Gay News (2)

Bruce McKinney, who for more than 35 years collected magazines, pamphlets and underground newsletters on alternative lifestyles, has donated his collection to the Spencer Research Library at the University of Kansas.

Library officials say the collection, documenting the history of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transsexuals in the Midwest, gives insight into the experiences of the gays in the Midwest.

“This addition could potentially put us on the map for GLBT materials in the Midwest,” said Tami Albin, undergraduate instruction and outreach librarian at KU.

Sherry Williams, Spencer Research Library curator, said the library’s Kansas Collection covers Kansas history from statehood to present time.

McKinney’s collection of more than 160 boxes strengthens the holdings the library already maintains, Williams said.

“It is also one of the largest gifts of its kind we’ve ever received,” she said. “Bruce has really done a lot for researchers by handing this over to our university.”

McKinney, of Wichita, chose the library because of Lawrence’s history. The town was the first in Kansas to have a gay organization.

McKinney’s collection is currently in storage at KU until cataloging is complete.

Source:http://www.kansascity.com/news/breaking_news/story/1095101.html

~ by gayhotels on March 20, 2009.