The records of the WARBC consist of 5 series, Series 1776-1780. The series are closely related to each other, and there is considerable overlap of information, with the same record or with records relating to a particular project often filed in two different series or in two different places within the same series. In spite of the overlap and duplication, the original arrangement of the records has been retained. Bicentennial artifacts have been separated to the museum; a number of these items were returned to the Archives in 2009, see Series 1780; and films, tapes, disc recordings, photographs, slides, posters, illustrations, facsimiles, displays, exhibits, song sheets, and poems have been separated to the Audio and Visual departments in the archives, some of these can be found in the catalog record for Series 1776 (accession 1977/194).
The Subject File (Series 1776) dates 1970-1977 and includes minutes, correspondence, reports, publications, newspaper clippings, legislation, and project files documenting nearly all aspects of official WARBC activity in Wisconsin. The Correspondence (Series 1777) dates 1970-1976 and contains correspondence with the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration office in Washington, D.C., and its regional office in Chicago; commission members; the Governor, congressmen, senators, and state legislators; and the public. The Files of the Executive Director (Series 1778) date 1971-1976 and consists of administrative files containing correspondence, reports, memoranda, and files relating to speaking engagements. The Grants File (Series 1779) dates 1973-1977 and contains federal and state guidelines; accepted and rejected grant applications with supporting and follow-up documentation of the local celebration, such as programs, newspaper clippings, and photographs; “mini-grant” awards; and correspondence. Assistance Offers (Series 1780) date 1971-1976 and contains public relations correspondence, brochures, and catalogs from companies and individuals seeking official recognition for their bicentennial products and services.
