A Library & Archives for Us: The Story of Gerber/Hart Library & Archives

Unboxing Queer History by Gerber/Hart Library and Archives

Episode notes

“Finding our history is going to be a tool for our liberation”

On January 30th, 1981, Gerber/Hart Library and Archives opened its doors to the public. It was the first LGBTQ library in the Midwestern United States, brought to life through the efforts of the Chicago Gay and Lesbian History Project and Gay Horizons. The starting collection was entirely donated and managed mostly by volunteers. Volunteers are still “the backbone of Gerber/Hart”, doing everything from processing the archive and assisting patrons to curating exhibits and hosting events.

In addition to being a circulating library and an archives, Gerber/Hart hosts a variety of in-person and virtual events, from book talks, exhibit openings, and panels to a very popular used booksale.

In this episode, librarian and archivist Erin Bell discusses the ea ... 

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Keywords
gerber harthistorychicagoqueer archivesqueer chicago