Wisconsin - Vital records - Indexes
Are there plans to convert these microfilms /microfiches?
Ex; Wisconsin pre-1907 death index by name (6331472)
I know there are searchable databases, but due to the funny way our ancestors names were recorded I find myself liking to look at the old microfiches held at the library etc.
It would be great if these were converted to images like the other records.
Thank you
Answers
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All microfilms have been digitized; microfiche are in the process of digitization. That does not mean that all the records will be available online. Wisconsin has some of the stiffest restrictions regarding vital record images online.
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FamilySearch is working with a third-party company to digitize thousands of microfiches, though the process is slower than it was for microfilm. As of late 2025, they are still unable to accept individual requests to prioritize specific microfiche for digitization.
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Well aware of the crappy laws here. I have actually been working with law makers for 2 years on this. Right now I'd like just to see the index images. Good to hear they are being worked on, I appreciate the info.
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You'll find images of some Wisconsin death records on Ancestry.com. If you are not a subscriber, many public libraries, as well as all FamilySearch Centers, provide free access.
https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61483/The card catalog lists nearly 6 million images.
As far as I am aware, Wisconsin death records on FamilySearch are all on microfilm, not microfiche. That means they have already been digitized. That project was completed in 2021.
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Again I was referring to the index, not the actual records. And yes I am aware the pre 1907 records are on Ancestry. The index as far as I know is only on fiche. As I initially stated I find that index a handy thing to browse as our ancestors names were recorded strange so trying to search a database is sometimes less than ideal.
Yes the handwritten records themselves are he holy grail as many times the handwriting is another layer of misinterpretation to any kind of index on fiche or a modern database.
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