The Milwaukee LGBT History exhibit celebrates the rich history of Milwaukee’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community through displays and programs. The display is coordinated by the Milwaukee LGBT History Project, which works to uncover our city’s LGBT history and make it more easily available to all.

This year’s display includes an interactive timeline of significant moments in our community’s history—feel free to add your memories and stories! Also featured are selections from interviews with community members and historical items from the LGBT collection of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Libraries.




The History Project is pleased to screen an AMERICAN EXPERIENCE film, Stonewall Uprising, brought to you by local PBS affiliate, Milwaukee Public Television.

This documentary tells the story of the Stonewall riots, a major turning point in the modern LGBT civil rights movement. The film is scheduled to screen continuously in the History Exhibit throughout PrideFest weekend.

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Looking Ahead to 2012

In 2012 PrideFest Milwaukee will celebrate its 25th festival! The Milwaukee LGBT History Project is already planning exhibits and programs to celebrate this important milestone. 2012 will also mark the 30th anniversary of Wisconsin’s pioneering legislation to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation in housing, employment, and public accommodations. The law was the first of its kind in the United States, making Wisconsin a national leader in gay rights legislation.  Look for an informational exhibit on this historic event at next year’s festival. Stay tuned to www.pridefest.com for updates on plans for 2012!

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Want to learn more about the LGBT history of Milwaukee and Wisconsin?
The effort to document and preserve the history of LGBT life in Milwaukee and Wisconsin continues year-round through the Milwaukee LGBT History Project website (www.mkelgbthist.org) and the  LGBT archives of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Libraries. 
 
The Milwaukee LGBT History Project website presents a wide range of information documenting LGBT organizations, events, individuals and hundreds of LGBT bars throughout Wisconsin.  For example, you can view past PrideFest History displays at:  www.mkelgbthist.org/project/index.htm.  You can also browse hundreds of articles, photos and LGBT newspaper ads from the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and into the 21st Century.

The Milwaukee LGBT History Project works with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Libraries to ensure that historical records about our community are preserved and made accessible to the public. Contact the Archives Department of the UWM Libraries at (414) 229-5402 for more information. A partial list of holdings is available online at http://guides.library.uwm.edu/archives-lgbt.
 
Donations of information, materials, papers, and photos are always welcome. Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or contact the UWM Archives, to tell us about materials you have. They can be copied or scanned, and returned to you; or they can be donated and permanently preserved.