MPL Digital Collections
Socialist Party Collection
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This collection contains photographs of various Milwaukee-area Socialists and activities, primarily from the 1920s-1940s, as well as a selection of Socialist publications. Some sources contain offensive images and language; discernment is left to the individual.
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More Information
This digital collection is made up of selections from two library collections, the Socialist Party Photographs and the Socialist Pamphlet Collection.
The Socialist Party Photographs collection contains various photographs related to the Socialist Party. Most of the photos are individual portraits of party members, group photos, or events. The photos range in size and many are undated, though the majority are most are likely from the 1920s-1940s, but some later ones are present as well. Also included are paper reproductions of various portraits, most likely used for publication purposes.
Individuals such as Victor Berger and Frederic Heath helped bring socialism to Wisconsin. Along with marches and publications, including the Milwaukee Leader, socialism took hold in Milwaukee. In 1910, Emil Seidel was elected mayor, along with 21 aldermen, 10 county supervisors, and 2 judges. Other mayors, Dan Hoan and Frank Zeidler, followed and helped make Milwaukee a socialist stronghold in the United States.
The Socialist Pamphlet Collection is a collection of socialist pamphlets from the late 1800s to 2000s. The pamphlets discuss various political theories/histories such as socialism, communism, anarchism, democratic socialism, and the socialist movements in other countries. Most of the pamphlets are American, with many focusing on Wisconsin, although a few are international and in foreign languages. They offer perspectives on labor issues, unions, war, human rights, religion, significant events, and criticism of the American government and capitalism. Pamphlets include stories, allegories, speeches, informational texts, articles, essays, and songs.
Order Information
Copies of the images in this collection may be purchased. Orders must be placed online, using your Special Collections account. The images are delivered electronically. The cost is $20 for the first 1-5 images in the same order (each additional image above 5 costs $4 per image) for 300dpi TIFs or 600dpi TIFs, plus tax for Wisconsin residents. If you have any questions, please contact mplarchives@milwaukee.gov.
Important Copyright Information
By providing or allowing reproduction of materials from the collections, the Milwaukee Public Library does NOT grant permission to publish or exhibit. Reproductions are provided for personal research purposes only. They may not be copied or distributed. Written permission to publish must be obtained from copyright or literary rights owner and from the library for any publication or commercial use of copies. The researcher is responsible for compliance with the US Copyright Code (title 12 USC) and privacy rights outlined in Title 45 CFR 46. For information on permission to publish, please contact the Photo Librarian at mplarchives@milwaukee.gov.