Orientation To SCHRC

 

1. When I arrive at SCHRC what can I expect?

When you arrive at SCHRC you will be welcomed by a staff member or volunteer, and asked if this your first visit to SCHRC. If so, you will then be asked to sign-in for the day and given a form to fill out. You may go into the library to complete the registration form. This form is filled out once each year by every staff member and researcher. It keeps our records up-to-date. A staff member will verify your registration form and check a photo ID.

After that you will asked the question, How may we help you? And you will be assigned a research assistant.

 

2. Why must I sign in each day before researching at SCHRC?

SCHRC uses the register to keep track of a number of things: Who’s in the building right now. How do I find someone to share new information? How many people use the center each year and where they come from?

Also, the register is one small security measure.

 

3. Why must I show a photo ID to research?

Again, the photo ID is one small security measure. This collection is privately owned and the staff is responsible for its safe keeping.

 

4. Do I do the research or will someone at SCHRC do it for me?

SCHRC research assistants will guide you through your research. They do not do the research. You do the research. But, assistants will help you by suggesting a variety of items to use, new avenues of research and new connections to your problems. They will give a short tour of the facility if this is your first visit to the Research Center.

 

5. What should I bring to SCHRC?

In order to do great research you will need to know family names and have some basic dates. Bring enough information to fully identify people. If you’re doing land or property research, bring along a legal description. You can find it on your tax bill.

 

6. May I check out items and take them home to use?

No, items available for research at SCHRC are non-circulating. They may not be removed from the building. You may make copies of most items at a cost.

 

7. Where does SCHRC’s material come from?

SCHRC’s collection was started by members of the Sheboygan County Genealogy Society, Sheboygan County Landmarks Ltd. and the Sheboygan County Historical Society in 1983. Members of these groups thought a central location was needed for records, and their personal collections were the nucleus of the archive. In the years since 1983, thousands of people and companies have donated items and collections to SCHRC for use by the general public. Each researcher is encouraged to donate items to more fully expand information on their own families. People move and after cleaning their homes donate relevant materials. Businesses close or are sold and items come here. Other historical societies send collections of appropriate materials. Material comes to SCHRC in many ways.

 

8. Why don’t you have any information on my family?

Because the collection is comprised of donated material there may be gaps. If your topic or family is not represented at the Research Center, we encourage you to begin collecting information and then send SCHRC a great package of your information so you will be represented. Also, check back regularly. SCHRC acquires new material on a daily basis. Many researchers come back year after year and always find something new.

 

9. I have my own scanner and copy machine. May I bring them to SCHRC?

The answer is no. We do not permit the use of scanners, cameras or privately owned copiers in the Research Center. Copying is one source of revenue for SCHRC. We need you to use our copiers. If you need quality copies of photos, you may buy computer scans or darkroom images for a cost. See the services section of this website for prices.

 

10. I have all my records on my laptop computer. May I bring it to SCHRC?

The answer is yes. You may bring your laptop as long as it operates on battery mode. SCHRC is not equipped at this time with appropriate electrical connections. Cords represent a walking hazard.

 

11. Where may I park? I see signs that say a permit is needed.

You may park on Adams Street to the south of the Research Center, and you may park in the parking spaces behind the Research Center in the alley. There are signs that say a permit is required, but that is only to prevent overnight parking. You may park in any of the spaces behind the Center.

 

12. What relationship does SCHRC have with the Sheboygan County Historical Museum and Society?

The Sheboygan County Historical Research Center is a private archive. It is a sister organization to the Sheboygan County Historical Society and museum. The two organizations work very closely together, but are, in fact, two distinct entities with similar purposes.

The Sheboygan County Historical Museum collects artifacts (chairs, clothing, farm machinery) associated with Sheboygan County. Sheboygan County Historical Research Center collects the paper history (maps, photos, newspaper articles, scrapbooks) of the county. Remember this: If you dust it, it goes to SCHS. If you file it, it comes here.

 

13. I have some wonderful items that SCHRC might want. Will you buy my collection?

SCHRC does not buy items for its collection. There is no money in the budget for acquisitions. Everything in the archive has been donated to SCHRC through the kindness of people concerned with preserving Sheboygan County history.