An LGBTQIA+ Archive for Erie, Pennsylvania

Work is underway to revive the LGBTQIA+ Archive in Erie. There is a small LGBTQIA+ Archive that already exists in Erie, PA. Materials in various formats were donated by multiple individuals and are now held or will soon be held at the John M. Lilley Library at the Pennsylvania State University, Behrend in Erie, PA. The Pennsylvania State University, Behrend will be the official home of this archive. There is a growing desire to create a more robust LGBTQIA+ Archive for Erie, PA.

Community Archives are growing in number and are often born from the interest of marginalized groups that wish to preserve their history. While there is a beginning in Erie, there is still much developmental work to be done.

Erie has had a long history of LGBTQIA+ culture and it has been represented by many separate groups over the years. Some of these are groups of interested individuals aligning around a single purpose, some are more formally organized non-profit organizations, and others may have some governmental connection. Although many LGBTQIA+ organizations exist and serve diverse needs, there is often no communication among the groups. There is even less history being gathered. There has been no particular group or coordinated groups that have addressed the archival issues of LGBTQIA+ culture in Erie.

It should be noted that there are already existing LGBTQIA+ archives in Pennsylvania: Philadelphia, Allentown, Central PA, and Pittsburgh.

In collaboration with the Erie Gay News and the LGBT Funds of the Erie Community Foundation, Aging with Pride (Erie) volunteers will be distributing information and a survey to all LGBTQIA+ organizations in the greater Erie area. Organizations will be asked if they are willing to participate in the creation and management of a community archive. Information will also include the types of archival materials being sought.

You can participate in the survey at https://bit.ly/ErieArchiveSurvey. If you are having trouble accessing the survey, please email erielgbtqarchive@gmail.com.

Examples of Archive Materials

Articles and essays
Awards and certificates
Banners and protest signs
Business and organizational records
Buttons and pins
Comics
Diaries and Memoirs
Fine Art
Legal Documents
Letter
Minutes and reports
Newspapers
Magazines
Newsletters
Original audiovisual material
Pamphlets, brochures, flyers
Personal papers
Photographs, slides, negatives
Poetry
Professional papers
Pulp fiction novels
Rare books and artists books
Scrapbooks and photo albums
Speeches and lectures
Subject files
T-shirts
Travel guides and directories
Zines