Socialist Party Records
Milwaukee was one of the only major American cities to be run for many decades by Socialist mayors. During the first half of the 20th century, the Socialist Party of America was thriving in Milwaukee. Prominent leaders such as Daniel Hoan, Victor Berger, and Carl and Frank Zeidler created an efficient and well-governed Milwaukee. The papers and records of the Milwaukee branch of the Socialist Party provide insight into these leaders as well as the city of Milwaukee during the early 20th century.
The papers of the Socialist Party cover the years 1897 to the 1980s; however the majority of the papers are from the period 1910 to 1920. There are convention proceedings, essays, songbooks, plays and other miscellaneous items. 
The papers also include youth membership in the Socialist Party, as well as social activities. There are financial records, correspondence, and meeting minutes. Also included are many photographs of the prominent leaders and events of the Party. Most of the records cover the Milwaukee chapter of the Party, however there are also some records from the State and National Socialist Party.
Much of the collection consists of materials relating to Victor Berger when he was in charge of the socialist publication, The Milwaukee Leader. Correspondence to and from Berger, as well as speeches, statements and other miscellaneous materials provide a glimpse into Victor Berger and the workings of the Socialist Party.
In addition to the papers of the Socialist Party, there is a large collection of pamphlets and handouts. The pamphlets cover a variety of topics including war, technology, taxation, evolution, exploration and many others. These are organized by title of the pamphlet, and also by the author of the pamphlet. All of the pamphlets and papers provide a great record of this unique period in Milwaukee’s history.
