Sherman Park Rainbow Association.

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Archives Department.

Sherman Park Rainbow Association.

Records, 1993-2002.

UWM Manuscript Collection 214

.2 cubic ft. (1 small archives box)

ABSTRACT: The Sherman Park Rainbow Association (SPRA) was the first LGBT neighborhood organization in Wisconsin. Information about the formation of the SPRA in 1993 is found in the articles of incorporation, a grant application to the Cream City Foundation, and early newsletters. The newsletters and meeting minutes provide the most comprehensive information about SPRA, although the minutes span only a three-year period. The collection includes scant documentation of SPRA's work with the Sherman Park Community Association and local LGBT organizations. A press release, ca. 2002, describes the end of the organization.

ACCESS RESTRICTIONS: There are no access restrictions on the materials, and the collection is open to all members of the public in accordance with state law. However, the researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming with the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright which may be involved in the use of this collection (Wisconsin Statutes 19.21-19.39).

ADMINISTRATIVE HISTORY: Formed in 1993, the Sherman Park Rainbow Association (SPRA) was the first LGBT neighborhood organization in Wisconsin. It existed primarily to provide a social network for gays and lesbians living in this West Side Milwaukee neighborhood, although it occasionally became involved in civil rights issues. SPRA held monthly meetings and social events such as picnics, potlucks, and holiday parties. The group worked with other local LGBT organizations, including PrideFest, the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin, and the Domestic Partnership Task Force. SPRA also collaborated with its mainstream counterpart, the Sherman Park Community Association (SPCA). SPRA members sat on the SPCA Board of Directors, provided leadership for the Neighborhood Watch and the Neighborhood Housing Survey, and volunteered for ShermanFest. The group dissolved in 2002 due to declining membership participation.

COLLECTION CITATION: This collection should be cited as:

Sherman Park Rainbow Association. Records, 1993-2002. UWM Manuscript Collection 214. University Manuscript Collection. Archives. UWM Libraries. University of Wisconsin--Milwaukee.

RELATED COLLECTIONS:

Cream City Foundation. Records. (UWM Manuscript Collection 205)

Sherman Park Community Association (Milwaukee, Wis.). Office of the Executive Director. Records. (UWM Manuscript Collection 72)

Sherman Park Community Association 1992 Oral History Project. Records. (UWM Manuscript Collection 111)

Johanssen, Marilyn R. and Walter J. Papers. (UWM Manuscript Collection 86)

ACQUISITION: Scott Gunkel donated the collection in June 2004 (accession 2003-098).

PROCESSING: Michael Doylen processed the collection at the Archives in August 2004.

MARC RECORD SEARCH TERMS: The following terms were used in the online bibliographic MARC record to this collection:

Citizens' associations--Wisconsin--Milwaukee.
Domestic partner benefits--Wisconsin--Milwaukee.
Gay communities--Wisconsin--Milwaukee.
Neighborhood government--Wisconsin--Milwaukee.

UWM MANUSCRIPT COLLECTION 214	BOX	FOLDER
Articles of Incorporation, 1994	1	1
Bylaws, 1996	1	2
Correspondence, 1993-2001, undated	1	3
Cream City Foundation Grant Application, 1994	1	4
Directory, 1996	1	5
Domestic Partnership Task Force, 1997, undated	1	6
Fliers, 1995, undated	1	7
Logo Design, undated	1	8
Meeting Minutes, 1995-1997	1	9
Membership Cards, 1996-1997	1	10
Mission Statement, undated	1	11
Newsletters, 1993-2001	1	12-20
Press Releases, 2002, undated	1	21
PrideFest, 1996-2002, undated	1	22
Survey, 1996-1997, undated	1	23
Trademark Registrations, 1994	1	24