The Baraboo archives of our organization was created to preserve railway history and facilitate research. Much of the material housed at LSRHA has been donated, while some important additional collections have been purchased through generous assistance from our associates and friends. Our strong passion for and dedication to the proper care of our collections is guided by the following principles:

• The primary purpose of these archives shall be the permanent care and preservation of railway history for the use of its associates and others interested in the railway history residing in our collections as an authentic source for prototypical reference.
• Realizing our archives collections may interest historians who are not currently LSRHA associates, every effort will be extended to accommodate requests within feasible time and effort limits.
• Use of images is for private personal research only. Permission for publication or use in any media requires prior written permission and additional fees. Download Permission Form HERE. Restrictions apply.

RESEARCH RULES and PROCEDURES

We encourage researchers to use our facilities in-person at Baraboo, Wisconsin. We are located near downtown, with ample street parking. Our 5,000 sq.ft. facility is climate-controlled and ADA accessible. Appointments in advance are strongly urged for research projects. Although we do not hold regular business hours due to the volunteer nature of our staffing, walk-ins will be accommodated if we are open at that time and at the discretion of volunteers.

There presently is no master catalog for the majority of the individual collections. Detailed cataloging is an on-going process and may be used by visiting our on-line Document Database. An archivist will help guide you toward subject matter you are seeking by targeting specific collections. We do have some items available for open browsing. They include:

• Official Guide of Railways, 1868-1984
• Official Railway Guide of Chicago, 1920-1931
• Official Railway Equipment Registers
• 29 Wisconsin County Plat Books, 1891-1951
• Illustrated Historical Atlas of Wisconsin, 1878
• Various maps, photographs, drawings on public display
• Extensive library of railroad-subject books, historical society magazines, and technical publications

Items cannot be removed from the building. Operation of cameras or other personal digital devices in the archives for the purpose of copying archive collection items is not permitted. A flatbed scanner and photocopy machine are available for duplication use for a fee (see below). We also have a large format scanner/printer to reproduce oversize drawings (see below). An archivist on duty will assist you. At this time, digital copies are not available other than from our website or internet database, or as stated below for large format drawings.

COSTS and PRICING

1. There is no charge for in-person research, however, donations are appreciated to offset our operating expenses.
2. Minimum charge of $25 per hour for staff-conducted research in your absence (1 hour minimum)
3. Self-Service In-Person Photocopies, 8½ x 11 or 8½ x 14: $0.25 ea; 11×17: $0.50.
4. Staff-facilitated photocopies subject to research time fee + $5.00 S&H up to 20 pages.
5. Large Format (up to 36 in. wide) copy pricing. S&H $20.00 for orders up to $100, $30 for orders over $100.

• $8.00 each drawing (up to 550 sq.in.)
• $10.00 each drawing (551-1,000 sq.in.)
• $20.00 each drawing (1,001-2,000 sq.in.)
• $30.00 each drawing (2,001-3,500 sq.in.)
• $40.00 each drawing (3,501-up sq.in.)
• Digital scan copy, same price, no S&H if emailed, research fee may apply if .

6. Maximum size of drawing may be limited due to pixel capacity of drawing scanner.
7. Drawing copies must be ordered using Drawing Order Form. All fields must be filled out to complete order.
8. Our Photo Archive has on-line ordering for prints and digital copies of photographs.

All funds received pay for direct copying costs and supporting operating expenses of the archives.

We appreciate your support!!