Title: Indian Summer Festivals, Inc. Records
Inclusive Dates: 1985-2007

Creator:

• Indian Summer Festivals, Inc.

Call Number: UWM Manuscript Collection 250

Quantity:

• 1.6 cubic ft. (2 boxes)
• 1 oversize folder
• 17 safety film negatives

Repository:

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Libraries, Archives Department

Archival Location:

UW-Milwaukee Libraries, Archives / Milwaukee Area Research Ctr. (Map)

Abstract:

Collection consists of administrative records of Indian Summer Festivals, Inc. (ISF), including meeting minutes, correspondence, publicity materials, and photographs. ISF is best known for organizing the yearly American Indian ethnic festival, Indian Summer, at the Summerfest grounds at Milwaukee's lakefront.

Language: English

URL to cite for this finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-mil-uwmmss0250

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Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Indian Summer Festivals, Inc. was organized and incorporated in 1985 [a 501(c)3 organization] and formed for the purpose of organizing, planning and presenting an American Indian ethnic festival. The organization continues to be dedicated to strengthening the American Indian community and educating the general public on the history and the unique and diverse cultures of the American Indian by providing a forum to celebrate and showcase American Indian traditions. Their main activities include the Indian Summer festival, Education Day, and a Winter Pow Wow. Indian Summer is an annual festival held at the Summerfest grounds over the weekend following Labor Day. Education Day is held annually on the Friday before Indian Summer in an effort to give kindergarten through eighth grade students and teachers a greater understanding of American Indian culture and heritage. The Winter Pow Wow was first held in downtown Milwaukee at the Mecca Arena and later moved to the Wisconsin State Fair Park. It traditionally occurs during the first weekend in March.

This collection documents the history and operations of Indian Summer Festivals, Inc., including its formation, main activities, and publicity and fundraising efforts. The records are arranged into three series. Administrative Records are largely comprised of board meeting minutes, which are complemented by agendas, correspondence, financial information, articles of incorporation and by-laws. Photographic Materials provide some visual documentation of a few ISF activities. The Publicity series includes ISF publications such as brochures and posters. A few press kits are also found in this series, as are news clippings and scrapbooks.

Citation Guide for Primary Sources

• Milwaukee Indian Education Committee Records. UWM Manuscript Collection 245.

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.

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

Indian Summer Festivals, Inc. donated its records in February and May 2007 (accession 2006-040 and 2006-062).

Processing Information

Christopher Barden and Ellen Engseth processed the collection at the Archives in 2007.

In December 2011, Matt Eidem removed 17 safety film negatives and placed them with other safety film negatives.

Box   1 Folder   1	Administrative Records, Articles of Incorporation and First Festival, 1985-1987
Box   1 Folder   2	Administrative Records, Bylaws, 1998, 2001
Box   1 Folder   3	Administrative Records, Director's File, 1994-1996
Box   1 Folder   4	Administrative Records, Economic Impact Study, 1998
Box   1 Folder   5-22	Administrative Records, Meeting Minutes, 1985-2007
35 mm Safety Film Box   4	Photographic Materials, Negatives, undated Physical Description: 35 mm safety film negatives
Box   1 Folder   24	Photographic Materials, Photographs, circa 1987, undated
Box   1 Folder   25	Photographic Materials, Slides, Pow Wow, 1996 Physical Description: Slides (35 mm)
Box   1 Folder   26-42	Publicity, Brochures, 1987-2005
Box   1 Folder   43	Publicity, Brochures, Sponsorship, undated
Box   2 Folder   1-2	Publicity, Clippings, 1987-2005, undated
Box   1 Folder   44	Publicity, Correspondence, 1985-1998
Oversize Folder   1	Publicity, Photo Collage, circa 1989
Oversize Folder   1	Publicity, Posters, 1987-2005
Box   1 Folder   45	Publicity, Press Kits, 1998-2006
Box   2 Folder   3-5	Publicity, Scrapbooks, 1987-1989, 1999, 2002-2005