1960s Madison Story by Bert Rosengarten

Bert Rosengarten came to Madison in 1966 from Boston and experienced a major culture shock. He adjusted to the tumult and continuous engagement with activism. In an effort to bring Southern blues musicians to the Midwest, Bert formed a Folk Arts Society on campus with two friends. They filled venues in the Union and at The Nitty Gritty with university students. The work was a way for Rosengarten to contribute to the environment and find his place. As a Jewish student, Bert didn’t feel targeted, but experienced a few incidents on campus related to his faith.