LGBTQ+ EXPERIENCE PROJECT
A HISTORIC CONTEXT AND SURVEY OF SACRAMENTO’S LGBTQ+ HISTORY AND LAVENDER HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD
The City of Sacramento is seeking public participation in its effort to document LGBTQ+ history in Sacramento. This grant-funded project will collect oral history interviews from members of the public through our online portal, which will be used along with in-depth historical research to produce a thematic historic context statement of LGBTQ+ history in Sacramento.
The project will start in late 2023 and go through the end of 2024. To get notified of project updates and public meeting dates, sign up below for our email list!
Frequently Asked Questions
What does LGBTQ+ mean?
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning
The “plus” (+) is used to signify other sexual orientations and gender identities that are not encompassed in the five-letter LGBTQ acronym.
What’s a historic context statement?
A historic context statement is a thematic overview of history for a particular group, type of architecture, or movement that we use to evaluate and identify potential historic properties. For this project, we will be researching LGBTQ+ history in Sacramento so we can identify the historic sites important to the community so they can be recognized and preserved. Historic context statements can also facilitate future grant funding, public history placemaking, museum exhibits, and more.
How can I help?
If you have any documents, photographs, or stories to tell, we will be setting up an online portal where you can submit your items to the City’s archive. Sign up for our email list above to get notified when it opens. We also need your help to spread the word about our project to people in the community!
Do you need to identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community?
No! If you have any history to share in the form of documents, photos, or personal history, we’d love to hear from you.
What area is going to be surveyed... and what is a survey?
The project aims to survey buildings, structures, and other key locations in the Lavender Heights neighborhood for its historic association with the LGBTQ+ community in Sacramento. Although, the historic context statement will include research citywide, and some individually eligible properties will be evaluated as well.
Will my name be associated with any information I provide?
We do require your consent to accept copies of your photos and documents into the City’s archive, but your name will not be published if you would like it to remain private.
Has the City done any similar projects?
Yes! Preservation staff recently completed the African American Experience Project, you can find information about the project here: African American Experience Project - City of Sacramento
Any other questions? Contact us!
Sean de Courcy, Preservation Director
sdecourcy@cityofsacramento.org
916-808-2796 (office)
916-662-2626 (mobile)
Henry Feuss, Historic Preservation Planner
hfeuss@cityofsacramento.org
916-808-5880 (office)