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A historic context and survey of Sacramento’s LGBTQ+ history
The City of Sacramento is seeking public participation in its effort to document LGBTQ+ history in Sacramento. This grant-funded project is collecting oral history interviews, documents and photos from members of the public through our online portal (link located below), which is being used along with in-depth historical research to produce a thematic historic context statement of LGBTQ history in Sacramento.
The SECOND DRAFT historic context statement is now available for public review until October 27! See the link below for our online commenting portal.
Comment on or download the Draft Historic Context Statement
If you would like a physical copy of the historic context statement to review, copies will be available at the following locations starting September 27 (we recommend calling to confirm availability):
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!
Review the proposed landmark evaluations
Review the Proposed Lavender Heights Historic District Evaluation
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.
Join our email list to be notified of project updates!
Come share your thoughts about the project at the final adoption hearings! It’s important for officials hear your thoughts about the project.
Final project adoption hearings:
Preservation Commission:
Date: Wednesday, November 20, 2024 @ 5:30pm
Where: City Council Chambers, 915 I St, Sacramento, CA
City Council:
Date: Tuesday, December 03, 2024 @ 5:00pm
Where: City Council Chambers, 915 I St, Sacramento, CA
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 are 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 have an online portal set up where you can submit your items to the City’s archive.
In partnership with the Lavender Library and Preservation Sacramento, we have a volunteer stipend program for individuals interested in working with the project. Tasks include gathering oral history interviews, hosting meetings, scholarly research, and more. To learn more about the program, visit out project partner's website: LGBTQ+ Experience Project -- Lavender Library.
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?
A survey is a planning tool that we use to identify potentially significant historic buildings and sites through research and gathering other information. 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 individually eligible properties outside of Lavender Heights 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
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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