In the Spotlight: Jan/Feb 2010, Zablocki


Zablocki:  Wisconsin鈥檚 鈥淢r. Democrat鈥

January/February 2010

The Libraries鈥 Department of Special Collections and Archives recently acquired a significant addition to the papers of Congressman Clement J. Zablocki鈥攑hotographs documenting his career in public service. The images had been in the possession of his brother, Ralph, since Congressman Zablocki鈥檚 death in 1983. Many of these images are now available online in a new digital collection: .鈥

The longtime representative from Milwaukee鈥檚 south side was known for his 鈥渄own-home鈥 style and attentiveness to his constituents. Indeed, Rep. Zablocki was not seriously challenged for reelection until the very end of his political career. But 鈥淐lem鈥 also 鈥渨alked with kings,鈥 serving as a member and later chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Most of the photographs reflect this aspect of his career. Many of the images were made during his trips abroad on fact-finding delegations and at 鈥減hoto opportunities鈥 with presidents, visiting heads of state and other dignitaries.


Zablocki and Sadat photo
Zablocki and Nixon photo

The Department of Special Collections welcomes inquiries concerning the Zablocki photos and related holdings. Other digital collections about Wisconsin politics include and to .