Progressive Reformers and Lesbian Lives

From at least the mid-19th century to the 1920s, the earliest generations of coupled women and their social circles have left an indelible mark on New York City. Often rejecting traditional gender roles, they lived in same-sex relationships and forged careers in politics, social reform, and the arts. Project Co-Director Andrew Dolkart will be joined by special guest Katie Vogel from the Henry Street Settlement, who will discuss the new nomination for founder Lillian Wald’s residence at the Henry Street Settlement to the National Register of Historic Places, acknowledging the significance of Wald’s homosocial world and the influence of lesbians in the settlement house movement.

The third in our three-part series, “From Progressive Reformers to Lesbian Gathering Spots: Explorations of Same-Sex Relationships & Spaces in New York City,” presented with the support of Humanities New York, Con Edison, and NYC & Company Foundation.