Project directors Andrew Dolkart, Ken Lustbader, and Jay Shockley first got involved with researching and advocating for the preservation of LGBT historic sites 25 years ago. In 2014, they applied for and were awarded support from the National Park Service’s Underrepresented Communities Grants Program, which strives to add more diversity to the National Register of Historic Places. After additional fundraising, the NYC LGBT Historic Sites Project was able to officially launch today when we brought on Amanda Davis as project manager.

Our goals include developing an interactive online map of LGBT historic sites and nominating some of those places to the National Register. We also plan to present our work to various community groups, schools, and general audiences throughout the city in order to foster a better understanding of New York City’s LGBT history and the community’s influence on America.