Since 1964, the Mineral Point Library Archives (MPLA) has been collecting and preserving materials of enduring importance that tell the story of Mineral Point's history and heritage. These materials includes personal papers, letters and diaries, maps, photographs and other media as well as business and organization records. The MPLA is the repository for the City of Mineral Point records of enduring value. These include Council minutes, property tax records, school board records and much more.
The collections are arranged and described for ease of access. Researchers may use the following:
Finding Guides are written for each collection of original material. A Finding Guide gives a researcher background information and an inventory for a particular collection. Not all of the collections have a Finding Guide yet, but more become available on a regular basis.
The Photograph Database currently contains 9104 scanned images cross referenced with dates, names and places. The Archives photographs are not yet online but can be easily accessed during a visit to the Archives. Until that time, researchers may view hundreds of these images online at Recollections Wisconsin.
The Necrology Database is a "List of Deaths" in Mineral Point. It is searchable by last name, maiden name, birth date, death date, date and location of an obituary and place of burial.
The Surname Index is a new addition to the resources for researchers. Surnames are matched to the Necrology Database, the Vertical Files, published and unpublished genealogies, and veterans' biographies.
The Map Collection Index identifies maps by title, date, type and cartographer (if available.) Currently the Index contains over 200 maps ranging from Territorial days to modern times.
The Architectural & Engineering Drawings Index identifies drawings and plans by title, date, architect or engineer, client and media. The Index currently contains 80 drawings.
Oral Histories Index identifies our current collection by Interviewee, Interviewer, date, and subject. It also notes if a written transcription is available. You may listen to many of the interviews online.
The Old City Cemetery Database lists all the known burials being discovered during the Old City Cemetery Restoration Project. The database is searchable by name, maiden name, dates of birth and death and place of birth. The database also has links to biographies and photographs as these are developed. the Mineral Point Library Archives is pleased to sponsor the OCC Database.
For more information on doing research in the Mineral Point Library Archives, click here.
The Archives' staff welcomes your questions or donations of material. Contact the Mineral Point Library Archives with your questions or comments.