconsin

Genealogical Databases

We also subscribe to two Genealogical Databases:

• Ancestry Library (available for in-library use only) 
• HeritageQuest (available at home with your library card)

Online Resources

• Tripp Heritage Museum
• Wisconsin Vital Records
  • Page includes info on cost and application forms, which can be printed out. See link labeled "genealogical research."
• Wisconsin Historical Society Library
  • Local History and Biography Articles (1860-1940)
• Wisconsin Hometown Stories
• Roots Web
  • Columbia County Roots Web
  • Dane County Roots Web
  • Sauk County Roots Web
• Cemeteries of Sauk County
• National Archive

Additional Institutional Resources

Sauk Prairie Historical Society
Tripp Heritage Museum
Jack Berndt, Museum Manager
565 Water Street Prairie du Sac, WI 53578
(608) 644-8444
www.saukprairiehistory.org
Historical photos posted regularly on Facebook at: "Sauk Prairie Area Historical Society."

Wisconsin Historical Society
816 State Street Madison, WI 53706
www.wisconsinhistory.org
General: (608) 264-6400
Genealogy: (608)264-6535

Sauk County Historical Society
531 Fourth Ave. Baraboo, WI 53913
(608) 356-1001
www.saukcountyhistory.org