VIDEO: Celebration of a donation from one of the persons named in the first U.S. Supreme Court decision on gay marriage, Michael McConnell Files, which were donated to University of Minnesota Tretter Collection for GLBT Studies, Oct. 26, 2015 at the Elmer L. Anderson Library University of Minnesota. (See "Celebrating the McConnell Files. Iles document first U.S. couple to apply for a same-sex marriage license," University of Minnesota, umn.edu posted October 28, 2015 and see previous post Baker on gay marriage in 1972 vs. 2015 reaction to Supreme Court ruling (7/17/15))
The University of Minnesota Libraries and President Eric Kaler celebrated the donation of the Michael McConnell Files to the University's Tretter Collection for GLBT Studies at the University's Elmer L. Andersen Library on October 26, 2015.
The event featured comments by President Kaler, University Librarian Wendy Lougee, Vice President for Equity and Diversity Katrina Albert, Tretter Curator, Lisa Vecoli, and McConnell and Baker.
About Michael McConnell and Jack Baker:
On May 18, 1970, Michael McConnell and Jack Baker were the first couple in the United States to apply for a same-sex marriage license. It was denied, but their actions were the first step in a fight for equality that was ultimately vindicated as the Supreme Court ruled that gay couples nationwide have a right to marry. Michael and Jack have donated the Michael McConnell Files - the letters, documents, news accounts, and interviews that chronicle their groundbreaking history - to the Jean-Nickolaus Tretter Collection in GLBT Studies at the University of Minnesota Libraries.
About the Tretter Collection:
The Tretter Collection in GLBT Studies is one of only a few dedicated GLBT archives in the country. With over 3,000 linear feet of material documenting the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender experience, this vital and growing collection is a unique resource for students, faculty, and the public.
