New LGBTQ+ Archival Collections For Pride Month
An update from UNO’s Queer Omaha Archives for Pride Month
- published: 2024/06/05
- contact: Amy Schindler - Archives and Special Collections
- phone: 402.554.6046
- email: acschindler@unomaha.edu
Vince Percy and Phillip McGuire presenting Amy Schindler, Director of Archives and Special Collections, and Dave Richards, Dean of Library Services, with a donation check.
UNO’s Criss Library is home to Nebraska’s largest LGBTQIA2S+ archive in Archives and Special Collections. The Queer Omaha Archives continues to grow with support from community members and organizations. Progress continues in the collection, preservation, and sharing of documents, photos, and other primary sources.
In 2024, the arrangement and description of several archival collections is being completed by a UNO student employee under the supervision of Lori Schwartz, Hagel and Technical Services Archivist. These include:
- River City Mixed Chorus Records: Omaha’s LGBTQIA+ chorus celebrating its 40th season this year.
- River City Gender Alliance Records: A trans advocacy organization established in 1986.
- Ephraim Marks and David Rice Papers: An Omaha couple whose relationship began in 1952 and continued for over 40 years.
- Scott Winkler Papers: Documentation of 1990s-2000s activism for LGBTQ+ issues and organizations in Nebraska, such as Citizens For Equal Protection and National Coming Out Day.
- Rob Gilmer and René Orduña Papers: The couple owned restaurant Dixie Quicks and RNG Gallery in Omaha and Council Bluffs.
- David and Kathy England Papers: The Englands were active members of Omaha area organizations after their son came out in high school, including PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), Proud Horizons, ANGLE (Achieving New Gay and Lesbian Endeavors), and National Coming Out Day.
The arrangement and description of archival collections not only contributes to their preservation for future generations, but also promotes access for students, community members, and other researchers in the present. Follow Criss Library on Facebook and Instagram for highlights from archival collections each month.
The employment of a student employee to arrange and describe archival collections was made possible by donations to the Queer Omaha Archives Fund of the University of Nebraska Foundation. In July 2023, Vince Percy organized, and along with Phillip McGuire and Royal Bush, hosted a drag show fundraiser to benefit the Queer Omaha Archives, which has funded the UNO student position.
The work for the archivists is not done. Archives and Special Collections will continue to collect more archival collections from individuals and organizations to preserve for future generations and share with the community. Contact Amy Schindler, Director of Archives and Special Collections (acschindler@unomaha.edu, 402-554-6046), to request a tour, inquire about a pop-up display at your event, or discuss the potential donation of archival material or books to the Queer Omaha Archives initiative.
About the University of Nebraska at Omaha Libraries
UNO Libraries fulfill the UNO mission through dynamic services, highly qualified and adaptive personnel, unique and extensive collections, and accessible learning spaces and environments. The Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library on UNO’s Dodge Campus provides UNO students, faculty and staff, and the Omaha community with the resources and materials needed to excel academically and professionally.