|
          |
)
Milwaukee LGBT History Project, Inc.-- The Project began as a short term project intended to conduct interviews of a few individuals who were key contributors to the Milwaukee area's Gay and Lesbian lifestyle, and to use those interviews to create a display of panels for the June 2003 PrideFest display. The History Display has been a big hit at each Pridefest since 2003. The Display is seen by all to be a permanent archive to be built on in future years, not only benefiting the gay/lesbian community, but also serving as a source of information for the non-LGBT community to better understand the contributions and history of the LGBT community, by being displayed in public places and events; following PrideFest, it has been displayed at the LGBT Community Center, UWM Student Union building, and other locations.
Ongoing Work In trying to identify key individuals to interview for the Oral History project, it quickly became obvious that even the most carefully chosen choices would fill only a small gap- and thus it was important for the interview process to continue indefinitely. We are conducting more brief interviews and collecting statements from individuals on an ongoing basis, signing up interested people annually at PrideFest and throughout the year. There are also plans to conduct group sessions where groups of people can recall the history of a particular group, business, etc.-- we believe that in group settings people can build on each others' stories, triggering and capturing nearly forgotten recollections from others. In addition, it was discussed how so much of the history- artifacts- were disappearing as people moved, died, etc. After some discussions with the History Project, the UWM Library- Archives Department has agreed to be the permanent repository for preserving archives and memorabilia collected for the Project. There these records and artifacts (newsletters, buttons, video tapes, etc.) are stabilized, cataloged, and preserved. Already major collections of materials have come from Cream City Foundation, PrideFest, and the records of now-gone organizations including Cream City Business Association, Act-UP, and other groups have also been obtained. Work continues to obtain records of other organizations, businesses, and individuals for permanent retention. This Website is another effort: a way to help document the evolving face of gay and lesbian life in the Milwaukee area and make it readily available to people throughout the community and elsewhere.
We need your help! All of our efforts take people to research, to collect, to remember and document those memories. If you are willing to help in any way, let us know! a program of SAGE/Milwaukee 1845 North Farwell, Ste. 220 Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202 Phone: 414-224-0517 (Attn: Bill) Email us at:
Common Questions and Answers regarding Why you should donate articles and artifacts to the History Project. Read the InStep article announcing the History Project. View the 2003 Flyer for the History Project. The Project's Articles of Incorporation in the State of Wisconsin. The LGBT Collections at the UWM Library- Archives Department Credits: concept and format by Don Schwamb. |
