The Recollection Wisconsin Digitization Initiative (RWDI) connects libraries, archives, and cultural organizations across the state with graduate student interns to digitize local history collections. Through these partnerships, RWDI helps ensure that photographs, yearbooks, published histories, and archival materials documenting Wisconsin communities are preserved and shared online for anyone to explore. We’re thrilled to welcome our spring 2026 participants!
Bri Quintero Bungert + Amy Peterson + Farnsworth Public Library (Oconto, Wisconsin)
Bri Quintero Bungert (UW-Madison iSchool) joins the Farnsworth Public Library in Oconto, working under the guidance of Library Director Amy Peterson. With a background in illustration and a passion for archives and digitization, Bri brings a creative eye to preserving and sharing local history and is currently working with the Helen Louise Allen Textile Collection, part of the Nancy M. Bruce Center for Design and Material Culture at UW-Madison.
Prior to becoming Library Director, Amy served on the Farnsworth Library Board for many years and was President of Friends of Farnsworth Library. Housed in a very cool historic 1903 building listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Farnsworth Public Library has long been a steward of Oconto’s past. Their digitization project will focus on school yearbooks and other archival materials that tell the story of the community, making it easier for residents, researchers, and history enthusiasts everywhere to explore Oconto’s rich heritage online. Learn more about the library at https://www.ocontofpl.org.
Erik Daniels + Renee Anhalt + Madison Area Technical College (Madison, Wisconsin)
Erik Daniels (UW-Madison iSchool) joins Madison Area Technical College under the supervision of Renee Anhalt, Health Programs & Electronic Collections Management Librarian, to help bring the college’s history to life. Erik first discovered his interest in archives while volunteering at the Wisconsin Center for Film and Theater Research, and this project builds on that experience. After graduation, he hopes to move to Manhattan to begin his career in archives and libraries.
Renee is dedicated to preserving the college’s institutional memory by recording its history and sharing the stories and experiences of students and the college community. By digitizing materials such as photographs, yearbooks, and other historical records, this project helps ensure these stories remain accessible and meaningful for current and future generations. Visit the MATC Libraries website at https://madisoncollege.edu/library to learn more.
Magnolia Sandell + Sarah French + Whitewater Public Library (Whitewater, Wisconsin)
At Whitewater Public Library, Magnolia Sandell (UW-Madison iSchool) will work with Assistant Director Sarah French on a digitization project rooted in community connection. Magnolia holds a degree in Music and an LIS certificate from Central Washington University and brings hands-on experience digitizing a local playwright’s collection during an internship at Ellensburg Public Library, along with a strong interest in history and information literacy. Sarah French also serves as the public services supervisor and adult reference librarian. She has worked in public libraries since 2017 in a variety of roles, including youth services, programming, and makerspaces.
This spring, Magnolia will digitize a range of materials document Whitewater’s past, helping community members discover and share their stories. The project supports the library’s commitment to providing equitable and educational materials, programs, and services to people of all ages, using literacy, knowledge, and curiosity to create positive and meaningful library experiences. Learn more about Whitewater Public Library at https://whitewaterlibrary.org.
Thank You!
Our sincere thanks to the State of Wisconsin, UW-Madison iSchool, UW-Milwaukee SOIS and WiLS and Recollection Wisconsin staff and leadership for their continued support of our Digitization Initiative. Their commitment makes it possible for libraries and cultural organizations across the state to preserve community history while mentoring the next generation of information professionals. These partnerships play a vital role in keeping Wisconsin’s local stories accessible, discoverable, and meaningful for years to come.
For more information about the Recollection Wisconsin Digitization Initiative, visit https://recollectionwisconsin.org/rwdi or contact vicki (at) wils.org.
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