Special Collections & Area Research Center

Ralph DuPae – Steamboat Sleuth for Murphy Library

Ralph DuPae was a life-long La Crosse resident.  He voluntarily collected steamboat photographs for Murphy Library for over 35 years. Ralph’s sleuthing abilities has led him to travel widely and talk to many dealers and private owners in search of the best steamboat images. In 2004, Ralph was a co-winner of the Wisconsin Governor’s Archives Award in the archival advocacy category in honor of his volunteer efforts. The award honors organizational leadership, public advocacy, and financial or volunteer support for Wisconsin archives. His determination had made the collection “a national resource,” according to the nomination papers, and “has brought recognition to . . . the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and the La Crosse community.”  Ralph passed away on October 5, 2008. 

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Great Lakes Maritime History Project
Taylor Brothers Photographs
Exploring the History of the Mississippi River by the Wisconsin Historical Society
Steamboat Stamps

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Murphy Library
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
1725 State St., La Crosse, WI 54601, USA
(608) 785-8505