Title: Freien Gemeinde von Milwaukee Records
Inclusive Dates: 1911-1981

Creators:

• Freie Gemeinde (Milwaukee, Wis.)
• Zeidler, Frank P., 1912-2006

Call Number: Local History Manuscript Collection 361

Quantity: 0.7 cubic ft. (2 boxes)

Repository:

Milwaukee Public Library, Frank P. Zeidler Room

Archival Location:

Milwaukee Public Library (Map)

Abstract:

Records of the Freien Gemeinde von Milwaukee (Free Community of Milwaukee), a local German, Free Thinking organization. Contains meeting minutes and ephemera.

Note:

To request materials from this collection, create/login to your Special Collections Account.

Language: English, German

URL to cite for this finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.mwpl-lhmc0361

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Freien Gemeinde von Milwaukee (Free Community of Milwaukee) was founded in April 7, 1867, chartered February 5, 1868. Freien Gemeinde societies adhered to a philosophy of Freethought and were a free religious musical society. The Frauen Verein, the women’s affiliate of the society, began in October of 1867. They hosted lectures and social functions. In 1870 the Society built and furnished a large hall and in 1928 then moved to Jefferson Hall at 26th and Fond du Lac Ave. Sometimes the name is also referred to as Freie Gemeinde.

This collection consists of journals of the organizations meeting minutes and ephemera. The earliest volumes, 1919-1960, are for the women’s group and completely in German. The later volumes, 1961-1981, are for the men’s group. The 1961-1968 volume is entirely in German while the 1967-1981 is a mix between German and English. The ephemera consists of a single brochure marking the 70th anniversary of the women’s group and it is in German. An English translation of the main text has been added.

The subjects are arranged alphabetically and then chronologically within each folder.

Freien Gemeinde von Milwaukee Records, 1911-1981, Collection 361. Local History Manuscript Collections, Milwaukee Public Library, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Banner und Volksfreund

Milwaukee Freie Presse

Park Hall : a symbol of freedom in America

Verfassung der freien Gemeinde von Milwaukee

Access Restrictions

There are no access restrictions on the materials. The collection is open to all in accordance with state law. The public may view Local History Manuscript Collections by appointment at the Central Library. To request an in-person appointment, create/login to your Special Collections Account. If you have any questions, please contact the Archives and Special Collections Department at mplarchives@milwaukee.gov.

Use Restrictions

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).

Acquisition Information

This collection was donated by Frank Zeidler in 1991. Additional materials were identifed in Zeidler's unprocessed personal papers, they were removed in 2019 and added to the collection. Materials were accessioned as Local History Manuscripts.

Processing Information

Processed by Casey Lapworth, 2019.

Box   1 Folder   1	70th Anniversary, 1937
Box   1 Folder   2	100th Anniversary, 1967
Box   1 Folder   3	Clippings, 1922, undated
Box   1 Folder   4	Lecture Courses, 1931-1932
Box   1 Folder   5-7	Meeting minutes, 1919-1950
Box   2 Folder   1-3	Meeting minutes, 1950-1981
Box   2 Folder   4	Miscellaneous, 1911-2000, undated
Box   2 Folder   5	Paine, Thomas, 1979, undated