Recent State Archives Acquisitions: January 2008
Public health protection and education is an important function of the state government. Records of the Health Department document its efforts to fight sexually transmitted diseases from about 1917 to the 1990s. Minnesota was one of the first states in the country to start a venereal disease outreach program, which included the medical control of infectious cases, an education campaign, the organization of adequate social service work, cooperation with law enforcement authorities in the suppression of prostitution, and the control of incorrigible infected persons. The Health Department records include Venereal Diseases Division subject files, history files, and investigation files (1917-1943) concerning sexually transmitted diseases (STD). The records specifically document the Division’s activities during World War I and World War II, including the investigation of prostitution in Winona during World War II.
AIDS/STD Prevention Services Section subject files (1984-1989) document the early efforts of the Health Department to address the AIDS epidemic, including such topics as health care costs, prevention, home health care, and service delivery.
Selected files (1974-2000) of retired Ramsey County District Court Judge, Mary Louise Klas, were also added. Judge Klas, who retired in 2000, was a leading advocate for women and children involving divorce, child support, protection orders and other issues of family law and domestic violence. Furthermore, she was a member or chair of several Ramsey County and Minnesota Supreme Court committees and task forces regarding such issues as judicial education, gender fairness, court security, child support, domestic violence and family law; there are numerous files documenting the policies, decisions and activities of these policy making and study committees.
Of great use for family history research, are St. Louis County marriage license records (1871-1944) on microfilm. The microfilm was purchased with the generous contribution of a private donor.
The State Archives also received records from various Winona County courts: adoption record book (1973-1983) and juvenile record book (1974-1983) of the County Court; civil case files (ca. 1920s-1990s), plaintiff and defendant indexes (1854-1960), registers of civil (1858-1960) and criminal (1887-1970) actions of the District Court; adoption record book (1959-1973), indexes to juvenile cases (ca. 1913-1983), and juvenile record books (1968-1974) of the Juvenile Court; and index to probate files (1856-1983), and registers of probate actions (1866-1977) of the Probate Court. These records will greatly facilitate access to other Winona County District Court records already preserved in the State Archives.
1. Health Department. Various Offices. Correspondence and subject files (1960s-1990s) of the Commissioner’s Office, regarding such topics as contact with state and federal legislators, health care policy and financing, relations with state and federal agencies, and collaboration with health care advocacy organizations. The records are primarily of former commissioner Sister Mary Madonna Ashton, but also include records of former commissioners Warren R. Lawson, George R. Pettersen, John McCally, Anne M. Barry, and Mary Jo O’Brian. Venereal Diseases Division subject files, history files, and investigation files (1917-1943) and AIDS/STD Prevention Services Section subject files (1984-1989). Minutes and agenda packets (1992-1998) of the Minnesota Health Care Commission, which include a number of reports concerning health care costs, health care delivery and reform, and health technology. Management of Information Technology Committee meeting minutes (1984-1997). 24 boxes.
2. Ramsey County. District Court. Records (1974-2000; bulk dated 1986-2000) of District Court Judge Mary Louise Klas. 21 boxes.
3. St. Louis County. Recorder. Marriage license records books (1871-1944). 41 reels of 16mm duplicate negative microfilm.
4. Winona County. Various Courts (1854-1990s). 57 boxes.
Back to Recent Acquisitions.
February 19, 2008
