Educators in Wisconsin social studies classrooms can use Recollection Wisconsin in a number of ways, either by freely exploring the collection for images or documents to supplement lessons or by using some resources we’ve created to help guide you through the collection.

Explore the Collection

• Use newspaper articles, photographs and other primary sources as evidence to support a historical argument.
• Read original letters and diaries from Wisconsin settlers, immigrants and soldiers to understand multiple perspectives.
• Understand change over time by examining historic maps, photographs and artifacts.
• Explore our content partner map to find and connect with your local history organizations.
• See our search tips for finding what you need!

Use Our Guides and Curated Resources

Primary Sources to Engage Students in History – Images of historical people, places and events from their own communities can spark students’ curiosity about history and inspire inquiry-based learning. These documents share examples of the thousands of local primary sources available through Recollection Wisconsin for classroom use for either elementary or secondary grades.

Online Exhibits – Explore the history of sausage-making, take a tour of early department stores or get a closer look at intricately beaded Native American bandolier bags. Learn more about these and other state and local history topics in online exhibits curated by Wisconsin historians and other experts.

Collections by Subject – View collections by subject categories such as African-American History, Early Statehood, Native and Indigenous History, or Immigration and Settlement to build your own activities to meet your students’ needs.