Title: ACT UP Milwaukee Records
Inclusive Dates: 1990-1996

Creator:

• ACT UP Milwaukee

Call Number: UWM Manuscript Collection 203

Quantity:

• 1.9 cubic ft. (2 boxes)
• 1 audio cassette
• 5 video cassettes
• 176 digital files (187.82 GB)

Repository:

Archives and Special Collections, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Libraries

Archival Location:

UW-Milwaukee Libraries, Archives and Special Collections (Map)

Abstract:

Collection documents the history and activism of the Milwaukee chapter of ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power). It includes meeting agendas and minutes, newsletters, press releases, flyers and other ephemera, grant applications, financial reports, subject files, and videos relating to ACT UP Milwaukee demonstrations. The collection also contains documentation regarding the ACT UP Network, an information clearing house for ACT UP chapters across the United States and Europe. ACT UP Milwaukee administered the Network.

Language: English

URL to cite for this finding aid: https://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-mil-uwmmss0203

ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) formed in New York in March 1987, following a speech by activist Larry Kramer calling for civil rights style demonstrations to protest the lack of government activity on AIDS. ACT UP Milwaukee's organizing meeting took place on August 18-19, 1989, when it hosted ACT UP New York and prepared for its first action. On August 25, the group demonstrated in front of the Federal Building to protest the federal and state governments' inadequate response to the AIDS epidemic. ACT UP Milwaukee described itself as "a diverse group of individuals united in anger and compassion and committed to direct action to end the AIDS crisis."

Many of ACT UP Milwaukee's actions focused on protecting the rights of HIV+ individuals, such as Dennis Hill. In 1991, Hill was arrested on a traffic violation and spent forty-eight hours in the Racine County jail. At the time, he was suffering from the advanced stages of AIDS. Milwaukee AIDS Project (MAP) staff found Hill in a cell, lying in his own feces and vomit. He died several days later. ACT UP Milwaukee staged many protests and letter writing campaigns around the issue of Hill's treatment by Racine County police. In 1990, ACT UP Milwaukee surveyed 200 area dentists to determine if they would accept HIV+ patients. About a third said they would not. In response, the group worked with the Wisconsin Dental Association and the Marquette University School of Dentistry to improve access to dental services.

During its short existence, ACT UP Milwaukee organized around numerous other issues, including the Marlboro/Miller boycott in 1991 (the parent corporation, Philip Morris Companies, Inc. was a major contributor to Senator Jessie Helms political campaign), the Cryptosporidium outbreak in 1993 that resulted in the deaths of several HIV+ individuals, and increased funding for AIDS services and education.

During its heyday, the organization had about 25 active members. By the mid-1990s, ACT UP Milwaukee--like most ACT UP chapters across the United States and Europe--was defunct.

The richest sources of information in the collection are the chapter's meeting agendas and minutes, 1990-1994; newsletters, 1992-1996; and newspaper clippings, 1990-1995. A folder of ephemera includes safe sex brochures targeted at teens, flyers for demonstrations, business cards, and other handouts. The collection also contains material relating to ACT UP Milwaukee's function as an information clearing house for ACT UP chapters across the United States and Europe, including Belgium, Los Angeles, Minnesota, New York, Paris, Philadelphia, and San Francisco.

Subject files relate to ACT UP Milwaukee's social and political activism, such as its protest of the Racine County police department's treatment of Dennis Hill, the Republic National Convention in 1992, and the Symposium on Future Directions in AIDS Research held in Madison, 1993. Also included is a subject file and audio cassette relating to ACT UP's efforts to improve access to dental services. Information on many other ACT UP Milwaukee actions is found in the videos, newsletter, and newspaper clippings files.

This collection was received in, and is organized in, multiple parts.

1. 1. Records, 1990-1996
2. 2. Videos, 1990-1995
   1. 2a. AIDS Activist TV, 1993-1995
   2. 2b. Christopher Fons, 1990-1996
   3. 2c. News Coverage, 1990-1993
   4. 2d. Other, 1991-1993, undated

Citation Guide for Primary Sources

Selections from this collection are included in the UWM Libraries' digital collection ACT UP Milwaukee Videos.

• Cream City Foundation Records. UWM Manuscript Collection 205.

• Human Rights League for Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, and Transgendered Records. UWM Manuscript Collection 210.

• Milwaukee Gay/Lesbian Cable Network Records. UWM Manuscript Collection 206.

• National Coalition of Gay Sexually Transmitted Disease Services Records. Milwaukee Manuscript Collection 207.

• Queer Nation Milwaukee Records. UWM Manuscript Collection 303.

Access Restrictions

The original videotapes and audiotapes are restricted. Researchers must access the digitized versions on the network drive. There are no other access restrictions on the materials, and the collection is open to all members of the public in accordance with state law.

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

Patrick Flaherty donated this collection in November 2003 (accession 2003-034). Scott Gunkel donated additional material in February 2004 (accession 2003-062). Jamakaya donated some additional materials in June 2008 (accession 2007-066). Dan Fons donated additional materials in March 2011 (accession 2010-041), January 2012 (accession 2011-056), and November 2024-April 2026 (accession 2024-024).

Processing Information

Michael Doylen processed the initial accession in November 2003. Sarah Phillips (supervised by Christel Maass) added accession 2007-066 in February 2010. Rachel Curtis (supervised by Bob Jaeger) added accession 2010-041 in November 201l. Michael Doylen added accession 2011-056 in June 2012. Shiraz Bhathena added materials from accession 2024-024 in June 2026, and moved some materials to the Queer Program collection where appropriate.

Preservation Information

George Blood L.P digitized the audio cassette recordings in August 2015. Audio preservation master files were created as 96 kHz/24-bit resolution 2 channel broadcast .wav files. Audio access copies were created as 44 kHz/192 kbps bit rate 2 channel .mp3 files.

	Series: 1. Records, 1990-1996
	ACT UP Network
Box   1 Folder   1	Contact Lists, 1990-1991
Box   1 Folder   2	Information Packet, 1994
Box   1 Folder   3	Miscellaneous, 1992-1993, undated
Box   1 Folder   4	Agendas and Minutes, 1990-1994
Box   1 Folder   5	Commercial Script, undated
Box   1 Folder   6	Condom Distribution to Marquette University High School, 1990-1991
	Correspondence
Box   1 Folder   7	CDC and SSA handling of AIDS, 1992
Box   1 Folder   8	City Budgeting for AIDS, 1993
Box   1 Folder   9	Dennis Hill Police Treatment, 1992
Box   1 Folder   10	Ryan White CARE Act, 1990
Box   1 Folder   11	Cryptosporidium Outbreak response, 1993-1994, undated
	Demonstrations
Box   1 Folder   12	Dennis Hill Rally, Racine County Jail, 1992
Box   1 Folder   13	National Prisons Issues, Madison, 1991
Box   2	Pridefest, Photograph, 1993
Box   1 Folder   14	Republican National Convention, 1992
Box   2	Signs, undated
Box   1 Folder   15	Symposium on Future Directions in AIDS Research, 1993
Box   1 Folder   16	Dentists' Discrimination of HIV/AIDS Patients, 1990, undated
	Ephemera
	Milwaukee Chapter, 1990-1993, undated
Box   1 Folder   17	Physical
Electronic Folder     \Images\Ephemera, 1990-1993, undated\	Digital Physical Description: 9 digital files (607 MB)
Box   1 Folder   18	Other Chapters, undated
Box   1 Folder   19	Financial Reports, 1993, undated
Box   1 Folder   20	Grant Applications, 1992-1993
Box   1 Folder   21	History of ACT UP Milwaukee, 1992
Audio   1	Meeting with Wisconsin Dental Association, 1990 September 4 Scope and Content Note: Meeting between ACT UP Milwaukee and the Wisconsin Dental Association (WDA) at which ACT UP provided a list of dentists who allegedly discriminated against HIV+ individuals.
	Physical Physical Description: 1 audio cassette  Access Restrictions: The original audio cassette is restricted; users must use digital access copy available in the Archives.
Electronic Folder     \Audio\	Digital Physical Description: 2 digital files (1 hr, 1 min; 45 min)
Box   1 Folder   22	Member/Friend Survey, 1993
Box   1 Folder   23	Miller/Marlboro Boycott, 1990-1991
Box   1 Folder   24	Mission Statement, undated
Box   1 Folder   25	News Clippings, 1990-1995
	Newsletters, 1992-1996
Box   1 Folder   26	Physical
Electronic Folder     \Images\Newsletters, 1992-1996\	Digital Physical Description: 2 digital files (106 MB)
Box   1 Folder   27	Press Releases, 1992-1996
Box   1 Folder   28	Response to Mark Belling, 1990
Box   1 Folder   29	Universal Health Care, 1991-1992, undated
	Series: 2. Videos, 1990-1995 Scope and Content Note: Videos of ACT UP Milwaukee demonstrations and related topics, including both amateur footage, documentaries, local television news film, and LGBT media coverage.	⇧
	Subseries: AIDS Activist TV, 1993-1995
	1993 November 01 Scope and Content Note: AIDS Activist TV hosts Brian Komar and Patrick Flaherty discuss the ACT UP Protest at City Hall, Needle Exchange, the Cryptosporidium outbreak, immigration and medical care, and safe sex education for the youth. They also air a short film titled Too Close For Comfort which was produced in Canada. The video cuts out in the middle of the program. Access Restrictions: The original videotape is restricted. Users must use network copy available in the Archives.
Video   01	Physical Physical Description: 1 VHS (44 min., 2 sec.)
Electronic Folder     \Video\   AIDS_Activist_TV	Digital Physical Description: 1 digital file (44 min., 2 sec.)
	1994 June 15 Scope and Content Note: AIDS Activist TV hosts Brian Komar and Patrick Flaherty discuss local, and national news including a clip of local activist Christopher Fons on 48 hours talking about the Cryptosporidium outbreak in Milwaukee, as well as a discussion about discrimination against HIV positive individuals in prisons. The hosts featuring a clip entitled "Who's Afraid of Donald Woods?" which addresses a specific incident. Access Restrictions: The original videotape is restricted. Users must use network copy available in the Archives.
Video   02	Physical Physical Description: 1 VHS (57 min., 31 sec.)
Electronic Folder     \Video\   AIDS_Activist_TV	Digital Physical Description: 1 digital file (57 min., 31 sec.)
	1994 July 20 Physical Description: VHS was damaged upon receiving and as a result both the VHS and the digital master file have image quality issues. Audio is fine however.  Scope and Content Note: AIDS Activist TV hosts Brian Komar and Patrick Flaherty discuss news both national and local as it pertains to the fight against AIDS. They specifically focus on the AIDS Cure Act and it's progress. Toward the end of the show there is a call in segment. Access Restrictions: The original videotape is restricted. Users must use network copy available in the Archives.
Video   03	Physical Physical Description: 1 VHS (57 min., 12 sec.)
Electronic Folder     \Video\   AIDS_Activist_TV	Digital Physical Description: 1 digital file (57 min., 12 sec.)
	1994 August 17 Scope and Content Note: AIDS Activist TV hosts Brian Komar and Patrick Flaherty discuss local news focusing on the Cryptosporidium outbreak in Milwaukee. At the end of the segment they interview Dr. Jeff Kelly a psychologist who specializes in treatment of patients with HIV/AIDS. Access Restrictions: The original videotape is restricted. Users must use network copy available in the Archives.
Video   03	Physical Physical Description: 1 VHS (59 min., 03 sec.)
Electronic Folder     \Video\   AIDS_Activist_TV	Digital Physical Description: 1 digital file (59 min., 3 sec.)
	1994 September 21 Scope and Content Note: AIDS Activist TV hosts Brian Komar and Patrick Flaherty discuss a politician who was diagnosed with HIV, raising awareness for the state budget for AIDS research. They interview ACT UP member Yuri Keegstra and Milwaukee AIDS Project Outreach Coordinator Rod Johnson about prevention efforts in Milwaukee. Access Restrictions: The original videotape is restricted. Users must use network copy available in the Archives.
Video   04	Physical Physical Description: 1 VHS (59 min., 39 sec.)
Electronic Folder     \Video\   AIDS_Activist_TV	Digital Physical Description: 1 digital file (59 min., 39 sec.)
	1994 November 16 Scope and Content Note: AIDS Activist TV hosts Brian Komar and Patrick Flaherty discuss elections, a celebrity AIDS Death, as well as local HIV AIDS related news. They interview lawyer Tom Zander and ACT UP member Yuri Keegstra. Access Restrictions: The original videotape is restricted. Users must use network copy available in the Archives.
Video   04	Physical Physical Description: 1 VHS (58 min., 20 sec.)
Electronic Folder     \Video\   AIDS_Activist_TV	Digital Physical Description: 1 digital file (58 min., 20 sec.)
	Segment, 1995 May 04 Scope and Content Note: A segment made in memory of Chris Fonz and ACT UP member who died due to complications from HIV and Cryptosporidium. Access Restrictions: The original videotape is restricted. Users must use network copy available in the Archives.
Video   05	Physical Physical Description: 1 VHS (03 min., 18 sec.)
Electronic Folder     \Video\   AIDS_Activist_TV	Digital Physical Description: 1 digital file (3 min., 18 sec.)
	Subseries: Christopher Fons, 1990-1996	⇧
\Videos\   Christopher_Fons\	Bill T. Jones: Still Here, 1997 Physical Description: 1 digital file (56 min., 20 sec.)  Scope and Content Note: Bill Moyers PBS program that features a segment with Christopher Fons.
\Videos\   Christopher_Fons\	Christopher Fons Memorial Tape for Visitation, 1996 Physical Description: 2 digital files (4 min., 52 sec.; 24 min., 26 sec.)  Scope and Content Note: Compilation of Christopher Fons featured on national and local talk shows and in local news stories.
\Videos\   Christopher_Fons\	Christopher Fons Receiving Progressive Milwaukee Award, 1994 September Physical Description: 2 digital files (10 min., 8 sec.; 45 sec.)
Electronic Folder     \Videos\   Christopher_Fons\	Compiled Footage of Chris and Dan Fons on TV, 1994-1995 Physical Description: 1 digital file (2 hr., 5 min., 25 sec.)  Scope and Content Note: 1.)Milwaukee Observer, April, 1994 (WVTV-TV); 2.)48 Hours, Cryptosporidium Story, March, 1994 featuring Christopher; 3.)Teen Connection, "Teens & AIDS" (Green Bay); 4.)The Queer Program, Remembering Christopher's Birthday, October 24, 1995.
\Videos\   Christopher_Fons\	Milwaukee Talking, 1990 December Physical Description: 1 digital file (2 hr., 26 min., 48 sec.)
\Videos\   Christopher_Fons\	The Oprah Winfrey Show, 1990 August Physical Description: 1 digital file (44 min., 1 sec.)  Scope and Content Note: Episode on AIDS and safe sex.
\Videos\   Christopher_Fons\	PBS Profile, 1994 Physical Description: 1 digital file (7 min., 54 sec.)
	Subseries: News Coverage, 1990-1993	⇧
Electronic Folder     \Videos\   News_Coverage\	Compiled Footage of Protests and Related Topics, September 1990-October 1991 Physical Description: 2 digital files (59 min., 24 sec.; 57 min., 23 sec.)
Electronic Folder     \Videos\   News_Coverage\	Compiled Footage of Protests and Related Topics, February 14 1991-August 25 1992 Physical Description: 1 digital file (1 hr., 28 min.,)
Electronic Folder     \Videos\   News_Coverage\	Unidentified Television News Coverage of ACT UP Milwaukee Protest in Racine on December 1, 1992 Following the Death of Dennis Hill 1992 December Physical Description: 1 digital file (1 min., 8 sec.)
Electronic Folder     \Videos\   News_Coverage\	WISN TV Television News Film Coverage of ACT UP Demonstration, Target City Hall 1991 September 14 Physical Description: 1 digital file (32 sec.)
Electronic Folder     \Videos\   News_Coverage\	Television News Film Coverage of ACT UP Distributing Condoms , 1993 October 2 Physical Description: 2 digital file (56 sec.; 21 sec.)
Electronic Folder     \Videos\   News_Coverage\	WTMJ TV News Coverage of ACT UP Distributing Condoms and Brochures Outside Milwaukee Technical High School , 1993 October 4 View this video Physical Description: 1 digital file (2 min., 26 sec.)
Electronic Folder     \Videos\   News_Coverage\	WTMJ TV Coverage of ACT UP Distribuing Condoms and Brochures Outside Hamilton High School, 1993 October 16 Physical Description: 1 digital file (51 sec.)
Electronic Folder     \Videos\   News_Coverage\	WISN TV Coverage of Chris Fons' Death, 1995 February 21 Physical Description: 1 digital file (12 sec.)
	Subseries: Other, 1991-1993, undated	⇧
Electronic Folder     \Videos\Pridefest March, 1993.06.13\	ACT UP Milwaukee Contingent in Pridefest Parade 1993 June 13 UWMMss203_Pridefest_March_19930613_1, UWMMss203_Pridefest_March_19930613_2, UWMMss203_Pridefest_March_19930613_3 Physical Description: 3 digital file (31 sec.; 1 min., 38 sec.; 31 sec.)
Electronic Folder     \Videos\Pridefest, undated\	ACT UP Milwaukee Contingent in Pridefest Parade, undated UWMMss203_Pridefest_undated Physical Description: 1 digital file (22 sec)
	Dennis Hill Documentary, 1992 Scope and Content Note: Short documentary of ACT UP Milwaukee's protests in Racine following the death of Dennis Hill.
Electronic Folder     \Videos\   Dennis_Hill_Documentary\	Documentary Physical Description: 1 digital file (3 min., 12 sec.)
Electronic Folder     \Videos\   Dennis_Hill_Documentary\	Raw footage Physical Description: 6 digital file (2 min., 12 sec.; 1 min. 36 sec.; 1 min., 21 sec.; 16 min., 34 sec.; 35 min, 9 sec.; 15 min., 45 sec.; 3 min.; 12 sec.)
Electronic Folder     \Videos\   Voting_PSA\	Voting PSA, undated Physical Description: 1 digital file (1 min, 41 sec)  Scope and Content Note: PSA from ACT UP urging people to vote for more AIDS funding. Also contains Spanish language version of the PSA.
Electronic Folder     \Videos\   Who's_Afraid_of_Donald_Woods\	Who's Afraid of Donald Woods?, 1991 Physical Description: 1 digital file (48 min., 14 sec.)  Scope and Content Note: Documentary on Donald Woods case produced by Brazen Video.