The blueprints have been drawn and plans are in the works to move the UWM Libraries Archives, which are currently located in various places throughout the Golda Meir Library building, to the third floor of the west wing. This undertaking was made possible by a $1 million lead gift from an anonymous donor.
“This is an unprecedented opportunity,” said Michael Doylen, associate vice provost and director of the UWM Libraries. “This move will allow us to realize the full vision of the archives, which is to collect irreplaceable materials, preserve them for the future, and share them with students, faculty and the public.”
The archives include nearly 8,000 cubic feet of primary sources in a variety of formats, including paper, photographs, magnetic tape, film and digital files. In addition to documenting the history of UWM from its establishment in 1956 to its recent designation as an R1 institution, the archives collect, preserve and share primary sources relating to significant aspects of Milwaukee history. Notable collecting areas include immigration, the civil rights movement, LGBT history and Milwaukee brewing history.
Every year, archivists provide historians and other scholars with access to the collections that are critical to their research, and help undergraduate students develop critical thinking skills through the use of primary sources.
The archives have outgrown their current location on the second floor of the west wing of the Golda Meir Library. Additionally, the present location poorly serves the needs of the archives’ users, from students who require a space that supports active learning to advanced researchers who require space for quiet study and contemplation. It also lacks the environmental controls that are necessary for the preservation of historical sources.
The new space will consolidate storage of most archival materials in one environmentally controlled location, with additional space for exhibits, research consultations, quiet study and an active learning classroom. The entire project is estimated to cost $2.1 million, and additional fundraising is underway to support this effort.
To contribute, or for more information, contact Herb Reichelt, development director for UWM Libraries at 414-229-2811 or reichelh@uwm.edu. Donors can also contribute at the library’s donation webpage.
