Celebrating 175 Years of Service, 1836-2011 - Wisconsin State Law Library

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Celebrating 175 Years of Service: 1836-2011

The federal legislation that established the territorial government of Wisconsin contained a short, but significant provision that appropriated five thousand dollars to be expended on the purchase of a library for the accommodation of the legislative assembly and the supreme court. The territorial act was approved April 20, 1836 – giving the State Law Library not only the basis for its existence but also reason to celebrate its 175th anniversary in 2011.

The staff of the State Law Library is very proud and excited to celebrate this special milestone, and so will be offering a variety of special activities and events throughout the year. Please join us in celebrating our past as we continue to maintain our collections and explore new ways to serve you.

Share Your Stories

Help celebrate the State Law Library’s 175th anniversary by sharing your memories of using the library. Whether you’ve been a library user for decades or just a few weeks, please tell us, in your own words, a favorite recollection or two.

During the 1984 Presidential race, Walter Mondale, accompanied by his running mate Geraldine Ferraro, spoke at a rally on the Capitol steps. For security reasons, the Secret Service had closed the Library and instructed that we shut all the windows and blinds. Not wanting to miss out on this historic event, we cracked the windows open and peeked out the blinds. It was exciting to be an eyewitness to history.

- Jane Colwin, State Law Librarian, 2000-2011

Share Your Memories!

Last Updated: December 1, 2011 | Up to Top