The Wisconsin Council for Local History is an association of nearly 400 local, county and specialized historical societies and private historic preservation groups that are affiliated with the Wisconsin Historical Society. The Council promotes the work of local historical societies in Wisconsin and advises the Society on its services to local affiliates. A complete list of the organizations appears in the WHS Local Historical Affiliate Directory

The mission of the Wisconsin Council for Local History is to promote communication and cooperation among local history groups. The Council provides opportunities for historical organizations in Wisconsin to discuss mutual problems and promote wider interest in local history. Through its Administrative Committee, the Council also advises the state Society on its local history programming and serves as a voice of local historians.

The St. Francis Historical Society is an official afflilate to the Wisconsin Historical Society, through the Council For Local History. All affiliates must file annual reports with the Society, rather than the Department of Financial Institutions, pursuant to 44.03 of the Wisconsin State Statues.