The Kvamme Local History Collection provides materials relating to the Stoughton area and its residents. This collection serves as a useful resource for research into genealogy, Norwegian culture and the history of the city and its surroundings. The Kvamme Local History Collection was founded in May 1984 by Lois Kvamme as a memorial to her husband, Torstein O. Kvamme. Mr. Kvamme was a former principal, band and history teacher at the local high school. Through gifts and donations, the collection has continued to grow over the years.
Digitized Resources
Selected materials from the Kvamme files have been digitized in cooperation with Wisconsin's South Central Library System (SCLS). This project was funded through a Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant.
Services
The Kvamme Collection is a free, self-service resource for the public. Adult Services Staff are available to provide an overview of the collection and basic assistance to patrons during normal library hours. Inquiries by mail, phone and email are welcome. Photocopying and mailing charges will apply. A microflim reader-printer is available in the Kvamme area and self-service copy machine is located on the 1st floor of the library.
Births, Deaths, and Marriages
Here is a partial directory of some of the Births, Deaths, and Marriages information we have in our Local History files here at the library. This information has been gathered mainly from Stoughton newspapers, as well as Ancestry, Find-a-Grave, and other reputable sources. There is a Legend at the very bottom of the document, if you want to know what the abbreviations stand for. This document is updated periodically.
Resources
- Stoughton newspaper from 1876 – present (microfilm)
- Plat maps
- City directories
- Phone books
- Birth, death, marriage index to Stoughton newspaper
- Vertical files that include:
- Genealogy
- Homes
- Churches
- Businesses
- Organizations
- People
- Schools
- Buildings
- Stoughton history
Useful Links
Ancestry Library Edition: this resource can only be accessed inside the library building
Digitalarkivnet is a site with many Norwegian genealogy records
Family Search also has many Norwegian records. Their Wiki is highly recommended.
The Norwegian American Genealogical Center and Naeseth Library in Madison is an excellent local resource for folks exploring their Norwegian roots.
- Search their Catalog to learn more about the books and resources available
- They also provide excellent printable Pedigree Charts and Family Group Sheets
Historic District Walking Tours: the print booklet versions of these Stoughton tours have been discontinued.
Donations
The Kvamme Local History Collection welcomes your donations. The Kvamme Collection follows the Stoughton Public Library’s Collection Development and Gift Policies: donations of materials will be accepted based on the content and quality of the materials, available space and the need. If you would like to make a donation of materials, please contact the Library Director. All monetary gifts are tax deductible.
Livsreise
Be sure to visit Livsreise, the Norwegian Heritage Center in town, for access to different genealogical resources (including access to digital resources such as the Norwegian American Genealogical Center & Naeseth Library) than those available here at the library.
Wilhelm H. Linderud Collection
The Stoughton Historical Society's historic Linderud photographs have been digitized by the Stoughton Landmarks Commission! You can access them online at historicstoughton.org/linderud-photos.
Contact Us
For questions about genealogy and local history:
Email storef [at] stolib.org
Call 608-873-6281
Or mail:
Stoughton Public Library
Attention: Adult Services Staff
304 S. Fourth St.
Stoughton, WI 53589