UWRF University Archives & Area Research Center

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UWRF University Archives & Area Research Center We collect and preserve materials that document the history of UWRF and Northwestern Wisconsin. Croix Counties.

Located in room 170 in the lower level of the Chalmer Davee Library at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, the University Archives and the River Falls Area Research Center operate within one facility but are two distinct entities, each with their own collections. The UW-River Falls University Archives is the official repository for the permanent, historical records of the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. The River Falls Area Research Center (ARC) is one of fourteen research facilities in a University of Wisconsin System statewide network in coordination with the Wisconsin Historical Society. The River Falls ARC provides students, faculty, and the general public local access to historical materials, local government records, manuscripts, newspapers, and historical and genealogical materials representing the region encompassing Burnett, Pierce, Polk, and St. Social Media Statement
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clubs, organizations, etc.) may also be authorized by UMC in accordance with its policies. Any links to external content posted in this account are not endorsements. UWRF is not
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used, published, copied and/or reprinted, should not post on UWRF social media accounts. For questions regarding this statement, contact UMC at [email protected] or 715-425-3771

10/09/2026
06/25/2026

New display opens this evening at the River Falls Public Library to help celebrate our country's 250th. Two of our board members, Jayne Hoffman and Julie Huebel researched and designed the display and it is sponsored by the River Falls Historic Preservation Commission with artifacts from our collection included. It will be available to view during regular library hours in the lower level of the library until next spring.

Join the library tonight for special guest speaker, Kevin Weddle, at 6:30pm and view the new displays (doors open at 6pm).

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! Images below are from commencement day, Spring 2006.
05/09/2026

Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
Images below are from commencement day, Spring 2006.

Interesting find by one of our researchers today. A letter from the H.L. Dousman Family Papers, on loan from the Wiscons...
04/03/2026

Interesting find by one of our researchers today. A letter from the H.L. Dousman Family Papers, on loan from the Wisconsin Historical Society.
Dated April 6, 1858. From H.S. Allen at Chippewa Falls to Col. H.L. Dousman, providing details of a local disaster. Water and ice have wrecked the mill and loosed the lumber in the booms. Worst damage he’s ever seen. Thieves are stealing, we’re rushing to rebuild, we need the “means” to rebuild, assumes he and Dousman can talk.

What tidbits of information can you make out?

[image descriptions: three images of handwritten letters]

Check out our latest blog post by Archives student assistant Kinsey!
04/03/2026

Check out our latest blog post by Archives student assistant Kinsey!

Distinguished Alumni of UW River Falls Since 1959, the University of Wisconsin–River Falls has honored exceptional graduates through the Distinguished Alumnus Award; one of the university’s most me…

04/01/2026

Request for photos

Liesl and Aaron Nelson currently own the old Carnegie library at 304 Locust Street. They are interested in any interior or exterior photos you may have of the old library that could be used in a future display. Any photos can be placed in the comments here or emailed to [email protected]. Thanks in advance!

(Postcard from personal collection)

Do you have photos or memories of the Swinging Bridge? Share them to help celebrate the upcoming 100th Anniversary!
03/12/2026

Do you have photos or memories of the Swinging Bridge? Share them to help celebrate the upcoming 100th Anniversary!

Happy Valentine’s Day from the Archives!Love is in the air… and in the Archives! These charming “I Heart” buttons from U...
02/14/2026

Happy Valentine’s Day from the Archives!

Love is in the air… and in the Archives! These charming “I Heart” buttons from UWRF Series 229 are a sweet reminder that Falcon pride never goes out of style. Whether they were pinned to a denim jacket, backpack, or lanyard, these little buttons share a big message: love for UWRF!

Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating the people and places that mean the most to us. For generations of students, alumni, faculty, and staff, UWRF has been the place where friendships began, passions were discovered, and lifelong memories were made.

These small pieces of memorabilia capture that feeling perfectly, because sometimes the simplest designs say it best.

What do you love most about UWRF? Share your favorite campus memory in the comments and help us spread the Falcon love today!

Address

330 E Cascade Avenue
River Falls, WI
54022

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 3pm
Tuesday 10am - 3pm
Wednesday 10am - 3pm
Thursday 10am - 3pm
Friday 10am - 3pm

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