Explore Wauwatosa’s Rich History at the Judith A. Simonsen Research Library
Discover a treasure trove of historical photographs, reference materials, and documents from Wauwatosa’s families, schools, churches, and businesses at the Judith A. Simonsen Research Library. Our dedicated volunteer researchers harness the library’s vast resources to answer your inquiries and curate materials for visitors to conduct their own research.
Named in honor of the late Judy Simonsen, a respected archivist from the Milwaukee County Historical Society, the library boasts professional policies and meticulously curated collections. For more information please visit our Research & Collections page.
The Judith A. Simonsen Research Library is located on the second floor of the Kneeland-Walker House (7406 Hillcrest Drive, Wauwatosa). The Kneeland-Walker House is not handicapped accessible.
Research in the library is available by appointment only. Please contact us to schedule an appointment.
Guidelines & Fees
Volunteers work to respond to research inquiries and will endeavor to provide answers to research questions. For the best results, please provide as much detail as possible in your submitted inquiry, including dates, address or location, and full names (indicate birth or married names). Research volunteers may take up to three weeks to respond to your inquiries.
For visitors who would like to do their own research, please list the materials that you need. The volunteer will contact you when they are ready.
General Public: $20 per hour research fee. In special instances where the requested information is readily available via our archives, newsletters, or city directories, is a $5 fee. House Histories are available for $25 – free to Members. Become a member.
Wauwatosa Historical Society Members: Initial inquiries that can be readily answered are free. Interested in accessing this benefit? Become a member.
Scans of historical photos are available for purchase. Scans of materials are available for additional fees.
Additional Resources
While our collection is a source of pride, it’s important to note that it may not be comprehensive. To supplement your research, we have compiled a list of community resources and their associated materials available at each location.
Milwaukee County Courthouse: vital records, probate records, or tax records
Wauwatosa City Hall: City Assessor Office, Permit Office, City Engineer
Wauwatosa Public Library: Newspapers on microfilm, Atlas microfiche
Milwaukee County Historical Society: Naturalization records, Civil Court cases, Coroners’ inquests
Milwaukee Public Library:Vital records pre-1912, Local History Room (genealogy)
Wisconsin Historical Society: Pre-1907 Vital Records Collection, Shipwreck database, Wisconsin name index