"As a professor, I tended to think of history as run by impersonal forces. But when you see it in practice, you see the difference personalities make."

- Henry Kissinger

 

Research & Collections

Collections Scope

The library and archival collections of the History Museum at the Castle focus on the social, economic, agricultural and industrial history of Outagamie County and the Lower Fox River Valley, (between Wrightstown and Neenah) especially following European settlement.

Our library contains published histories, city and county directories, atlases and plat maps as well as "vertical files" (subject based collection of research papers, notes, clippings and other ephemera).

The archival collection contains approximately 800 cu. ft. of manuscript collections from individuals and families, as well as records collections from business, clubs, and government offices. Approximately 35,000 photographic images are contained in the photograph collection.

Digital Collections from the History Museum and the Appleton Public Library are available at Fox Valley Memory.

Policies & Fees

The following policies and schedules define collection access and processes:

• Research & Collection Use Policy
• Research Fees
• Contract for Payment of Research Fees
• Photographic Reproduction Fees for local history and Houdini history
• Commercial Use Fees
• Moving Image Use and Reproduction Policies

Additional Resources

• Resources for Do-It-Yourself Research on Fox Valley History
• Independent Genealogical Researchers in the Outagamie County & Fox Cities Area
• Harry Houdini Reading List

Library & Archives

Research opportunities are available by appointment. Contact Matthew Carpenter,
Deputy Director
matt@myhistorymuseum.org920.735.9370 ext. 113

Artifact Donations

Artifact donations are considered by appointment only.
Contact Matthew Carpenter,
Deputy Director
matt@myhistorymuseum.org920.735.9370 ext. 113