2024 Was a Very Good Year!

Collection Donations

In 2024, we were able to facilitate the donation and processing of several major collections. A partial list of collections placed include: the Sharon Dauzat / Daughters of Bilitis collection (The Historic New Orleans Collection), the Harry Hodges gay Carnival collection (Louisiana State Museum), the personal papers of Torchy Wilde (The Historic New Orleans Collection), Lou Bernard’s collection of videos from the Krewe of Olympus’ early tableau balls (Louisiana State Museum), a collection of Bob Damron Guides (Amistad Research Center), a collection of promotional posters from the Corner Pocket (The Historic New Orleans Collection) and a collection of ephemera from the Krewes of David and Apollo (Louisiana State Museum). We are currently processing collections regarding the Tulane chapter of GLSEN, a complete series of NOAIDS Task Force Newsletters, old issues of The Whiz, and a photographic collection from the Bourbon Pub. We were also able to post on our website never before seen photographs of the 1977 Anita Bryant protest in Jackson Square and also a nearly complete run of Impact, which was published from 1977 to 2000. Our Oral History initiative is ongoing.

Public Programming

We also had a robust public programming schedule in 2024. In January, we collaborated with the Queer Student Alliance at Tulane University to remember and honor Fernando Rios, who was murdered for being gay by three Tulane undergraduates in 1958. Our annual membership meeting in June served as the launch of our New Orleans AIDS Memory Project, a series of monthly events that included keynote speakers, panel discussions, a documentary film screening and a historical exhibition (in collaboration with the National Stonewall Museum, Library & Archives and the National AIDS Memorial). In October, we marked National LGBTQ History Month with a program honoring Michael Elias and the Corner Pocket at the Williams Research Center (THNOC). The Archives Project also participated in Pride celebrations around the state. In addition, Executive Director Frank Perez gave several talks throughout the year, including presentations at the B-K House and Save Our Cemeteries.

Consulting

As one of the few organizations in Louisiana working to preserve local LGBT+ history, the Archives Project is in a unique position to advise and assist people doing memory work in the field. In 2024, we were pleased to consult with the following organizations and people working on a wide variety of queer history projects. These include: the Letters Read Podcast series, the Up Stairs Lounge Plaque Replacement Committee, The Faerie Playhouse Center, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, the New Orleans Police Department, Northeast Louisiana Pride, the French Consulate’s office in New Orleans, the Krewe of Armeinius, a handful of graduate students and professors (from around the country), as well as several filmmakers.

Conferences

Throughout the last year, the Archives Project had a presence at the following conferences: Queer History South, Gen Fest at the New Orleans Public Library, Organization of American Historians, South Eastern Museum Conference, Crescent Care Empowerment Conference, New Orleans Bookfair, the River’s Residence Confluence, and National LGBTQ Task Force’s Creating Change Conference. Participating in conferences and convenings is a great way to not only network, but also to share the important work the Archives Project is doing.

Fundraising

2024 was also a good year for fundraising. We are grateful to have received grants from the John Burton Harter Foundation, the New Orleans Recreation and Culture Fund, the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, the Alliance for Cultural Equity, and the LGBTQ Fund (Greater New Orleans Foundation). We were also fortunate in the last year to have been the charitable recipient of three fundraising events: Jeffrey Dude’s annual Ghoulish Gala, Ambush Magazine’s Gay Appreciation Awards, and Misti and Catherine Gaither’s annual Winter Wonderland. In addition, we are also grateful to our corporate and business sponsors over the last year. These include Ambush Magazine, Boomtown Casino, Bourbon Pride, Corner Pocket, Crescent City Tour Booking Agency, Crossing, The Historic New Orleans Collection, the Metropolitan Community Church of New Orleans, and PFLAG New Orleans. We also owe a debt of gratitude to our Sustaining Members who donate at least $10 a month. The Archives Project is working hard to get our history out of the closet, and we couldn’t do that without your support. THANK YOU!