LGBTQ+ Historic Experience

Lesbian and gay rights march historic black and white photo of people holding a sign for the march/walk. open_in_full

Project background

A historic context and survey of Sacramento’s LGBTQ+ history and Lavender Heights neighborhood

The City of Sacramento is seeking public participation in its effort to document LGBTQ+ history in Sacramento. This grant-funded project will collect oral history interviews, documents and photos from members of the public through our online portal (link located below), which will be used along with in-depth historical research to produce a thematic historic context statement of LGBTQ+ history in Sacramento.

The project began in early 2024 and will end in January 2025. To get notified of project updates, public comment review periods and public meeting dates, sign up below for our email list!

Funding and collaboration

The project is made possible through the support of the State Office of Historic Preservation - Certified Local Government Program through the Historic Preservation Fund, and the City of Sacramento. The project is managed by dedicated city staff, with the assistance of community partners and professional consultants.

Upcoming meetings and events

Join us for upcoming meetings and events to be involved in the process of gathering information for the LGBTQ+ Experience Project.

Next meeting:

Thursday, April 18, 2024, 6:00 pm

First United Methodisst Church, 2100 J Street, Sacramento, CA

 

 

flier for the lgbtq+ experience project open_in_full

Frequently asked questions

What does LGBTQ mean?

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning

The “plus” () is used to signify other sexual orientations and gender identities that are not encompassed in the five-letter LGBTQ acronym.

What’s a historic context statement?

A historic context statement is a thematic overview of history for a particular group, type of architecture, or movement that we use to evaluate and identify potential historic properties. For this project, we will be researching LGBTQ history in Sacramento so we can identify the historic sites important to the community so they can be recognized and preserved. Historic context statements can also facilitate future grant funding, public history placemaking, museum exhibits, and more.

How can I help?

If you have any documents, photographs, or stories to tell, we will be setting up an online portal where you can submit your items to the City’s archive. Sign up for our email list above to get notified when it opens. We also need your help to spread the word about our project to people in the community!

Do you need to identify as a member of the LGBTQ community?

No! If you have any history to share in the form of documents, photos, or personal history, we’d love to hear from you.

What area is going to be surveyed... and what is a survey?

The project aims to survey buildings, structures, and other key locations in the Lavender Heights neighborhood for its historic association with the LGBTQ community in Sacramento. Although, the historic context statement will include research citywide, and some individually eligible properties will be evaluated as well.

Will my name be associated with any information I provide?

We do require your consent to accept copies of your photos and documents into the City’s archive, but your name will not be published if you would like it to remain private.

Has the City done any similar projects?

Yes! Preservation staff recently completed the African American Experience Project, you can find information about the project here: African American Experience Project - City of Sacramento

Any other questions? Contact us!

Project Email: LGBTQ-Experience@cityofsacramento.org

Sean de Courcy, Preservation Director

916-808-2796 (office)

916-662-2626 (mobile)

Henry Feuss, Historic Preservation Planner

916-808-5880 (office)

 

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