Charles McCarthy and two members of the staff of the Legislative Reference Bureau, about 1906. McCarthy is generally regarded as the architect and embodiment of the Wisconsin Idea—the philosophy that the University exists to serve the state. The Bureau, which performs drafting and research for the Legislature, was one of the first agencies to apply the Wisconsin Idea to government service. Although the origins of the Wisconsin Idea have been extensively studied, the role played by the University’s location in the state capital needs examination. SHSW WHi(X3)49904

McCarthy, Charles | State employees | Wisconsin, Legislative Reference Bureau