In the puzzle of history, archives are the clues. records created by individuals, institutions and governments. the institutions that preserve them. Archives are:

The UW Oshkosh Archives and Area Research Center University Archives University Records from Area Research Center Records of the State Historical Society for Dodge, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Marquette and Winnebago counties. One of 14 ARCs statewide. Transfer system allows for collections from across the state to be used here.

So, what are archives really? Types of Records: correspondence, diaries, business records, government records, interviews, speeches, minutes of meetings, newspapers, etc. Formats: paper, photographs, sound recordings, film and video recordings, electronic records. Archival, primary resources are “of” history and not “about” history.

Puzzle: Who were the victims of the flu? Records and publications to use to find out: –Death records –Newspaper obituaries –Census records (1910) –Naturalization records –City directories –Other vital records –& many more

Death Records death records are available from the Winnebago County Register of Deeds office. County Court House 415 Jackson St. $9 a copy

Newspapers Microfilm of papers dated October – December Oshkosh Northwestern Menasha Record Neenah Times Omro Herald Winneconne Local

1910 Census The census asked questions about the entire family. Information includes age, citizenship and marital status, occupation and level of education. Unlike other censuses, there is no index available for You must know street address to locate a family.

First, get address from death record. Locate which ward the street is in.

Phillip Gordon lives at th St. with his wife Mary and their six children.

Early naturalization records tell us where the person immigrated from, when and where they entered the country. Post 1906 records are more descriptive. Winnebago records from All are indexed.

City directories list people by name and by address. Volumes available from 1862, including 1916, 1914, 1912 & 1908.

Vital records include birth, death, marriage and divorce records. The UW Oshkosh Archives has pre B,D & M and divorces from & Cost to copy= 10 cents. The Winnebago Register of Deeds has all B, D & M and no divorces. Cost to copy= $9. Indexes are available at both locations.

Other clues for the puzzle High school annuals Most at Oshkosh Public Library, some at archives. Probate (Wills) List of all probate action August 1918 – June 1919 is available at archives. Tax Rolls Depending on community, check archives. Maps Plat maps will show ownership of land in rural areas. Sandborn maps will show details of houses in cities and towns.

The essentials The Archives and Area Research Center is located on the 3 rd floor of the Polk Library. Open: Monday – Friday 9:00 – 12:00 & 1:00 – 4:00 & Tuesday evenings from 6:00 – 10:00 No archivist on Tuesday mornings.

The rules Materials do not circulate (you cannot check them out) Materials can only be use during hours of archives. Register upon first visit Sign in and out upon every visit. Pencils only when using paper records.

Good luck