A finding aid is a document containing detailed information about a specific collection of papers or records within an archive. They are used by researchers to determine whether information within a collection is relevant to their research. The finding aid for a collection is usually compiled by an archivist or librarian during archival processing.

This collection consists of erotic original artwork and prints. The works are stored in flat files in the archives of the LA&M. The list represents a sample of the artists in our permanent collection.

Audio tapes, electronic recordings, CD's, and other miscellaneous media makes up this collection.

The Teri Rose Memorial Library houses over 5,000 books and 12,000 magazines. Here you can search our catalog and find other library resources. You can also request research assistance or suggest a book for our library.

Thanks to a major project to collect colors of fetish clubs around the world, the LA&M has a large collection of patches, pins, and other ephemera with club logos. George Cameron of Canada and Greenie in Chicago collected hundreds of colors. The pins and patches are stored in binders in the gallery and are open to viewing by visitors.

Leathers and boots which hold historical significance are archived at the LA&M. The collection consists mostly of vests (filled with run pins and patches) and WWII leathers. The leathers are stored in a closet in the Uniforms Room

The Oral History project involves the taping, transcribing, indexing and filing of interviews with long time participants or important individuals in the leather community. The transcribed histories form one of the most important information sources in the LA&M's developing collections. Identifying oral history subjects, arranging the interviews, typing them out and indexing them is an area where volunteers are always needed. Joe Gallagher is currently working on an Oral History video project with members of the Satyrs and Oedipus clubs in California. Many other projects must be undertaken soon if we are not to lose the firsthand stories of the beginning of the leather world as we know it.

Periodicals are very useful to researchers when they visit the LA&M. Since it is one of the largest collections we hold, the information is almost endless. The LA&M collects periodicals that only pertain to leather sexuality. Most of the collection is housed in the Archives Room since many of the magazines are frail due to age.

Frequently the LA&M will receive the personal effects of one of us who has passed as well as the personal effects of those of us who find all the memorabilia we've collected over the years during a move. These items frequently include material representative of the persons experiences. A Volunteer Coordinator position is open for this collection.

Photographic prints (as art) are stored in flat files in the archives room. Photography taken to document events, people or places are stored in binders on shelving in the archives room or electronic format.

Posters and banners are generally used to publicize an event or business. Posters are stored in flat files in the Archives Room. Banners are also stored in the archives room in a separate location. For a listing of club banners, please refer to the Club Colors section.

T-shirts, hats, towels and other fabrics make up the fibers collection. Similar to colors, pins and other ephemera, this collection documents clubs and events throughout history. This collection is stored on the shelving in the archives room.

This collection consists of information about titleholders, and their (usually) leather sashes. Sashes are stored on the shelving in archival boxes in the archives room.

A relatively small collection; this collection archives rare toys and devices, or those with historical significance. Many of these items are stored on the shelving in the archives room. Others are on display in the Dungeon exhibit.

Vertical files are housed in filling cabinets at the LA&M. Often, they are the starting point for research conducted at the LA&M. Examples of items in a typical vertical file include newsletters, pamphlets, flyers, correspondence, email and website printouts, catalogs and advertisements. This collection consists of paper, sorted and cross-referenced by category. Subjects range from 101 Book Sales to Zortex.

Archival Audio, Video and Film - Unpublished video and film is housed in this collection. “Homemade” documentation of people, places or events is preserved on audio tapes, video tapes and 16mm film. All published video is cataloged under the reference collection.

The WLHP is a multi-year project. Donations to the WLHP will only be used for program items related to the collection and exhibition of women’s leather history at the LA&M. Your donations will fund the hiring of a professional curator, the creation of museum exhibits at the LA&M, and the acquisition and storage of women’s leather resources.