Collections

Youth Service America (YSA) was founded in 1986 as an independent, not-for-profit organization that has led the charge on creating, supporting, and promoting national and community service programs. Formed to strength the effectiveness, sustainability, and scale of the youth service and service-learning fields, Youth Service America is a resource center that partners with thousands of organizations committed to increasing the quality and quantity of volunteer opportunities for young people in America to serve locally, nationally, and globally. Current and former programming created to promote service and solve social and environmental problems include: National Youth Service Day and Global Youth Service Day, New Generation Training Program, Fund for Social Entrepreneurs, National Service SuperConference, Working Group on National and Community Service Policy, and SERVEnet.

Programs, press releases, audio recordings, and manuscript charts for jazz compositions composed by Hamilton College music professor Michael "Doc" Woods.

The Boerner mss., 1779-1828, consist of manuscripts, journals, and correspondence by and relating to German writers Caroline von Wolzogen, Oskar Seidlin, and Friedrich von Schiller, along with related research material from German literary scholar and Goethe researcher Peter Boerner.

The Wolff mss., 1934-2016, consist of the writings, correspondence, and born-digital material of memoirist Tobias Wolff.

Harris Wofford was a Democratic senator from Pennsylvania, the former CEO of the Corporation of National and Community Service (CNCS, now AmeriCorps), a civil rights advocate, university president, lawyer, and writer. This collection focuses on his work supporting national service, including his time as the CEO of CNCS.

The Wissing mss., 1994-2016, consist of the papers of Indiana University alumnus and Bloomington-based journalist Douglas Wissing. The collection includes his freelance articles as well as several book projects, including two books on US aid to Afghanistan.

The William T. Patten Foundation was founded at Indiana University in May 1931 by Indiana University alumnus William T. Patten. The Foundation hosts scholars from various institutions and disciplines to give lectures in his/her area of expertise. This collection contains files on each scholar who has assumed the role of Patten Lecturer since 1968. The files include recommendations from IU faculty to the Patten Committee, programs, and correspondence, as well as some audio and video recordings of the lectures.

The Williams, Diane mss., ca. 1986-2008, include the correspondence, papers, and drafts of American short story writer, Diane Williams.

The collection of music industry professional Logan H. Westbrooks contains professional and personal papers, photographs, sound recordings, video recordings, digital files, posters, books, memorabilia, artifacts and other material documenting his life and work from the 1930s through the 2010s. Professional papers pertain to his employment at Capitol Records, Mercury Records, CBS Records, CBS International, Soul Train Records, Source Records, and his management firm Ascent Music Inc. Personal papers pertain to his upbringing in Memphis, TN, the Church of God in Christ, lectures at California State University and Indiana University, philanthropic activities, and civic service. Topics include African American music industry executives; record labels; recording industry in United States, Africa, and Jamaica; African American musicians; black churches; rhythm and blues, soul, jazz, and funk music; radio and African American disc jockeys.

The Walder, Dennis mss., 1968-2014, consists of the papers of Emeritus Professor of Literature Dennis Walder.

The University Club was established at Indiana University in 1959 by combining four older Indiana University clubs: the Men's Faculty Club (established in 1912), the University Women's Club (originally titled the Faculty Women's Club when established in 1913, renamed in 1959), the Women's Faculty Club (established in 1923), and the Newcomer's Club (originally part of the University Women's Club). From 1959 until 1988, the University Club acted as an umbrella organization for the four separate clubs it contained. In this structure each individual club pursued its own programs and also participated in University Club programs. Starting in 1989, however, all programs developed by the four separate clubs have been listed under the rubric of the University Club and have been open to all members of the University Club. The goals of the University Club are to organize and implement social and cultural events.

The United World Federalists mss. III, 1989-2013, consist of copies of United World.

Papers, photographs, music manuscripts of original jazz and classical compositions, sound recordings and videos documenting the career of jazz pianist Mickey Tucker.

Maida Tilchen is an Indiana University alumna and activist who focused on LGBTQ+ and women's rights. This collection comprises .8 cubic feet and primarily consists of Tilchen's papers and collected materials documenting her life in Bloomington, Indiana and the local social justice initiatives of the 1970s.

The Thom, James Alexander mss., 1966-2013, consists primarily of writings and correspondence related to Indiana novelist James Alexander Thom's publications.

The Upsilon chapter of Theta Nu Xi, a multicultural sorority, was chartered at Indiana University Bloomington in 2004. This collection contains awards, correspondence, new member files, newspaper clippings, and pamphlets pertaining to this chapter.

The Theroux, Peter mss., 1969-2015, consists of papers and correspondence related to Peter Theroux's work as a translator of Arabic novels, as well as materials related to his brothers, novelists Paul Theroux and Alexander Theroux.

The Media School Video Game Periodical Collection includes more than 4300 catalogs and magazines related to various aspects of games and gaming, with special emphasis on video and computer games, computer programming, and home video formats and equipment. The collection is comprised of two accessions of print materials gifted to IU by Stony Brook University Libraries and The Strong National Museum of Play in 2016 and 2018, respectively. These collections were brought to IU through Media School professor Dr. Raiford Guins, who is a leading expert on video game history and preservation. Notable items include complete runs or strong representation from the following publications: Antic: The Atari Resource, Amiga World, DieHard GameFan, EGM2, Game Developer, GamePro, Next Generation, Nintendo Power, and the Official U.S. Playstation Magazine. Collection is described to the item-level.

The Strand mss., 1953-2014, consists of the correspondence, writing, and other materials regarding the American poet laureate Mark Strand, 1934-2014, including correspondence concerning his work as a translator of poetry.

The Stoppard mss., 1987-2013, consist of correspondence, clippings, ephemera, and works by and about Tom Stoppard.

The Kessler mss. II, 1982-2016, consists of the correspondence of poet and translator Stephen Kessler, 1947- , to writers Doreen Stock and Barry Fruchter.

The Kessler mss., 1966-2018, consists primarily of manuscripts, drafts, correspondence and other material reflecting the creative life of Stephen Kessler (b. 1947), poet, translator, essayist and editor.

The Sorkin mss., 1998-2012, consist of drafts and page proofs of translations from the Romanian by Adam J. Sorkin.

The Solt mss. II, 1912-2021, consists of the papers of concrete poet and scholar Mary Ellen Solt, 1920–2007.

The Social Health Association of Central Indiana began as the Anti-Syphilis League of Indiana in 1938. Its purpose was to eradicate venereal diseases, particularly syphilis and gonorrhea, and the conditions which contributed to its proliferation. In 1939, the name was changed to the Indiana Social Hygiene Association. In 1943, their mission included the eradication of venereal diseases; the battle against prostitution and sexual delinquency; the promotion of sex education and appropriate sexual behavior; and the support of family and marriage relations. As the organization's focus evolved, it underwent a name change to the Social Health Association of Indianapolis and Marion County, and in the 1960s, became more involved in sex education, developing materials for elementary and secondary schools and education professionals. In 1976, the name changed to the Social Health Association of Central Indiana as it began to develop programs for areas outside of Marion County. In the 1980s, the organization added AIDS education to its curriculum and in the 1990s it added "Life Skills" education. The agency changed its name to Social Health Association of Indiana in 2000; in the 2000s its focus shifted to puberty education, internet safety, and bullying prevention. In 2018, it became LifeSmart Youth, Inc. and focused on health and behavior education. The collection consists of board of directors and committee minutes, administrative records, publications, program materials, sex education plans, teaching materials, and audio materials including class instruction, advertisements and radio broadcasts.

The Snodgrass, W. D. mss., 1984-2013, consists of the original and photocopied correspondence, emails, obituaries, and tributes concerning the illness and death of W. D. Snodgrass, 1926-2009. Most correspondence and emails are between Snodgrass's friends and colleagues and his fourth wife, writer Kathleen Snodgrass.

The Smith, Sandra mss., 2004-2015, consist of translator's proofs, manuscripts, and clippings relating to Smith's translations from French to English.

This series contains financial documents generated by the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame's operations and activities as well as a small number of legal documents.

This series contains documents stemming from Mary Perry Smith's activities outside of the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame and a few of her personal papers.

This series contains documents and artifacts that do not fit within the other series of the collection or whose fit within the collection cannot be determined. Included are roughly three dozen U-matic videocassettes of the 1989 Black Choreographers conference and production cassettes for a project on Black soldiers.

The Slocum mss., 1955-2012, consists of the papers of Jerry Slocum, 1931-, and the Slocum Puzzle Foundation.

The collection includes interviews, news broadcasts and lectures on puzzles as well as selections from various International Puzzle Party conference programs.

The Skinner, Robert E. mss., 1966-2013, consists of the scrapbooks, ephemera, theatre programs, and writings of author Robert E. Skinner, 1948-.

The collection consists primarily of programs, newspaper and magazine clippings, photographs, scrapbooks, awards, correspondence, memorabilia, posters, clothing, audio recordings and video related to Marietta Simpson's career.

This collection spans the active career (1964-) of Evelyn Simpson-Curenton as well as holds materials highlighting the renowned Singing Simpsons, and Evelyn's sister, Joy Simpson. It consists of CDRs, LPs, DVDs, and home-video tapes; along with several concert programs, photographs, personal letters and more.

Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) is an honor society for nurses committed to fostering excellence, scholarship and leadership in nursing to improve health care worldwide. STTI is a society of nursing leaders who are active in research, education, and practice in the field. As an honor society, it recognizes those who excel in their field and emphasizes the importance of continued professional enhancement. The International Center for Nursing Scholarship, located on the campus of Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) in Indianapolis, Indiana, is the headquarters of STTI.

Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) is an honor society for nurses committed to fostering excellence, scholarship, and leadership in nursing to improve health care worldwide. STTI is a society of nursing leaders who are active in research, education, and practice in the field. As an honor society, it recognizes those who excel in their field and emphasizes the importance of continued professional enhancement. Alpha Chapter, at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) in Indianapolis, Indiana, is the founding chapter of STTI.

The Shirley Sagawa Papers contain a record of the development of the National and Community Service Act of 1990, the Commission on National and Community Service, and the early years of the Corporation for National and Commmunity Service.

The Sadlier, Darlene J. mss., 1946-2013, consist of the audiovisual material, journals, and the published works of Darlene J. Sadlier, a professor for the Indiana University Bloomington Department of Spanish and Portuguese since 1978 and the current director of the Portuguese Program.

The Rosenberg, Betsy mss., ca.1979-2013, consist of the papers, writings, and correspondence of poet and translator Betsy Rosenberg.

The papers of Gertrude Rivers Robinson contain music manuscripts and sketches, correspondence, press clippings, class notes and coursework, lecture materials, audio recordings, photographs, slides, films and videos documenting her life and career as a composer, ethnomusicologist and pedagogue, including her research on the Balinese gamelan tradition.

Claire Robertson is an Emeritus Professor of Women's Studies and History at Ohio State University and has been a visiting scholar, lecturer, and adjunct professor at Indiana University, Bloomington at various times since 1978. This collection consists of a portion of Robertson's teaching materials, research, and writings on the history and culture of women in Africa, as well as records related to her career and professional activities at Indiana University.

The Ridenour, W.W. mss, 1943-2013, consist of the personal journals of Presbyterian minister and World War II Army veteran, William W. Ridenour.

Malcolm Richardson's records contain the planning documents and proceedings from the White House Conference on Philanthropy, as well as materials from the President's Council on the Arts and Humanities, the White House Millennium Council, and the 3rd annual Expanding Philanthropy through the Internet conference.

Contains documentation of Rector's career before and after his service as chief counsel for the Senate Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee to Investigate Juvenile Delinquency.

The Randall House mss., 1975-2013, consists of the business records and correspondence of the San Francisco bookselling firm Randall and Windle and of its successor Randall House.

The Lilly Library mss., 1958-1975, consist of the administrative office files of David Anton Randall, 1905-1975, bookman and first Lilly Librarian, and of William Rae Cagle, 1933- , Assistant Lilly Librarian. Both groups are arranged in alphabetical files as maintained in the Lilly Administrative Offices. There is a folder list of contents in the Vertical File. (Original acquisition: ca. 24,000 items) Additions to the collection are the files of William Rae Cagle, Lilly Librarian, appointed Acting after David Randall's death. The files are retained as transferred from the Administrative Offices, arranged in the following chronological categories: 1976-1978; 1979-1980; 1981-1982; 1983-1984; 1985-1987; 1988-1989 (Additions: ca. 25,500 items)

The Quixote Foundation was established by Arthur Stuart Hanisch as a family foundation in 1997, and after his death in 2002 the organization adopted a limited-life strategy that resulted in full expenditure of all philanthropic funds by 2017. The foundation espoused a progressive world view, with a majority of grantees working for media reform, election integrity, reproductive rights, environmental equity, and social equality. The records consist predominantly of grant files, with other materials including board meeting minutes, Forms 990-PF, publications, and other materials created by or for the organization.

Menahem Pressler has been a professor of music at Indiana University, Bloomington since 1955, and an internationally acclaimed concert pianist since 1940. Pressler is recognized as one of the world's premier chamber musicians, solo performers, group artists, and pedagogues, and currently holds the rank of Distinguished Professor of Music as the Charles Webb Chair at Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music. His papers include biographical information, clippings, and program booklets.

The Potter, Neal mss., ca. 1947-1998, consist of papers, reports, newspaper clippings, ephemera, committee notes from the World Federalist Association Board/Executive Committee, audio tapes, correspondence and annual meeting documents concerning his activities with the Citizens for Global Solutions and the World Federalist Association.

The Deborah Smith Pollard collection includes more than 200 gospel music magazines and other publications from the 1980s to 2000s. The collection also includes Pollard's gospel music television specials, over 50 interviews she conducted with gospel artists and industry figures, airchecks of Pollard's radio program "Strong Inspirations" and radio programs hosted by other announcers.

The Plath mss. VII, ca. 2012, consist of posters, schedules, handouts, programs and other ephemera related to the events surrounding the Sylvia Plath 70th Year Literary Symposium, 2002 and the Sylvia Plath Symposium 2012 - The October Poems: the Archives and the Creative Process Seminar, which were held on the IU Campus.

The Phillips, J. mss., 1916-2013, consists of the papers of John Nova Phillips, 1926 - .

The Perkins, J. Greg Mss., ca. 1981-2018 consists of manuscripts, revision-related correspondence, and final versions of plays, novels, and short stories, as well as scholarly writings and professional papers of Dr. J. Greg Perkins, author.

Michael Richard "Mike" Pence represented Indiana in the United States House of Representatives from 2001 to 2012. A member of the Republican Party, Mike Pence was elected to represent the 2nd (2001-2003) and 6th (2003-2012) congressional districts of Indiana. The collection consists of papers and electronic records generated and received by the office of Congressman Mike Pence.

The Peebles, C.S. Papers, 1963-2012, work included in this collection covers topics in pre-Columbian morturary practices, geophysical application in archaeology, information technology, and others. Records in this collection consists of his teaching materials; data from archaeological research including field notes, artifact drawings, photographs, burial records, and excavation maps, primarily from the pre-Columbian sites of Moundville and Lubbub Creek; published and unpublished archaeology monographs; Computing and technology records and correspondences; and GBL administrative records.

Approximately 800 radio aircheck tapes of radio programs of black popular music (live and prerecorded), hosted by Johnny Otis, and featuring live interviews with blues and rhythm & blues artists from the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. Artists interviewed include Little Esther Phillips, Al Frazier, Mary Wells, Zola Taylor, the Coasters, Horace Silver, the Robins, Etta James, Big Jay McNeely, Bobby Day, Bumps Blackwell, Pee Wee Crayton, Jimmy McCracklin, and Joe Liggins. Also included are photographs, memorabilia, books, and compact discs.

The Ostrom, Elinor mss., ca. 1889-2012, consist of the research, papers, correspondence, publications, manuscripts, proposals, photographs, audio tapes, and realia of Vincent and Elinor Ostrom, their colleagues and families, and the Vincent and Elinor Ostrom Workshop in Political Theory and Policy Analysis.

The Orr mss. II, 1901-2009, traces the genealogy of the Orr family, who have lived in Delaware County, Indiana since 1838.

The Organization of American Historians (OAH) was founded in 1907 under the name the Mississippi Valley Historical Association (MVHA). The founders created a historical organization that encouraged research and study of the area that made up the Mississippi Valley. In 1913 it began to sponsor a scholarly journal, The Mississippi Valley Historical Review. The organization eventually outgrew its brand name as a regional association by gaining members throughout the country. The organization officially changed its name to the Organization of American Historians in 1965. Today, the OAH is a national organization with a worldwide membership promoting American history research.

Omega Psi Phi is a predominantly African-American fraternity. The Zeta Epsilon chapter was chartered at Indiana University in 1947. The collection consists of records created and collected by the Zeta Epsilon chapter and includes program materials, minutes and reports from national, district, and local meetings.

The 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate) was a racially segregated U.S. Army unit comprised of Americans of Japanese ancestry (AJA) from Hawaii, except for Caucasian officers. The unit's outstanding training records and demonstrated loyalty lifted the "4-C Unsuitable for Service" classification for other AJA and led to the formation of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, who later joined the 100th overseas. These American soldiers, simultaneously fighting the Axis Powers overseas and racism at home, are survived by their descendants, The Sons & Daughters, who work to share their parents' stories. This collection is made possible by 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans, formerly known as Club 100, and consists of donations made by veterans' Bernard Akamine and Ray Nosaka's children, Drusilla Tanaka and Ann Kabasawa, respectively, as well as by IU Kokomo faculty and students who visited Club 100 on class trips in 2006, 2008, and 2014.

The Ngũgĩ mss. (ca. 1950s-2014) consist of the papers of Kenyan author, playwright, essayist, educator, and activist Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o.

Charlie Nelms (b. 1946) served in executive leadership roles for the Indiana University system for a total of twenty-four years between 1978 and 2007. This collection spans Nelms' personal life and professional career in university administration at IU and other institutions. The collection includes writings, correspondence, publications and reports, and ephemera.

The National Theatre Conference mss., 1932-2012, consist of the papers of past presidents, executive secretary, and treasurer of the National Theatre Conference, an organization of American community and university theatres organized collectively to serve non-commercial theatre.

The National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy is a progressive organization formed in 1976 to monitor private philanthropy in the United States. The records consist of board and committee records, meeting minutes and agendas, correspondence, subject files, reports and publications, and photographs.

The Nakano mss., 1973-2016, consist of mail art and related material by philatetic artist Hideaki Nakano and "H. N. Local Post."

The Mystery Writers of America mss., 1945-2019, consist of the records and correspondence of the Mystery Writers of America, Inc., the leading association for professional crime writers in the United States.

The Mullin, Mike mss., c. 2000-2012, consist of typewritten, annotated drafts of young adult fiction author Mike Mullin's novels, Ashfall and Ashen Winter.

The Moorhead mss., 1989-2020, consist of translations from the French and correspondence of poet and translator Andrea Moorhead (b. 1947).

The collection consists of documents pertaining to the Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB) issues in Bloomington, Indiana and Monroe County.

The Modern Organization for Dance Evolvement (MODE) was a non-profit dance organization founded by Carole Y. Johnson in 1969 that preserved and celebrated Black dance through performance and education. The collection consists of the administrative files of MODE, issues of their publication The Feet, and records on The First National Congress on Blacks in Dance, a dance conference hosted at Indiana University Bloomington in 1973.

The Mitchell, R. mss. II, 1941-2014, consist mainly of correspondence and poetry by Professor of English, Roger Sherman Mitchell, 1935- .

The Mitchell, B. mss II., 1970-2016, consists of the correspondence, translations, author/title files, professional and personal files of Professor and Translator Breon Mitchell.

The Millhauser mss., 1951-2016, consist of the correspondence, writings, and professional files of American author Steven Millhauser (b. 1943).

Carlos O. Miller was a faculty member within the Department of Biology at Indiana University from 1957 until his retirement in 1987. This collection includes publications, research notes, and correspondence.

The Michael mss., 1949-2020, consist of playbills and theater programs collected by R. Keith and Marion Michael.

Arthur R. Metz was a student at Indiana University from 1904-1909 and one of the first recipients of the IU Distinguished Alumni Service Award. He was a doctor who served in multiple capacities including for hospitals, railroads, the military, corporations, and universities and also was a member of many medical organizations. The collection consists of Metz's family records, school materials, personal and professional correspondence, personal photographs, military and travel materials and photographs, magazine and newspaper clippings, medical and organizational publications, and professional certificates. There are also papers and photographs documenting the Metz Foundation and Metz Suite.

The Mertz mss., 1902-2019, consist of the correspondence, writings, financial documents, clippings, personal ephemera, photographs, and research files of author Barbara Mertz, who wrote under the pen-names Elizabeth Peters and Barbara Michaels.

Martha M. McCarthy is the Chancellor's Professor Emerita of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Indiana University. McCarthy's research focuses primarily on Education Law. Collection includes publications, drafts, teaching materials, grant proposals, and project reports. Also included are materials relating to McCarthy's involvement in professional organizations, conferences, and research data.

The materials in this collection relate to Carl MaultsBy's activities as a composer, arranger, conductor, organist, keyboardist, singer, author and former music industry executive. Included are scores and recordings of his compositions as well as concert programs, photographs, notated music, sound recordings, videos and information about his performances and recordings.

The collection spans the years 1955-2020; The earliest materials are LPs released between 1955 and 1974, while the papers are dated from 2012. Materials consist primarily of records, radio interviews, and magazines discussing the Pastor Maceo L. Woods, as well the Charles Harrison Mason Historical Society.

The Martone, Michael mss., 1968-2021, consists of the papers of Michael Martone, 1955- , author of several novels, collections of essays, and many pieces of short fiction.

Papers and audiovisual materials from the career of documentarian and Indiana University professor Michael T. Martin.

Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. This collection consists of one series made up of recordings and transcripts of interviews that Marovich conducted with a variety of gospel music pioneers while writing A City Called Heaven: Chicago and the Birth of Gospel Music. The interviews discuss the musicians' lives and careers, as well as spirituality and the gospel genre as a whole.

The Manea mss., 1980-2014, consists of the papers of acclaimed Romanian author Norman Manea, 1936- .

The Post-Senate series of the Richard G. Lugar Senatorial Papers consists of files collected by Richard Lugar after his tenure as a United States Senator ended in 2012. In particular, it consists of documents related to his work at the Lugar Center and his continued work on many of the issues that had framed his Senate career.

Richard G. Lugar (1932-2019) represented Indiana in the United States Senate from 1977 to 2012. Prior to being elected to the Senate, Lugar served two terms as Mayor of Indianapolis, from 1968 to 1976. The Awards and Memorabilia series contains two- and three-dimensional objects presented to or collected by Richard G. Lugar to commemorate his major activities and accomplishments from before, during, and after his tenure as a United States Senator. The collection contains items such as campaign memorabilia, political cartoons and posters, plaques, trophies, items of clothing, pieces of dismantled nuclear weapons, and other materials.

The collection contains items generated and received by the office of Senator Richard G. Lugar during his six terms as a United States Senator from Indiana (1977-2012). In particular, extensive documentation relates to his service as member and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and as member and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. Also represented is his other legislative and committee work and his correspondence with constituents. In addition to the records generated during his tenure in the Senate, some materials were produced during his pre-Senate career and early life. One box of materials reflecting his post-Senate career with the Lugar Center was received in July 2021.

Randy Long (1951- ) is a metalsmith and Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Indiana University Bloomington (1983 – 2018), leading the Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design program for the School of Art, Architecture and Design. This collection primarily contains Long's instruction materials, exhibition records, personal artistic and research papers, and her correspondence.

The Lish mss., 1951-2017, consists of the correspondence, manuscripts, and papers of editor, writer, and teacher Gordon Lish, 1934- .

The Ronald Lewis collection contains press releases, article clippings, concert flyers, posters, advertisements, sound recordings and video documenting Lewis' career as a musician, record label owner, and producer in Louisville, KY.

The Lepper, Gary M. mss consists of the correspondence sent to Gary M. Lepper, 1943-, by various authors, regarding his book: A Bibliographical Introduction to Seventy-Five Modern American Authors and a proposed book of poetry.

The League of Women Voters mss., 1913-2014, consist of the records of the League of Women Voters (LWV) of Monroe County, Indiana.

The Indiana University South Bend Civil Rights Heritage Center LGBTQ Collection contains materials relating to the experience of people in and around South Bend, Indiana, who describe their sexual and/or gender identity as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, or queer, as well as people who consider themselves allies to the LGBTQ community. South Bend and neighboring cities in north central Indiana and south central Michigan, like so many cities in the United States during the second half of the 20th century and first quarter of the 21st, has experienced a radical transformation in attitudes towards the LGBTQ community. For much of the 20th century, South Bend's LGBTQ community was closed and closeted. With a stronger Catholic and Christian culture than other cities (as evidenced in places like the predominately Catholic University of Notre Dame as well as significant Polish and Eastern European immigration), South Bend had been described as a less welcoming place than larger cities with higher percentages of "out" LGBTQ people and stronger gay cultures, such as San Francisco or New York City. Without the promise of acceptance by their families or protections against discrimination in their workplaces, people often did not identify as LGBTQ publicly. Many felt they could publicly identify only within the few gay-friendly public spaces, such as the Sea Horse Bar and Cabaret. Like much of the United States, South Bend underwent significant changes in the first quarter of the 21st century through the efforts of countless "out" individuals and straight allies. By 2012, those efforts helped make South Bend one of the few cities in Indiana to add LGBT protections to its human rights ordinance. In 2015, South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg publicly came out as well, becoming the highest ranking government official in Indiana to do so. The IU South Bend Civil Rights Heritage Center LGBTQ collection — the first of its kind in the city — helps all people understand and reflect upon the major advancements in LGBTQ acceptance over the last fifty years, and how this one Midwest city moved from a place where many people felt they needed to hide their identities into a more welcoming and more open community.

The Brian Lassiter Southern Rap Collection contains 3 series made up of various promotional materials, magazines and various media types related to the topic of Southern Rap music.