Lesbian Herstory Archives

One of my favorite places on earth. So grateful this place exists, super important to all of our collective lesbian/​queer and feminist histories. A must see! Yes it is a lot and the vibe is definitely 70’s or 90’s at times but really worth visiting! A lot of stuff is housed here and a great place to do research with a great staff.

I cannot believe this place has not been more popular on Unilocal.I came here today for the first time for a Queer Memoir storytelling event. There was a Facebook invite that warned audience members to arrive early because seating was limited. I arrived at 2:15 for a 3pm start and was happy to grab a seat in the middle of the first room. Within the hour, the place was packed and a lot of people had to stand in the back.
The event was incredible. All the storytellers were wonderful and heartwarming and the audience was kind and accepting. The place itself had a homey grandma’s house type feel. You have to ring the bell on a brownstone in the middle of a block. You have to pay attention to the numbers because there’s no sign out front. Once inside, there are rows and rows of bookshelves in 2 large rooms filled with the archives, books, tapes, signs, pictures and tchotchkes. You can go for a tour, watch a video, relax on the couch or look through the archives. I’m so happy that I came. Totally worth it.

It’s a fabulous idea. I’m so sad they’re so pointedly unfriendly on the phone (during the ten minutes per week they’re actually open). pfffffft