La Crosse Public Library Archives Department
ARCHIVES
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The La Crosse Public Library Archives is full of resources for anyone interested in the history of the La Crosse area, as well as anyone researching their ancestors. Archives staff are available to assist with any questions you may have.
Reopening
The La Crosse Public Library Archives is open for appointments! No walk-in traffic, please. Those who wish to use the Archives can call or emailto amke an appointment or submit a research request. Patrons are encouraged to check the main library website (lacrosselibrary.org) and social media for updates.
Mission
The mission of the Archives and Local History Department of the La Crosse Public Library is to develop and promote a vital connection within the community between the past, present, and future by collecting, maintaining, and providing and promoting access to local historical and genealogical records.
Burns Park: A Community Legacy
Timothy Burns, a native of Dublin, Ireland, was an important figure in La Crosse's early development. Despite his early death at age 33, his contributions are memorialized in the naming of Burns Park.
La Crosse's Struggle for Safe Water
The city’s first waterworks was designed mainly for fire protection.
Prosper Steves and Loretto the Cork Woman
Prosper Steves, flower seller and creator of the fountains and landscaping in Oak Grove Cemetery, is one of the many lesser-known early La Crosse pioneers.