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Archival ResearchIntroduction ........................................................................17Land Use History.................................................................18Archival Resources ..............................................................19Serial Files and Map Collections ..........................................21Journals/Serial Publications/Published Sources .....................24Standard Physiographic References .....................................25Checklists for Archival Research..........................................25

IntroductionArchival or background research conducted inassociation with archeological investigationsinvolves compiling a project-specific summaryof known archeological properties, known ar-cheological contexts, previous investigations,and relevant environmental variables. Archivalor pre-field research should be undertakenprior to conducting field investigations andshould not be limited to Wisconsin if the pro-ject is located near the border of Illinois, Iowa,Minnesota, or Michigan. The specificity andfocus of archival research varies with the leveland scale of the associated investigation.However, most projects can be assigned to oneof three broad categories.

First, and probably most common, is researchundertaken in support of planned field work.In this case, the purpose of archival researchis to obtain background information adequateto (1) develop an effective research design, (2)select an appropriate field methodology, (3)allow for later interpretation of the results offield work, and (4) provide a basis for pre-liminary evaluation of identified sites. Archi-val research undertaken in conjunction withPhase I identification studies will be morebroadly based than research associated withPhase II testing and evaluation or Phase IIIdata recovery projects. A second applicationof archival research is as an information-gathering tool for non–field-based researchprojects. Such background studies are oftendesigned to furnish information necessary todevelop a formal historic context or providedata required by a specific research objective.

The sources described in this chapter representa comprehensive list and would not be relevant

for every Public Archeology project. At mini-mum, the following sources should be checkedprior to conducting field investigations:

• the Archaeological Site Inventory(ASI) with associated USGS quadran-gles (Office of the State Archaeologist)

• the Wisconsin Burial Inventory(WBSI)

• the Bibliography of Archaeological re-ports (Office of the State Archaeolo-gist)

These sources will identify any previously re-ported archeological sites and survey in thearea.

Land Use HistoryA third application of archival research is as ascreening technique to determine the necessityfor actual field observations or to help definean appropriate scope of work for a particularinvestigation. In this case, the goal of archivalresearch is often the compilation of a land usehistory (LUH). A land use history representsan attempt to develop a detailed history of aparticular parcel of land with regard to usageand alteration of the original landscape. Such astudy typically consists of three components.The first is directed toward compiling the ac-tual history of the parcel in question. The sec-ond focuses on compiling a record of naturaland cultural processes that may have affectedany resources potentially present. The finalcomponent provides an assessment of the par-cel’s potential to harbor historic resources.

An LUH should reference any record of pastuse of the property. Of particular concern aredocumented developments such as structures;sewer, water, and utility improvements; land-

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scaping; or other land alterations. The LUHshould be reviewed also in relation to com-munity and regional histories and physi-ographic studies, to assess the parcel’s po-tential for archeological or historicalsignificance. Particular attention should bepaid to presettlement vegetation, soil type, andlandform class. Finally, an effort should bemade to document individuals or groups as-sociated with the property through time. Thedegree to which any LUH is developed for aproject should be based on the project’s sizeand the severity of potential impacts to ar-cheological properties. The following list en-compasses all possible sources; not every onewould be relevant for a specific project.

In addition to the archival resources discussedin a later section, the following resources areparticularly cogent to the development of aland use history:

• county histories• county soil books• regional physiographic studies or land-

form analyses• maps and aerial photographs• plat books• Government Land Office (GLO) sur-

vey notes and field sheets• deeds and tract indices• county atlases• Wisconsin Land Economic Inventory• tax records (rolls and judgments)• post-GLO survey records• census data• state-level development permits• municipal building permits• local newspaper archives• local historical collections and photo-

graphic archives• oral histories• informant interviews

The second component of the LUH shouldfocus on identification of various land usepractices that may have affected cultural re-sources on the parcel. Essentially, this part ofthe study consists of developing a list of dis-turbances associated with the historic uses of

the property. Disturbances may include natu-ral processes such as erosion, inundation,sedimentation, mass wasting, or eolian epi-sodes. Disturbances traceable to culturalevents include various land-clearing practices;agricultural utilization; timbering or otherlogging-related operations; mineral or petro-leum exploitation; construction of facilities,structures, or roadways; and emplacement ofutilities.

This part of the LUH should pay particularconcern to the nature of specific disturbances.For example, disturbances such as land lev-eling, deep plowing, or excavation of base-ments and structure foundations destroy orradically transform most archeological re-sources affected. However, massive fill epi-sodes or episodic flooding and accompanyingsedimentation may have very limited adverseeffects or in certain cases actually act to pre-serve some kinds of archeological resources.

The final component of the LUH consists of asynthesis of the data compiled in the first twocomponents. The goal of this effort is a practi-cal assessment of the probability that a par-ticular parcel of land may harbor potentiallysignificant resources. The assessment shouldbe made with explicit reference to the kinds ofprior land use, the nature and extent of docu-mented disturbances, the range of prehistoricor historic resources potentially present, andthe potential of the landscape to harbor intactor remnant archeological deposits.

Land use histories are most effective whendealing with clearly circumscribed projectboundaries of limited areal extent; i.e., indi-vidual lots or parcels of less than about 100acres. The LUH approach does not readilylend itself to areally extensive corridor sur-veys or to reconnaissance of tracts in excessof several hundred acres. Archeological in-vestigations that target urban settings or for-mer or present industrialized land will readilybenefit from compiling of an LUH prior toinitiation of field studies. However, land usehistories centered on rural tracts can also pro-vide useful data, depending on the nature andextent of the rural developments involved. Ingeneral, the LUH approach can lead to morecost-effective field studies guided by robust,focused research designs.

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Archival ResourcesListed below are major Wisconsin archivalresources housing essential information forarcheological investigations. The list is neitherexhaustive nor exclusive and is intended toserve only as a basic frame of reference.

The State Historical Society of Wisconsin(SHSW)The State Historical Society of Wisconsin(SHSW), located on the campus of the Uni-versity of Wisconsin-Madison, houses themost essential resources for archival research.The SHSW includes a number of related de-partments or resources. Major SHSW re-sources are listed below.

The Division of Historic Preservation,Compliance Section. This departmentmaintains a computerized database and paperfiles of all federally and state-mandated ar-cheological and architectural investigationsthat are currently under review or have beenreviewed in the past three years. After threeyears, the Compliance Section purges its filesand transfers the purged records to the Officeof the State Archaeologist (OSA). Purged re-cords are reviewed by the OSA staff and ex-traneous materials are discarded; the remain-ing records are filed by county, year, andproject. These records may contain copies ofsurvey reports as well as correspondence,project maps, and miscellaneous documents.

Office of the State Archaeologist (OSA).The Office of the State Archaeologist (OSA)acts as a clearinghouse for information relatedto archeology in Wisconsin. The office is re-sponsible for administering and overseeing anumber of programs related to preservationand management of historic properties inWisconsin. Among the direct responsibilitiesof the OSA are overseeing the Regional Ar-chaeology Program, awarding Survey andPlanning Grants, and approving Archeologi-cal Field Permits. The OSA is also responsi-ble for preparing State and National Registerof Historic Places nominations, coordinatingthe state tax exemption program, and assign-ing trinomial state site numbers to newly

codified archeological sites. In addition, theOSA maintains the archeological site recordsfor the state and also compiles the Bibliogra-phy of Archeological Reports (BAR).

The Burial Sites Preservation Office(BSPO). The BSPO is responsible for coor-dinating a statewide effort to record and pro-tect human burial sites. The BSPO maintainsthe Wisconsin Burial Sites Inventory(WBSI), which contains records of burialplaces or likely burial places (e.g., placeswhere human bone has been found) recordedto date. In addition, the BSPO maintains a setof USGS 7.5' quadrangle maps showing thelocations of all codified burial sites andcemeteries in Wisconsin.

Archives Division. The Archives Division,housed in the SHSW building on theUW–Madison campus, contains a wide rangeof primary materials including correspon-dence, maps, and photos relating to archeo-logical sites and archeological investigationsin Wisconsin.

State Historical Society Library. The StateHistorical Society Library, housed in theSHSW building on the UW–Madison cam-pus, houses an extensive collection of pub-lished sources relating to Wisconsin prehis-tory and history. The collection includesbooks, scholarly journals, popular magazines,and pamphlets.

American Geographical Society (AGS)The American Geographical Society collec-tion, housed at the University of Wiscon-sin–Milwaukee’s Golda Meir Library, com-prises one of the premier geographicalresearch facilities in the western hemisphere.Included are maps, charts, photos, atlases,books, journals, and satellite imagery of mostareas of the earth. The collection contains afair selection of archeological and anthropo-logical resources, including maps, historicalatlases, and various geographical and geologi-cal data sets.

Area Research CentersThe various Area Research Centers estab-lished throughout the state offer regionally

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specific information dealing with the prehis-tory and history of portions of Wisconsin.Regional coverage and holdings are uneven,and emphasis varies from center to center.Other sources to check at Area ResearchCenters include map and air photo libraries,such as the Robinson Map Library atUW–Madison.

State Regional Archaeology CentersThe regional offices house a number of re-sources useful in archival research. For ex-ample, each regional site has hard copy re-cords of the ASI files and a set of 7.5' USGSquad maps with archeological data keyed tothe ASI for the counties within its region. Theregional centers also have computerized ASIrecords, online access to the SHSW’s data-base, or both. Each regional office also has amicrofilm copy of the Charles E. Brown ar-cheology manuscripts for the counties withinits purview.

Centers commonly have recently generatedsite and survey data not yet reported to theSHSW or codified in the ASI. In addition,most centers maintain a library of culturaloverviews, cultural study units, and other re-ports produced by the center along with re-ports of regional compliance-driven investi-gations. Regional centers typically curate avariety of reference collections along withnames and addresses of individuals, agencies,and institutions that may have information re-garding sites, planning documents, and otherpertinent data. Regional centers also have sitefiles, notes, maps, and photo documents thatcan be more extensive than those of the ASI.

Local Historical/Archeological SocietiesLocal historical societies are typically county-wide in focus. However, city-oriented institu-tions occur also. These facilities range widelyin the nature and extent of their holdings. Cu-ration and retrieval capabilities vary also.Holdings may include artifact collections,first-hand accounts of historical significance,and a variety of historical records. Local ar-cheological societies tend to be more widelyfocused in terms of a geographical area ofinterest. Only rarely do such organizationsmaintain curated research collections. How-

ever, individual members often maintain well-provenienced and readily accessible collec-tions of archeological materials and site loca-tion data.

Tribal Preservation OfficesMany tribal governments have formally orga-nized historic preservation offices. Oftenthese facilities include archival materials re-lating to the tribe’s regionally specific his-tory. In some cases, museum-quality exhibitsand research collections are available also.

Avocational Archeologists and the PublicResidents with special knowledge of a par-ticular area may possess a variety of unpub-lished data relevant to the local cultural re-source base. Material may include artifactcollections, historical documents, photos, andmaps. Such individuals are often extremelyknowledgeable concerning details of the localprehistoric and historic sequence.

Serial Files and Map CollectionsIt is recommended that the following list ofresources be consulted during the course of acomprehensive archival search. Major catego-ries include serial and map collections, pub-lished materials including journals and otherserial publications, and physiographic refer-ence materials.

Archeological Site Inventory (ASI)The Archeological Site Inventory (ASI) ismaintained by the Office of the State Archae-ologist. The archeological site records consistof two related components, the ArcheologicalSite Inventory (ASI) and a set of USGS 7.5'quadrangle maps. The ASI files are main-tained as a computerized database containinglistings for all codified archeological andburial sites in Wisconsin. Access to the ASIis provided by Borland Paradox™, a rela-tional database manager for IBM-compatiblecomputers that is currently supported by theSHSW computer system. The ASI records

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are updated daily. Hard-copy records (up-dated monthly) are available upon request.ASI database information is also available ateach Regional Archaeology Center. The OSAmap file consists of USGS 7.5’ quadranglemaps showing the location of codified ar-cheological sites and areas that have beensubjected to formal archeological survey. Sitelocations and survey areas represent ap-proximate depictions of actual size and con-figuration. It is important to note that theOSA map file does not contain a completelisting of recorded burial sites or cemetery lo-cations; that listing is available from the Bur-ial Sites Preservation Office (see below).

Wisconsin Burial Sites Inventory (WBSI)This file is a subset of the ASI database. Es-sentially, the WBSI contains all records ofburial places or likely burial places (e.g.,places where human bone has been found)recorded in the ASI to date. Some of thesesites are sufficiently well-documented to beconsidered cataloged burial sites and areidentified as such. The data are compiledlargely by the Burial Sites Preservation Office(SHSW).

National and State Registers of HistoricPlaces (NRHP)The Division of Historic Preservation at theSHSW maintains a list of all Wisconsinproperties listed on, or officially determinedeligible for listing on, the National Register ofHistoric Places. The Division also maintains alist of all properties listed on, or determinedeligible for listing on, the State Register ofHistoric Places.

Inventory of Historic Structures (IHS)The Division of Historic Preservation main-tains a computer-based inventory and associ-ated card file of all known structures of his-toric and/or architectural interest. All sites inthe inventory and all areas surveyed are plot-ted on either 15' or 7.5' USGS quadranglemaps. Some historic archeological sites notlisted in the ASI are listed in the IHS.

Bibliography of Archeological Reports(BAR)The OSA maintains a bibliography of reportscompiled under the SHPO-reviewed compli-ance program, including compliance archeol-ogy reports (active and inactive), reports ofsurvey and planning studies, and RegionalArchaeology Center reports. The BAR wasbegun in 1977 and contains references datingto 1975. Bibliographies are compiled by cal-endar year, updated by December of the fol-lowing year, and available in print or as acomputer file.

Charles E. Brown Manuscript Files (CEBMss.) and Archeological Atlas (CEB Atlas)The Brown manuscripts, housed in the Ar-chives Division of the SHSW, consist of 50years of notes, correspondence, sketches,maps, and other data relating to historic andprehistoric archeological sites. Information isorganized according to county. These manu-scripts are also available on microfilm in theSHSW Library. Pertinent portions of theCEB Mss. are also available at each RegionalArchaeology Center. The Charles E. BrownArcheological Atlas is housed in the ArchivesDivision. The Atlas provides the locations ofarcheological sites plotted on county platmaps. The prehistoric and historic sites in-clude camps, villages, mounds, springs, rockart, workshops, quarries, cemeteries, trails, andvarious other archeological manifestations.Pertinent portions of the CEB Atlas are alsoavailable at each Regional Archaeology Cen-ter.

County Archeological Site FilesA set of files indexed by county are main-tained by the OSA. These files contain moredetailed information on some of the siteslisted in the ASI. These records often includeunpublished reports, photographs, sketchmaps, feature forms, letters, and miscellane-ous information.

Museum Archaeology Program FilesAn additional set of county files is maintainedby the Museum Archaeology Program(MAP). These files include extensive maps,

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field notes, photographic materials, projectcorrespondence, and reports generated byfield investigations conducted for highwayconstruction projects and other public arche-ology projects undertaken by the programsince 1957. The MAP also maintains a bib-liographic database, ethnobotanical database,and project-tracking database.

Wisconsin Land Economic Inventory(WLEI)The WLEI consists of a set of maps depictingland use by section for most of Wisconsin.The inventory was conducted in the 1930sand 1940s and reports a variety of culturaland natural features. A complete set of mapsis housed in the Archives Division; a lesscomplete set is available at the AGS collectionin Milwaukee.

Trygg Map FileThe Trygg map file is a privately publishedcomposite of the GLO land survey records.These maps are less detailed than the GLOplats; however, the file is an important sourceof data relating to regional development dur-ing the late historic period (ca. 1850).

UW–Madison Map LibraryThe UW–Madison Map Library contains awide selection of cartographic resources. It islocated in Science Hall on the UW–Madisoncampus.

Wisconsin State Cartographer’s OfficeThis facility, located in Science Hall on theUW–Madison campus, functions as a clear-inghouse for mapping-related topics. TheCartographer’s Office publishes a periodi-cally updated Wisconsin Catalog of AerialPhotography. Currently, this catalog lists allknown aerial photography taken from 1936 to1993.

Journals/Serial Publica-tions/Published SourcesThe Wisconsin Archeologist

This quarterly journal of the Wisconsin Ar-cheological Society has been published con-tinuously since 1901. The Archeologist is avaluable source of information on Wisconsinprehistory, history, and archeology.

Bulletin of the Milwaukee Public MuseumThis now-defunct series contains detailed ac-counts of archeological investigations, ethno-graphic studies, and historical narrativesdealing with Wisconsin.

Milwaukee Public Museum YearbookOnce published annually, the yearbooks con-tain accounts of various archeological andethnographic projects undertaken by museumpersonnel in Wisconsin and elsewhere.

Milwaukee Public Museum Publications inAnthropologyThis now-defunct series includes scholarlytreatments of anthropological and archeologi-cal investigations.

Wisconsin Magazine of HistoryThis is the journal of the SHSW and containsa wide range of articles dealing with Wiscon-sin prehistory and history.

County Plat BooksNewer editions provide information on cur-rent ownership, and older editions often con-tain information that allows reconstruction ofchanging land use patterns and determinationof original date of settlement.

County HistoriesCounty histories range from unpublished nar-ratives and personal diaries to professionallyresearched studies. Often these historiescontain accounts of contacts between early

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county settlers and historically known tribalgroups.

Physiographic Data and StandardReferencesThe Government Land Office (GLO) Mapsand NotesThe Government Land Office records consistof plats and survey notes that contain infor-mation regarding presettlement vegetation, to-pography, and aquatic features. Also noted onthe maps is cultural information such as thelocations of Indian trails, camps, and villages;maple sugar processing stations; pioneer set-tlements; and early industrial improvementssuch as mills, roads, homes ,and farmsteads.The GLO records are available at the Wis-consin State Archives. Microfilmed facsimilesare available at some Regional Centers.

County Soil Survey MapsCounty soils maps and accompanying docu-mentation are available from Soil ConservationService offices located in each county.

County Cartographic CataloguesThese compendiums are issued by the Officeof the State Cartographer.

Wetland Inventory MapsThis series of maps delineates formally rec-ognized wetland areas within Wisconsin. Themaps are available from the Wisconsin De-partment of Natural Resources (WDNR).

Wisconsin Natural and Scenic AreasThis relatively recent program, developed bythe WDNR, is not yet fully documented.However, the proposed scheme will delineatea number of natural regions defined with ref-erence to a complex set of environmental vari-ables. The resulting divisions may be moreuseful for archeological interpretation thanconventional divisions based solely on vege-tation or physiographic data.

Standard Physiographic ReferencesCurtis, John T.1959 The Vegetation of Wisconsin—An Or-

dination of Plant Communities. TheUniversity of Wisconsin Press, Madi-son.

Finley, Robert W.1951 The Original Vegetation Cover of

Wisconsin. Ph.D. dissertation, Univer-sity of Wisconsin–Madison.

1970 Geography of Wisconsin, A ContentOutline. College Printing & Publish-ing, Madison.

1976 Original Vegetation Cover of Wiscon-sin from U.S. General Land OfficeNotes (1:500,000 map). North CentralForest Experiment Station. ForestService, USDA, St. Paul, Minnesota.

Hole, Francis D.1976 The Soils of Wisconsin. University of

Wisconsin Press, Madison.

Martin, Lawrence1965 The Physical Geography of Wiscon-

sin, 3rd ed. University of WisconsinPress, Madison.

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Paull, Rachell Krebs, and Richard A. Paull1977 Geology of Wisconsin and Upper

Michigan—Including Parts of Adja-cent States. Kendal/Hunt, Dubuque,IA.

Checklists for Archival ResearchThe Archaeological Literature and RecordsReview Checklist form was developed by theMuseum Archaeology Program at the SHSWto record information generated by the litera-ture and records search prior to undertakingfield investigations. The Historic Structureschecklist was developed by the Great LakesArchaeological Research Center.

These forms are presented as a possible toolfor easily summarizing literature search in-formation for inclusion in a technical report.Not every source listed is relevant for everyPublic Archeology project; the forms includethose sources commonly checked prior toinitiating field investigations.

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