PRESERVE YOUR HISTORY
Every LGBTQ Western New Yorker has stories to tell and memories to share. That anecdote you keep telling about a night out with your friends, that box of flyers and event t-shirts you keep under your bed, those old emails from an activist group you once belonged to–those are all important pieces of historic evidence that should be preserved for future generations. All of our lives, whether lived in the streets and in rallies, in bars and clubs, in the privacy of one’s home, in the spotlight or in the shadow, has made present-day LGBTQ life possible, legendary, and valuable–not a single one is unexciting or unimportant.
The Buffalo-Niagara LGBTQ History Project would love to help you preserve the unique piece of local history that you hold. Here are some of the services we can provide:
Let Us Interview You
The History Project has conducted dozens of interviews with many LGBTQ+ Western New Yorkers of diverse ages and backgrounds, and we would love to interview you, too!
Interviews can be conducted in many different ways. We can audio or video record the interview, depending on your preference. Some people like to be interviewed one-on-one; others find that it’s easier to recall memories while surrounded by friends and loved ones, and want us to coordinate group interviews. And if there’s somebody you’d like to interview yourself, we’d be happy to let you take the reins while we record the interview and provide guidance.
If this interests you, leave a message below, and we will get back to you with details.
Document and Preserve Your Memorabilia
The Buffalo-Niagara LGBTQ History Project is not an archive. We leave that work in the capable hands of our friends at the Dr. Madeline Davis LGBTQ Archives, over at Buffalo State University. But we know how hard it can be to wade through old memorabilia, and how inconvenient it can be to transport the materials once you’ve sorted through them. We are happy to help members of the local LGBTQ community sort through their personal items, prepare them for donation, and deliver them to the Madeline Davis Archives. Please don’t hesitate to let us know in the form below if you are interested in these services.
Projects and Collaborations
Do you have an idea for an educational or art project focusing on local LGBTQ history? Do you need help executing it? We want to hear about it!
We would of course love for you to join the History Project as a volunteer, and bring your ideas to our meetings. But if you want to keep your project independent, we also love collaborating with other organizations and artists. Since its founding, the History Project has:
- Consulted with local artists on projects that include local LGBTQ historic figures
- Advised other organizations on the process of installing a historic marker
- Helped teachers design projects and curricula designed to teach students about local LGBTQ history
If you would like one of these services, or something similar, let us know below!