Annual Membership Meeting
Our annual membership meeting is set for Thursday, June 6, at 7:00pm at the Dodwell House (1519 Esplanade Ave.). After a brief business meeting, at which we will launch our 2024 programming focus—the New Orleans AIDS Memory Project (NOAMP)—we’ll present the annual Stewart Butler / Alfred Doolittle Award for Contributions to Louisiana Queer History. Following the presentation, our keynote speaker will be Dr. Cheryl “Lynn” Besch, former Division Chief with LSU’s I.D. Program, including the HIV Outpatient Program. Light refreshments will be served. Parking is available in the lot across from the Dodwell House. Please join us and discover what the Archives Project has accomplished in the last year and what’s in store for the upcoming year.
The John Burton Harter Foundation Becomes NOAMP Premiere Sponsor
The Archives Project is excited to announce it has received a $5,000 grant from the John Burton Harter Foundation to support the New Orleans AIDS Memory Project. Harter was an artist who in the 1990s created what he called the AIDS Wall, a series of portraits of his friends and acquaintances who had died of AIDS or were living with HIV. The wall is on permanent display at Crescent Care. We are grateful for the Harter Foundation’s support! For information on NOAMP Sponsorship Levels and benefits, please email us at info@lgbtarchivesla.org
LETTERS READ to Focus on the History of HIV / AIDS
In conjunction with the New Orleans AIDS Memory Project, LETTERS READ will focus on the early history of the AIDS epidemic in Louisiana. LETTERS READ, now in its eighth year, is an ongoing series of events in which local performers interpret personal letters written by culturally vital individuals from various times and Louisiana communities. LETTERS READ will produce four five-minute podcasts with letters and material from the early days of the epidemic. The podcasts will eventually be posted on the Archives Project website, along with all the other NOAMP programming.
Up Stairs Lounge Plaque Stolen
The plaque commemorating the Up Stairs Lounge arson was recently stolen. NOPD has identified the thief and issued an arrest warrant, but he has not yet been apprehended. The Archives Project is assisting in replacing the plaque. The Up Stairs Lounge Memorial Plaque Replacement Committee has been formed with the blessing of the original 2003 Up Stairs memorial plaque group. The Metropolitan Community Church of New Orleans is serving as the fiscal agent for this effort. The MCC lost its pastor and several members in the 1973 fire. If you would like to contribute to the replacement cost, please click here.
Spring Social Walking Tour
There are still a few spots left for the Queer History Walking Tour on Saturday, May 18. This leisurely sashay through the Quarter’s queer history will be led by Archives Project Vice President Guy LaMothe. The tour will conclude at Crossing (439 Dauphine) for complimentary small bites and socializing. The tour is free for members. If you’re not a member, you can join here. Please email info@lgbtarchivesla.org if you would like to join the tour.