Contacts: Marlo Welshons, University of Minnesota Libraries, welsh066@umn.edu, (612) 625-9148
Preston Smith, University News Service, smith@umn.edu, (612) 625-0552

Ten years ago, GLBT community leader Jean-Nickolaus Tretter donated his personal collection of books and other artifacts to the University of Minnesota Libraries. Since then, the Tretter Collection in Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Studies has continued to grow, now with more than 40,000 items providing a record of GLBT thought, knowledge and culture for current and future generations.

The U Libraries are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the arrival of the Tretter Collection with an exhibit and two special events in the Elmer L. Andersen Library, 222 21st Ave. S., Minneapolis, all free and open to the public.

The opening reception for the "Saving Our Lives" exhibit will be from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m on Friday, Nov. 5. A presentation highlighting the importance of preserving GLBT cultural heritage and the significant impact it can have on the lives of individuals and our community will begin at noon.

A Community Open House will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 13, featuring:

• Minnesota Philharmonic Orchestra Chamber Group performing from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• KARE 11 News reporter Jana Shortal will present from 12:30-1 p.m.
• Calliope Women's Chorus will perform from 1-1:30 p.m.
• Guided tours of Andersen Library archival caverns throughout open house
• Collection of items for the Tretter Time Capsule (see contribution guidelines)
• A video recording station for individuals to share memories, stories and insights

The exhibit will remain open through Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011; exhibit hours and directions to Andersen Library are available at special.lib.umn.edu/hoursdir.phtml. More about the Tretter Collection is at special.lib.umn.edu/rare/tretter.phtml.