LGBTQ+ History Project
A collaborative effort of the Prairie Pride Coalition and the McLean County Museum of History
The LGBTQ+ community is integral to McLean County and its rich history. For too long, little has been recorded or gathered regarding LGBTQ+ experiences due to cultural biases and prejudices. The LGBTQ+ History Project is a collaborative effort of the McLean County Museum of History and Prairie Pride Coalition aiming to right that wrong through the collection and preservation of archival materials, artifacts, images, oral histories, and memoirs relating to the experiences of McLean County's LGBTQ+ community.
The LGBTQ+ History Project sheds light on the many challenges and risks the community has faced at home, at work, and at large. It uplifts the stories of local activists whose tireless efforts helped obtain equal rights, safely navigate the AIDS crisis, and combat cultural biases to create a safer, more inclusive community for all. It also shares the stories of folks' everyday lives, both underground and out of the closet.
The Museum already houses the archives of the Prairie Pride Coalition and holds an extensive collection of both The Alternative Times and Prairie Flame newspapers which served as a primary media source for the LGBTQ+ community in the late twentieth century. However, the Museum needs additional material to share the story of LGBTQ+ folks in McLean County.
The stories, objects, and other materials collected will serve as resources for future exhibits, publications, education, outreach, and special programs developed by the Museum in collaboration with the community. They will also be made available to those wishing to research the history of McLean County's vibrant LGBTQ+ community.
The Project seeks to collect and preserve for future generations the following types of materials associated with the LGBTQ+ experience in McLean County:
Archival Materials such as photographs, business and organization records, posters and flyers from special events and celebrations, and marriage and civil union documents.
Artifacts associated with everyday life, as well as special events and celebrations related to the LGBTQ+ experience in McLean County, such as clothing and personal items; business-related tools, equipment, and products; household and decorative items from the home; and art and music made by local LGBTQ+ artists
Oral Histories and Memoirs relating to home and public life, both positive and negative, of members of the LGBTQ+ community in McLean County
The LGBTQ+ History Project will conduct digitally recorded, transcribed, and edited interviews, which the Museum will then archive. Interviewees receive a personal copy of the recording and transcription to share with friends and family.
Interested in volunteering to help preserve local LGBTQ+ history? Contact Eric Hansen
Questions? Contact Susan Hartzold
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