Michael Shreves (Michelle McCausland) Photograph Collection
Scope and Contents
The Michael Shreves (Michelle McCausland) Photograph Collection contains seven photographs showing Michelle McCausland, the drag persona of Michael Shreves. Five photographs show McCausland in costume, including shots taken during performances and posed headshots. Two photographs show behind-the-scenes views of Shreves applying makeup and getting ready for a performance.
Dates
- ca. 1980-1999
Conditions Governing Access
No viewing restrictions.
Conditions Governing Use
Copyright restrictions may apply. The user assumes full responsibility for conforming to the laws of copyright.
Biographical / Historical
Michael Shreves was one of the most prominent and beloved drag artists in the St. Louis region, performing as Michelle McCausland for almost forty years. As the plaintiff in the 1986 lawsuit that overturned St. Louis's ordinance against cross-dressing and "lewd" conduct, he also played a pivotal role in the history of the local LGBTQIA+ movement. In 2012, McCausland won the Miss Gay Missouri America pageant, the preeminent and longest-running state-level annual drag pageant in Missouri. Shreves died in November 2020 of complications due to Covid-19.
Extent
0.02 Cubic Feet (; 1 folder (7 photographs))
Language of Materials
English
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
No physical or technical restrictions.
Donor Information
Collection donated by Joseph Vitale, 2022.
Existence and Location of Copies
Digital copies and item-level records of select images are posted as they are created and can be accessed through the Online Collections on the Missouri Historical Society website (mohistory.org/collections).
Digitized images are generated from the original item whenever possible and files are adjusted only to ensure an accurate representation. Master files are saved in TIF format and JPEG viewing files are automatically generated from the master files.
Formats
Photographs
Processing Information
Processed by Lauren Sallwasser, 2023.
- Title
- Guide to the Michael Shreves (Michelle McCausland) Photograph Collection.
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- EAD by Lauren Sallwasser using ArchivesSpace.
- Date
- 2023
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Missouri Historical Society, Photographs and Prints Department Repository
Library and Research Center
225 South Skinker Boulevard
St. Louis MO 63105
photo@mohistory.org