Museum staff and supporters march in DC’s Capital Pride Parade with signs recreated from historic protests.
Photo: VelvetFoundation.org
Washington, DC – You would be forgiven if you haven’t heard of the National LGBT Museum, which is the first national institution dedicated to showcasing and celebrating the history and culture of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities.
The Museum has not yet found its home in Washington, DC, but has reached a milestone by completing the preliminary work of establishing a business model, creating a fundraising/development plan, collecting market research, and assembling a team of experts who comprise the board and leadership councils.
Additionally, the Museum has acquired a collection of almost 5,000 objects and artifacts that document the lives, contributions and accomplishments of figures including Greg Louganis, Glenn Burke, Bayard Rustin, Frank Kameny, and Tyler Clementi. A core mission of the Museum is to show how the LGBT narrative intersects and is part of American history. [pullquote]Additionally, the Museum has acquired a collection of almost 5,000 objects and artifacts that document the lives, contributions and accomplishments of figures including Greg Louganis, Glenn Burke, Bayard Rustin, Frank Kameny, and Tyler Clementi.[/pullquote]
The Museum’s Collections Committee has indicated that it aims to represent all contingent groups within the LGBT community, including those who are often neglected or underrepresented. Another important objective is to collect artifacts and stories from across the United States in order to showcase the milestones and historical narratives that took place in cities and small towns alike.
According to Museum founder/CEO Tim Gold, “It becomes crucial in the collections process to target local, regional communities that often have a story to tell—a story which is part of a larger narrative, and might otherwise be forgotten or never reach the audience that it deserves.”
The National LGBT Museum emphasizes the urgency of its need, reasoning that the generation that owns many of the artifacts that should be included in the Museum is getting older. These objects are often fragile and require proper care and storage to prevent them from being destroyed.
The Collections Committee welcomes any and all objects from individuals or organizations. The Museum asks that all artifacts be shipped to its professional storage facility, Ely, Inc. at: 1440 Forestville Road, Forestville, MD 20747 (c/o National LGBT Museum).
[From a News Release]
