Exploring the Library: Library, Archives and Museum Partnership Strengthens Door County

by Steven Rice, Manager, Door County Historical Museum and Archives

Public service is nothing new at the Door County Library. With eight branches spread up and down Door County, the library has been a vital community anchor for decades. And thanks to its partnership with the Door County Historical Museum and Door County Archives – now entering its third year – the library can serve the community as never before.

The Door County Archives holds thousands of priceless photographs, documents and personal papers covering the full spectrum of Door County history. Since merging with the library in 2020, the archives has functioned as a “ninth branch” with a specific local-history focus. The archives can help community members with research projects, historical imagery requests and resource guidance. Archives staff also manage the Door County Speaks program, which makes oral-history equipment available for checkout at library branches.

Although it’s not a library branch, the Door County Historical Museum is also a part of the greater Door County Library family. Co-managed with the archives, the museum offers more than 80 years of historical experience, as well as a phenomenal collection of artifacts, to the library audience. Besides encouraging more year-round residents to visit the museum, the partnership offers exciting, new programming possibilities, such as last fall’s book talk and signing with local authors Joseph Tachovsky and Cynthia Kraack.

Whether you’re looking for a good book, information about your ancestral home, a photo of a beloved local business or a great place to spend a vacation afternoon, there’s a member of the Door County Library family that has you covered.