Lavender Legacies Guide: United States: California

AIDS History Project
Location: University of California San Francisco Library
and Center for Knowledge Management
Archives and Special Collections
AIDS History Project
530 Parnassus Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94123-0840
Phone: (415) 476-8112
Contact: Lisa Mix, Manager, Archives and Special Collections
Email: archives-info@library.ucsf.edu
Internet address:  http://www.library.ucsf.edu/collres/archives/
Hours: Tue-Wed, by appointment only.
Wheelchair Access: yes
History
The AIDS History Project (AHP) is a collaboration of historians, archivists, AIDS activists, and others, to preserve the history of the AIDS epidemic in San Francisco. The current phase is sponsored by the University of California, Library and Center for Knowledge Management, Archives and Special Collections. Cooperating partners in the project include the San Francisco Public Library and the Gay and Lesbian Historical Society of Northern California. These institutions, along with UCSF, will preserve and maintain the materials collected as a result of this phase of the project.
The primary objective of this phase of the AIDS History Project is to secure documentation of the response to the AIDS crisis in the city of San Francisco during the first thirteen years, particularly the development and effect of community based organizations and activist coalitions. It is our intent to acquire, arrange, and describe the most fertile and most vulnerable records from these agencies, and deposit them in local cooperating repositories open to all researchers. In addition, AHP encourages preservation of records that cannot be accessioned during the project's lifetime. Additional phases of the AIDS History Project are currently being considered. A natural area in which the AIDS History Project could expand is documentation of the community research effort.
Information about holdings
Manuscripts: yes
Organizational records: yes
Printed material: yes
Objects/ephemera: yes
Film/Video/Sound: yes
Photographs: yes
Other holdings/notes: 132.5 cubic ft. including items marked above.

Time periods/geographical regions documented:
The AIDS History Project spans the first 13 years of the AIDS epidemic, ca.1981-1994, within the San Francisco Bay Area.

Significant People/organizations/subjects documented:
Organizations: San Francisco Department of Public Health, AIDS Office (at SFPL), AIDS Treatment News, AIDS Service Providers Association, Bay Area HIV Support & Education Services, GAPA Community HIV Project, Healing Alternatives Foundation, Mobilization Against AIDS, Multicultural Training Resource Center, National Lawyers Guild, National Task Force on AIDS Prevention, San Francisco AIDS Foundation, San Francisco General Hospital AIDS Program, Third World AIDS Advisory Task Force, Women's AIDS Network, AIDS/ARC Vigil Records (at GLHS), AIDS Healing Alliance (at GLHS), and ACT-UP San Francisco (at GLHS).
Individuals (indirectly documented): Sandra Hernandez, M.D.; Paul Volberding, M.D.; Constance Woofsy, M.D.; and John Ziegler, M. D.
Collecting interests
Additional phases of the AIDS History Project are currently being considered. A natural area in which the AIDS History Project could expand is documentation of the community research effort.
Use requirements
[None noted.]

Comments about access/use:
Certain categories of documentation carry restrictions on access. Certain researchers are required to pay reading room and other fees.
Services
Research space, copying, audiovisual facilities, reference assistance on site, telephone reference, Internet reference (email/web), and loan agreements for exhibits.

Other services/notes:
Special services associated with the reproduction and use of rare and unique materials.
Indices, finding aids, collection descriptions
Finding aids exist for all of the AIDS History Project Collections and are available in the department and online through our web site. MARC records available in the UCSF catalog and MELVYL (UC system-wide catalog).
News about collections
Collection updates will be available on the web site.
 
 

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The Bisexual Archives
Address: c/o Gay and Lesbian Historical Society of San Diego
P.O. Box 40389
San Diego, CA 92164
Phone: (619) 260-1522 Fax: (619) 260-1522
Contact: Sharon Parker, Board President; Dennis Fiordaliso, Board Treasurer
Internet address:   http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/~clgoyne/lghssd/bisexualarch.html
Hours: Sun: 11 am - 3 pm, and by appointment. Closed holiday weekends.
Wheelchair Access: yes
History
Founded by Fritz Klein and Regina Reinhardt in 1996, the Bisexual Archives is housed and mentored by the Lesbian and Gay Historical Society of San Diego.
Information about holdings
Manuscripts: 2 ft.
Organizational records: 1 ft.
Printed material: 5 ft.
Clippings/vertical files: 1 ft.

Significant People/organizations/subjects documented:
Regina Reinhardt (Collection #96-1), Fritz Klein (Collection #96-2).
Collecting interests
Any period or region.
Use requirements
Unrestricted.
Services
Research space, copying, and audiovisual facilities.
Indices, finding aids, collection descriptions
There is a collection list.
News about collections
Newsletter of the Lesbian and Gay Historical Society of San Diego.
 
 

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California State University, Northridge
Location: Special Collections/Archives
University Library
18111 Nordhoff St.
Northridge, CA 91330-8326
Phone: (818) 677-2597 Fax: (818) 677-2676
Contact: Tony Gardner, Curator Special Collections and Archives
Email: tony.gardner@csun.edu
Internet address: http://library.csun.edu/spcoll/hbspcoll.html
Hours: Mon-Fri: 9 am - 4:30 pm
Wheelchair Access: yes
History
The Human Sexuality Collection was established in 1973 with the acquisition of the Vern and Bonnie Bullough Collection on Human Sexuality by the University Library. It supports the research and instructional interests of students and faculty and the activities of the Center for Sex Research on campus.
Information about holdings
Printed material: 500 titles

Time periods/geographical regions documented:
All time periods and geographical regions.

Significant People/organizations/subjects documented:
Periodicals from the 1960s and 1970s.
Collecting interests
All areas of human sexuality
Use requirements
Processed and cataloged material open to all researchers.
Services
Research space, copying, audiovisual facilities, exhibitions, reference assistance on site, telephone reference, Internet reference (email/web), and loan agreements for exhibits.
Indices, finding aids, collection descriptions
All processed materials are cataloged online through OCLC.

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Exodus Trust Archives of Erotology
1523 Franklin Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: (415) 928-1133
Contact: Ted McIlvenna
Email: drted@iashs.edu
Internet address: http://www.iashs.edu
Collecting areas: Twenty six specialty libraries which include books, art, film, erotic memorabilia, manuscripts and dissertations.

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Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Historical Society
Archives: 989 Market St., Lower Level
San Francisco, CA 94103
Museum: 4127 18th Street,
San Francisco, CA 94114 
Phone: (415) 777-5455 Fax: (415) 777-5576 

Email: reference@glbthistory.org
Internet address:  http://www.glbthistory.org
Hours: Archives access is by appointment
Wheelchair Access: yes

History
Founded in 1985, the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) Historical Society is recognized internationally as a leader in the field of LGBTQ public history. Our operations are centered around two sites: our GLBT Historical Society Museum, located since 2011 in the heart of San Francisco’s Castro neighborhood; and our Dr. John P. De Cecco Archives and Research Center, open to researchers in the Mid-Market district.

Information about holdings
The Dr. John P. De Cecco Archives & Special Collections of the GLBT Historical Society are among the largest and most extensive holdings in the world of materials pertaining to LGBTQ people, occupying more than 3,500 linear feet of storage and including over 900 collections. Materials include: personal papers, periodicals, oral histories, works of art and artifacts, photographs, audiovisual recordings, and organizational records. These collections include unpublished material such as letters, diaries and scrapbooks documenting the lives of both ordinary people and community leaders. They also include the records of many community organizations, businesses and political campaigns.

Time periods/geographical regions documented:
Predominantly Northern California, all time periods, but the vast majority is post-WWII. The collections are especially rich in material from the San Francisco Bay Area.

Significant People/organizations/subjects documented:
Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon, Daughters of Bilitis, Don Lucas, Mattachine Society, Council on Religion and the Homosexual, Community United Against Violence, San Francisco Women's Building, Louis Sullivan, Leonard Matlovich, Maggi Rubenstein, Crawford Barton, Finocchio's memorabilia, many collections documenting AIDS activism and other queer activism. This is just a sampling of the many collections available at the GLBT Historical Society.

Collecting interests 
The GLBTHS Dr. John P. De Cecco Archives and Special Collections (GLBTHS-ASC) focuses on LGBTQ life, particularly in the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California. Current collection strengths include the history of gay liberation and LGBTQ movements from the 1950s to the 2000s; lesbian and gay life prior to the 1970s; the history of the HIV/AIDS epidemic; the social, political, and cultural history of gay men, lesbians, and transgender people; queer periodicals and ephemera; and LGBTQ art and performance materials. Collections include personal papers, publications, organizational records, diaries, scrapbooks, photographs, erotica, audiovisual recordings, artifacts, oral histories, and works of art.

GLBTHS-ASC is happy to consider new donations that support the mission of GLBTHS. We are interested in material that further develops our existing collection strengths and material that documents underrepresented areas. We are particularly interested in material about: LGBTQ life prior to the 1970s; LGBTQ people of color; Transgender and intersex history, individuals, and organizations; Underserved and underrepresented LGBTQ communities, such as people with disabilities, low-income individuals and those experiencing homelessness; Lesbians and bisexual women and men; LGBTQ community-based organizations, including those related to health, faith, politics, and education.

Services
Research space, copying, audiovisual facilities, exhibitions, reference assistance on site, telephone reference, Internet reference (email/web), and loan agreements for exhibits.

Indices, finding aids, collection descriptions
Finding aids are available along with a searchable catalog of collections, periodicals, and oral histories. Selected digital collections are also available. 

News about collections
There is a newsletter highlighting collections and articles on queer history. The Historical Society website is updated regularly.

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June L. Mazer Lesbian Archives
Location: 626 N. Robertson Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Phone: (310) 659-2478 Fax: (310) 659-2478
Contact: Angela Brinskele
Email: mazerarchives@earthlink.net
Internet address:  http://www.mazerlesbianarchives.org
Hours: Tues 12- 3 pm; First Sunday of the month Noon-5pm Also by appointment.
Wheelchair Access: no
History
The collection was founded in 1981 in Oakland as the West Coast Lesbian Collections. In 1987 the collection moved to Southern California, under the auspices of the Connexxus Women's Center-Centro de Mujeres, and was subsequently named for its first coordinator's partner: community activist and collection supporter June L. Mazer. Since the dissolution of Connexxus in 1990, the Mazer Collection has not been associated with any other institution or organization.
Information about holdings
Manuscripts: 151 ft. personal and organizational papers
Printed material: 4,000 books; 1,000 periodical titles
Clippings/vertical files: 20 4-drawer filing cabinets (clippings, fliers, etc.)
Objects/ephemera: 4 small boxes (games, matchbook covers, etc.), and mugs, small statues, etc. on display
Film/Video/Sound: 24 ft. videos; 24 ft. records; 200 audiotapes
Photographs: 4 ft.
Other holdings/notes: 40 1940s-60s baseball/softball uniforms; ca.200 posters and other art objects; 18.5 ft. boxes of t-shirts; 20 frames (mostly 12 in. x 16 in.) of buttons.

Time periods/geographical regions documented:
Primarily United States, 1940s to the present, with a major emphasis on the West Coast.

Significant People/organizations/subjects documented:
Feminist and lesbian-feminist material; Feminist Economic Network; Diana Press; other lesbian/women's publications such as Broomstick, and Telewoman; OLOC (Old Lesbians Organizing for Change).
Collecting interests
Anything lesbian-related, with an emphasis on letters, diaries/journals, unpublished personal and organizational papers, photos, home movies, periodicals, Lesbian ephemera, and pre-1970 books from the western United States.
Use requirements
On-site use only.

Comments about access/use:
Access to some material is restricted due to donor request or fragility of the material. Visitors should call to confirm they are open.
Services
Research space, copying, audiovisual facilities, reference assistance on site, telephone reference, and loan agreements for exhibits.

Other services/notes:
Web page, off-site exhibits at events, cultural/educational programs and events, slide shows, speakers, and newsletter.
Indices, finding aids, collection descriptions
In the process of choosing cataloging (MARC-compatible) software that will make information available online. The majority of books, records and tapes are cataloged in a database. The periodicals are listed, by issue, in notebooks.
News about collections
Semi-annual newsletter and web page.

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Lambda Archives of San Diego
Address: P.O. Box 40389
San Diego, CA 92164
Phone: (619) 260-1522 Fax: (619) 260-1522
Contact: Frank Nobilletti, Board President, 2006
Internet:  http://LambdaArchives.org

Hours: Sun: 11 am - 3 pm, and by appointment. Closed holiday weekends.
Wheelchair Access: yes
History
The society was founded in December of 1987 by Jess Jessop and other San Diego gay and lesbian activists as the Lesbian and Gay Archives. There were no known predecessors in San Diego, and it is not associated with any other institutions or organizations.
Holdings summary
The holdings mostly document the San Diego region (there is some material from Baja California), 1960 to the present. Some material dates from the 1940s and 1950s.
Military: Bridge Wilson (5 ft.), Perry Watkins (.5 ft.), Jim Woodward (3 ft.), and Gary Rees (.33 ft.).
Politics: Chris Kehoe (11 ft.), and Neil Goode (2 ft.).
Organizations: Save Our Teachers - No on 64 (.5 ft.), AIDS Project (96.5 ft), Gay Academic Union [through 1984] (14 ft.), The [Gay and Lesbian] Center (1.5 ft.), Lesbian and Gay Historical Society (4 ft.).
Local and Miscellaneous: Jess Jessop (5 ft.), Bernie Michels (3 ft.), Bruce Kamerling (.33 ft.), Albert Bell (4 ft.), and Steven Zeeland (1.5 ft.).
The breakdown by format is: 55 ft. of manuscripts, 37 ft. of organizational records, 100 ft. of printed material (59 ft. non-local, 40 ft. local), 12 ft. of vertical files, thousands of ephemeral items, 16 ft. of video, 13 ft. of audio, and 14 ft. of photographs.
Collecting interests
Emphasis on the history and activities of LGBT people in the San Diego County/Tijuana (Baja, CA, Norte, Mexico) region. Also includes information on LGBT culture worldwide.
Use requirements
Open to the public; a few collections have restrictions.
Services
Research space, copying, audiovisual facilities, exhibitions, reference assistance on site, telephone reference, and loan agreements for exhibits.

Other services/notes:
Only minimal A/V and phone reference is available. Mostly only copies are allowed out for exhibit loan.
Indices, finding aids, collection descriptions
Lists of books, periodicals, and manuscript collections are available. Clippings and vertical files are organized by our own authority list. Finding aids available to a small number of manuscript collections. Video and flat files are currently being cataloged.
News about collections
The newsletter lists recent donations.

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Lavender Library, Archives and Cultural Exchange
Location: 1414 21st Street
Sacramento, CA 95815
Phone: (916) 492-0558 
Contact: Michael Colby
E-mail: info@lavenderlibrary.org
Internet Address: http://www.lavenderlibrary.org

Hours: Thursdays 7-9 p.m.; Friday 6-8 p.m.; Saturday 12-6 p.m.; Sunday 12-6 p.m.

Wheelchair Accessible: yes

History:

Incorporated as a 501(c)3 independent California non-profit organization on October 6, 1998, LLACE first opened its doors to the public in January of 1999. In October of 2000, it moved to its current, larger location. LLACE was also instrumental in the first ever LGBT exhibit in the California State Capitol in June of 2002.

Information about Holdings:
Manuscript material: 2 cubic feet
Organizational records: 5 cubic feet
Photographs: 1 cubic foot
Books: 5,000
Journals: 60 cubic feet
Microfilm: 9 reels
Clippings or vertical files: 4 drawers
Objects and ephemera: 1 cubic foot
Costumes and props: 4 cubic feet

Video and DVD: 300 titles

Time period/geographical regions documented:
Holdings cover the greater Sacramento area from circa the 1970's to the present

Significant people/organizations/subjects covered:
Le Theater Lesbien, Court of the Great Northwest Imperial Empire (drag court), Sacramento Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival, and River City Business Association.

Collecting Interests:
LLACE accepts donations which fit into our collection policy on a regular basis. We accept books, periodicals, videos, sound recordings, manuscripts, ephemera, posters, letters, etc. The collection policy of LLACE reflects our mission, which is to collect, preserve and celebrate the history and culture of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community, with special emphasis on the community in the Sacramento area. While our emphasis is on LGBT material, there are times when there is a need to collect material that is not specifically LGBT in content (e.g. general reference works, feminist material, spirituality, self-help). Since material considered erotic is an expression of our community, we will collect erotic material.

Access and Use:
On-site use of the material is open to the public. Checkout of circulating (non-archival) materials requires an annual donation, either monetary or in volunteer hours.

Services:
Research space, reference assistance, photocopier, telephone reference, VCR and DVD player, will loan materials for exhibit.

Indices to the collection:
Books and videos are cataloged in a MARC database. Periodical holdings are reflected in CatalogQ (http://www.catalogq.net). Lists of all materials held appear on the website.

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Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Religious Archives Network (LGBTRAN)

Address: c/o Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry 
1798 Scenic Avenue 
Berkeley, CA 94709
Phone: (773) 316-8892
Contact: Mark Bowman
Email: info@lgbtran.org
Internet address: http://www.lgbtran.org

Collecting areas: The LGBTRAN can best be viewed as a "virtual" archives. We serve as a resource for LGBT religious leaders and groups on determining how to preserve their historical records. we then provide an information clearinghouse for these archival collections in a central electronic directory for the use of historians, researchers and other interested persons. Extensive information on the history of LGBT religious movements is available on our web site. This group's overarching purpose is to ensure the preservation and accessibility of the voices and experiences of LGBT religious leaders and organizations.

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Oakland Museum of California
Location: 1000 Oak St.
Oakland, CA 94607-4892
Phone: (510) 238-3842 Fax: (510) 238-6579
Contact:Aimee Klask
Email: aklask@museumca.org
Internet address:   http://www.museumca.org
Hours: Thu: 1-4 pm
Wheelchair Access: Museum: yes; Museum on Line section (archives, 2nd floor): no.
History
The Oakland Public Museum was founded in 1910 and joined with the Snow Museum and Municipal Art Gallery to form the Oakland Museum in 1969. The name changed ca.1994 to the Oakland Museum of California.
Information about holdings
Printed material: 16 items
Objects/ephemera: 6 items
Film/Video/Sound: 1 sound recording; 1 video.
Photographs: 1 photo
Other holdings/notes: 24 garments and accessories re: [drag] performances of Jose Sarria and Lester Lamont, 6 posters, 2 comic books.

Time periods/geographical regions documented:
San Francisco Bay Area, 1930s to 1990s.

Significant People/organizations/subjects documented:
Jose Sarria, Lester Lamont.
Collecting interests
Keeping with the museum's California theme, we have a collection of costumes from the legendary drag performer Jose Sarria and material from the annual San Francisco Lesbain, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Pride Parade. In addition, we are currently collecting artifacts from the queer community in California.
Use requirements
[None noted.]
Services
Research space, copying, exhibitions, reference assistance on site, and loan agreements for exhibits.
Indices, finding aids, collection descriptions
Collections on Museum's database: ARGUS.
News about collections
No information is sent out; however, new material appears on our ARGUS system.

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ONE Archives at the USC Libraries
Location: 909 West Adams Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90007
Phone: (213) 821-12771 

Fax: 213-741-0220

E-mail: AskONE@usc.edu

Internet Address: http://www.one.usc.edu

Contacts: Joseph R. Hawkins, Ph.D, Executive Director

History: Several members of the Mattachine Society, including educator and activist W. Dorr Legg, met to discuss creating a magazine for homosexuals. In November 1952 they formed ONE Inc. and in January 1953 published the first issue of ONE Magazine, which would become the first widely distributed publication for homosexuals in the United States. The magazine featured articles, editorials, short stories, book reviews, and letters to the editor.

Kepner, A frequent contributor to ONE Magazine, along with Legg and Dr. Thomas M. Merritt, went on to found the ONE Institute, the educational arm of ONE Inc. that conducted seminars and published a journal. While ONE Magazine ceased publication in 1967, under Legg’s guidance the Institute continued to advocate and educate, eventually issuing advanced degrees in “Homophile Studies.”

In 1971, Kepner named his collection, then housed in his rented Hollywood apartment, the Western Gay Archives. His archives would later move to a storefront space in Hollywood, becoming the National Gay Archives, and later, the International Gay & Lesbian Archives, to reflect the growing scope of the collections.

In 1994, Kepner’s archives merged with the ONE Institute, and in 2000 moved to its current location provided by the University of Southern California. The archives would later be renamed ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives. In October 2010, the collections at ONE Archives became a part of the USC Libraries system. Today, ONE Archives is the oldest continuing LGBTQ organization in the United States and the largest repository of LGBTQ materials in the world.

Mission Statement: ONE Institute & Archives honors the past, celebrated the present, and enriches the future of all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people. We foster acceptance of sexual and gender diversity by supporting education and research about our heritage and experience worldwide. ONE Institute & Archives is dedicated to collecting, preserving, documenting, studying, and communicating our history, our challenges, and our aspirations.

Information about holdings:
1.Manuscript material (personal papers):
Approx. 250 collections. 2000 linear feet http://www.oac.cdlib.org/institutions/ONE+National+Gay+and+Lesbian+Archives
2. Film, video, or sound:
4000 videos/film; 1000 audio tapes
3. Organization's records:
150 linear feet http://www.oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/kt7290389h/
4. Photographs: 500,000 items
5. Printed (books, journals, etc.): 30,000 book volumes; 7000 periodical titles.
6. Clippings or vertical files:
Kepner Research Collection file, 500 linear feet
8. Objects and ephemera: 100 linear feet
9. Other: (POSTERS/ART WORKS) 5000 pieces
10. What specific time period(s) and geographical region(s) do the holdings cover?
1850-2010. Los Angeles, California, United States, international.
11. What significant people, organizations and subjects are documented in the material?
Pre-Stonewall Gay America and Los Angeles, AIDS, Jim Kepner, Dorr Legg, Jeanne Cordova, Morris Kight, ONE Magazine, ONE Inc., Betty Berzon, Harry Hay, Laud Humphreys, gay performing arts and many other topics.

Summary: Archival/Photograph Collections are selected for preservation in the ONE Archives primarily because of their historical research value to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people. Historical collections and manuscripts include memorabilia, records, printed documents, photographic images, maps, graphic materials, and other historically significant materials in other physical and electronic forms. Selected collections include: ONE, Inc./ONE Magazine Records the Jim Kepner Collection (writer, activist, archivist), Dorr Legg Papers, Harry Hay Papers, Morris Kight Collection, Dignity USA Records, the Mattachine Society Records, Betty Berzon Papers, the Performing Arts Collection, AIDS History Project Collection, Lesbian Legacy Collection, the Veterans’ Council for American Rights & Equality Records, Gay Sunshine Press (publisher), 1987 March on Washington Collections, the Gay and Lesbian Community Services Center Los Angeles Archives, Pat Rocco Papers (photographer and activist), Hal Call (early activist), and Rick Sanford (writer); Joseph Carrier Collection (anthropologist), Jeanne Cordova Papers and Photographs, Laud Humphreys Papers (sociologist), Judd Marmor Papers (psychiatrist), the James White Review (literary magazine), William Christian Miller Papers, J. J. Bertrand Belanger Papers, Ivy Bottini Papers, Sallie M. Fiske Papers, Edgar Sandifer’s Mississippi Gay Activist Collection, the Metropolitan Community Church Records, P-FLAG Records, ACT-UP Los Angeles Records, Christopher Street West (CSW) Pride Parade Records, the Gay Activist Alliance--New York, the Twice Blessed Collection (Jewish & gay collection), Advocate Records, Blue Max Motorcycle Club Records, Lambda Literary Foundation Collection, Jason Stuart Collection, Philip Gambone Oral History Collection, Lynn Edward Harris Collection, R. Scott Hitt Collection, Long Beach Center Collection, Neil Edwards Collection (physique photography), Dan Siminoski Collection (FBI files/court case), Orange County California Gay Collections, Metropolitan Community Church Collection, B.W. Grant Barnes Collection, Robert W. Basker Collection, Manual Boy Frank Collection, Reed Erickson Collection, Walter Williams Collection, Lillene H. Fifield Papers, Thomas F. Coleman Papers, Dorothy C. Putnam & Lois Mercer Papers, James Barr Papers, Evelyn Freedman Writings, Haldeman-Julius Publications, Miles Everett Photographs, Bob Smith Collection (author), Phil Tarley Collection and many others.

Performing Arts Collections includes a large subject file, the Purple Circuit Collection, Ralph Judd Collection on Cross-Dressing in the Performing Arts, Gay & Lesbian Television Scripts Collection, Charles Pierce Papers, Ken Dickmann Papers, Michael Kearns Papers, David Gaard, Theatrical Works Collection and other collections.

Kepner Research File: This collection is perhaps the oldest and largest general research collection on LGBT issues in the country. It contains both original materials such as writings, correspondence, lists, manuscripts, transcripts, financial materials, meeting minutes, and secondary materials such as pamphlets, brochures, periodical tear sheets and newspaper excerpts. Jim Kepner and others annotated much of this material. Kepner began collecting LGBT materials as early as 1942; although he died in 1997, ONE continues to add appropriate material. The Subject file consists of 20,000 files.

Audiovisual: The archive's collection of materials include over 1,500 films, over 3000 videos (including 10 years of videotaped lectures from ONE, Inc.'s Lecture Series), and over 1,000 audiotapes. Interviews with many pioneers of the LGBT movement are included from the IGLA interviews with notable gays and lesbians from Los Angeles and around the country. Also included are many tapes relating to the radio program IMRU as well as extensive video material of an erotic nature.

Books: The main library collection includes over 30,000 books, including 3,000 in the subject collections (see below). There are many rare and unusual books in the library, some of which may be the only copies in existence.

Magazines/Journals: The periodicals collection includes extensive LGBT titles as well as rare issues of the earliest American queer publications such as the lesbian newsletter Vice Versa from the 1940's, and complete runs of ONE magazine and the Mattachine Review from the early 1950's. There is also a complete run of the Advocate. The collection includes over 500 magazines in more than 25 different languages from places such as France, Germany, Russia, Brazil, the Netherlands, Japan, Spain, Italy, and many other nations. ONE's collections includes some of the earliest gay European publications such as the Arcadie and Der Kreis as well as significant runs of Gai Pied, SEK, Homologie, Der Gay Krant, Revolt, and Vennen.

Objects/Ephemera: T-shirts, buttons, clothing, leather, pins, event ephemera, and additional materials.

Art/Poster Collection: ONE Archives' art collection comprises of over 4,000 paintings, drawings, works on paper, photographs and sculptures, the majority of which were produced after the end of WWII. The scope of the collection ranges from works by well known artists such as Don Bachardy, Claire Falkenstein, Gronk, Sister Corita Kent, Kevin McCarty, Kate Millett, Sidney Bronstein and Arthur Tress, to numerous works by anonymous or unknown producers. For many of these unknowns, little biographical information on the artist exists, as she or he possibly worked anonymously or under a pseudonym as to avoid being "outed." As part of the archive's larger holdings, the art collection is inseparable from ONE's archival collections (publications, documents, ephemera, etc.) that provide a contextual background with which the artworks can understood as historical objects. Also includes posters of protests, bar events, and entertainment venues.

Collection Growth:
ONE collects LGBT materials including manuscripts, film/video, audio discs, electronic files, organizational records, personal papers, oral histories, material relating to LGBT performing arts, photographs, books, periodicals, artworks, ephemera and other materials with no geographical boundaries. ONE collects materials that are primarily about or which otherwise reflect on or impact the experience, history, lives, heritage and interests of gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender people. In addition, more general works on human sexuality, gender studies, sex and society, sexual discrimination, sexual rights, sexual health issues, including AIDS, etc. are collected to the extent that they provide a broader intellectual context and support for the more specialized LGBT aspects of the collections.

Access and Use:
1. What are the requirements for using the organization's/institution's material? ONE Archives welcomes all researchers including the general public, students and scholars.
2. HOURS: Tue. & Fri. 1:30pm - 5:30pm; Wed. & Thur. 3:30pm - 9:00pm; Saturday 11:00am - 5:00pm; Sundays & Mondays – Closed. Also by appointment.
3. Site is wheelchair accessible.
ONE’s primary collecting focus is on materials by and about members of the LGBT community, as well as on materials that document all aspects of their lives, interests, experiences and histories. ONE also collects materials that lack a specific LGBT focus, if they concern subjects or individuals of particular interest to gay and lesbian people. In addition, ONE collects more general materials on human gender and sexuality, including such subjects as gender studies, sex and society, sexual discrimination, sexual rights, sexual health issues, that provide a broader intellectual context and support for the more specialized LGBT aspects of the collections. The nature of materials ONE collects includes the historical, political, sociological, organizational and documentary, as well as the cultural and creative, including literature and the plastic and performing arts. ONE acquires collections of records, papers, manuscripts, photographs, audio/video materials and cultural objects by gift, bequest or purchase. All transfers of materials are documented by a legal transfer document (in the case of gifts and bequests, a Deed of Gift). ONE does not usually accept collections with use restrictions, although it will respect requests from donors to restrict access to certain records, provided the number of records is small relative to the size of the collection, and the restriction on access is for a carefully defined period of time. Whenever possible ONE obtains copyright to all donated materials, although this is not always achievable, particularly when the donor is not the creator. ONE lends materials from its collections to qualified institutions for exhibition purposes; whenever possible the items lent are duplicates. Materials deemed not relevant to ONE’s collecting objectives are de-accessioned. Duplicate periodicals are offered to other LGBT Archives.

Services:
research space, reference assistance on site, copying services, telephone reference, audiovisual facilities, Internet reference, loans for exhibition.

Indices:
ONE publishes its EAD finding aids on the Online Archive of California http://www.oac.cdlib.org/institutions/ONE+National+Gay+and+Lesbian+Archives
Collections listed in the OAC and additional collections are also listed on ONE’s website http://www.onearchives.org/collections.
Books, periodicals, audiovisual materials, subject files, and a wide variety of documents are listed in ONE’s InMagic database http://www.onearchives.org/collections. Some of the materials are also available on the USC library catalog.

Updating Collection Descriptions:
ONE notifies researchers of new and newly processed collections through our electronic newsletter http://www.onearchives.org/newsletter, our Facebook and MySpace page as well as various printed outlets. Members also receive postcard notifications of gallery exhibitions and our monthly lecture series.

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The OUTWORDS Archive, Inc.
Address: 555 W. 5th St., FL 35
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Email: info@theoutwordsarchive.org
Phone: (424) 261-9171
Contact: Mason Funk, Executive Director
Web: http://theoutwordsarchive.org/
History

OUTWORDS was founded by Mason Funk in 2016. We are not associated with any other institution or organization. We are a registered 501c3 non-profit corporation in the State of California.

OUTWORDS collects, archives and shares the experience and wisdom of LGBTQ pioneers, to serve as a model for enduring social change in the United States and beyond.

OUTWORDS envisions a world where the proud history of the LGBTQ rights movement is preserved and celebrated; where LGBTQ youth understand that they are part of a strong, rich tradition, and thus engage more openly and creatively with the world; where the knowledge and wisdom accumulated over a half-century’s worth of queer activism empowers other marginalized communities in their quest for tolerance and legal protections; where labels fade, categories expand, and authenticity abounds.

OUTWORDS is the only project in the United States specifically dedicated to capturing professional quality interviews with LGBTQ pioneers and elders from all cultural, economic, political and geographical areas and backgrounds. OUTWORDS believes these stories are an important part of the historical record, and serve an equally important role in educating and inspiring future generations. OUTWORDS is organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Current Holdings: Size and Content

We have recorded 131 interviews averaging two hours in length from LGBTQ pioneers and elders living in 26 states + Washington DC. These interviews are on-camera with professional camera at 4K resolution and professional audio equipment. Our complete list of interviews is below.

We have contemporary portraits of all our subjects (taken on the day of their interviews) as well as personal photos submitted to us by our subjects (as few as five and as many as 30 or more).

Collection Growth

We are willing to assume curatorial responsibility for film and video assets relating to LGBTQ history. Our primary interest would be on-camera interviews with “pioneers and elders” (loosely defined) of the LGBTQ civil rights movement. We do not at present have a written curatorial policy — it would have to be developed.

Access and Use

We are in the process of building a digital platform that will make all our interviews fully available online for viewing (both transcripts and digital interview image). Use of the platform will be free for personal/educational use, with proper attribution. Those accessing our materials for commercial purposes will pay a license fee TBD. (We are in the early stages of developing these policies.)

Our digital platform will be searchable using traditional word or phrase searches.

INTERVIEWS as of November 2018

San Francisco Performing Arts Library & Museum
401 Van Ness Ave, Fourth floor
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 255-4800
Contacts: David Humphrey, Director or Kirsten Tanaka, Head Librarian
Email: Info@sfpalm.org
Internet address: http://www.sfpalm.org
Collecting areas: History of the performing arts in the San Franscisco Bay Area: dance, music, opera, theater (including mime, puppetry and especially musical theater), and theatrical design.

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San Francisco Public Library
James C. Hormel Gay and Lesbian Center
Location: 100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 557-4566 Fax: (415) 437-4831
Contact: Jim E. Van Buskirk, Program Manager
Email: jvanbuskirk@sfpl.org
Internet:  http://sfpl.org/librarylocations/main/glc/glc.htm
Hours: Manuscript collections are accessible through the San Francisco History Room: Tue, Wed, Thu: 10 am - 6 pm; Fri: 11 am - 5 pm; Sat: 9 am - 5 pm; Sun: 12-5 pm. Access to other materials at the Gay and Lesbian Center is during regular library hours: Mon.: 10 am - 6 pm; Tue, Wed, Thu:  9 am - 8 pm; Fri: 11 am - 5 pm; Sat:  9 am - 5 pm; Sun:  12 - 5 pm.
Wheelchair Access: yes
History
Announced in October 1991 the Gay and Lesbian Center opened to the public on April 18, 1996, as part of the main San Francisco Public Library. It maintains a collection of books, periodicals, videos, sound recordings, photographs, posters, ephemera, memorabilia, and manuscript collections. In addition to actively soliciting donations of personal papers and organizational records it is also the physical repository for selected manuscript collections belonging to the Gay and Lesbian Historical Society of Northern California.
Information about holdings
Manuscripts: 460 cubic ft.
Organizational records: 60 cubic ft.
Printed material: 850 ft.
Clippings/vertical files: 10 ft.
Objects/ephemera: 10 ft.
Film/Video/Sound: 100 ft.
Photographs: yes
Microfilm: 50 ft.

Time periods/geographical regions documented:
All time periods, with a concentration on post-1969. Manuscript materials specifically related to Northern California. Published materials international in scope, with an attempt to be comprehensive for Northern California.

Significant People/organizations/subjects documented:
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender communities in Northern California including Aaron Fricke, Lynn Lonidier, Harvey Milk, Paul Reed , and Randy Shilts. Archival holdings include:  Monica Kehoe, Lynn Lonidier, Marvin Liebman, Harvey Milk, Federation of Gay Games, Kiki Gallery, Alice B. Toklas Collection - Letters to Donald H. Frank, and selections from the Gay and Lesbian Historical Society of Northern California:  Louis Graydon Sullivan, Jackie Winnow, Robert G. DeSantis, Arthur Lazere, Leonard Matlovich, Golden Gate Business Association, Lesbian Agenda for Action, Len Evans Papers, Charles Thorpe, People's Fund, Committee to Form Gay/Lesbian Sierrans, Thousand Fingers Cooperative Crafts Gallery, Scott Bishop, Libertarians for Gay Lesbian Concerns, Joseph Rose-Azevedo, GLAAD/SFBA, and Old Wives' Tale Bookstore..

Collecting interests
The Gay and Lesbian collections contain unpublished materials focusing on northern California, while published works are national and international in scope. Particular attention is paid to materials dealing with people of color, people with disabilities, youth, elderly, and other traditionally underserved groups. Formats include books, magazines, manuscripts, films, videos, photographs, posters, recordings, ephemera, and memorabilia.
 

Use requirements
Open to the public for on-site reference

Comments about access/use:
Archival collections available through the San Francisco History Room.
 

Services
Research space, copying, audiovisual facilities, exhibitions, reference assistance on site, telephone reference, and loan agreements for exhibits.

Other services/notes:
No materials may be borrowed.
Indices, finding aids, collection descriptions
Published materials are available via the SFPL online catalog. Collection level descriptions of manuscript materials are cataloged in MARC and available in the SFPL catalog and OCLC. Finding aids to selected collections are available on-site.
News about collections
There are periodic updates in the online catalog.

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San Jose State University

SJSU Special Collections & Archives exist to acquire, preserve, arrange, describe, and make accessible its rich holdings of secondary and primary materials to support the diverse teaching and research needs of undergraduates, graduates, faculty, staff, and the larger community. These collections document local, regional, and California history, with a specific focus on history, politics, literature, and art. In addition, the Department is responsible for documenting the history of the university, and has a large collection of university and faculty publications, administrative records, photographs, and ephemera.

Stanford University, Green Library
Department of Special Collections
Location: Cecil H Green Library
[East Wing, Third floor]
557 Escondido Mall
Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305-6004
Phone: (650) 725-3478 Fax: (415) 723-8690
Contact: Glynn Edwards, Manuscripts; John Mustain, Rare Books; Margaret Kimball, University Archives
Email: speccoll@sulmain.stanford.edu
Internet address:   http://garamond.stanford.edu/depts/spc/
Hours: Mon-Fri: 9 am - 5 pm
Wheelchair Access: yes
History
The Department of Special Collections is the principal repository for Stanford's historical research collections in all formats including printed books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, and prints. The department's holdings comprise more than 200,000 books and 20 million manuscript items. Strengths of the department's collections are modern literature, the history and art of the book, the history of science, continental history and literature, classical literature and philosophy, children's literature, Mexican American history, and the history of the Stanford community.
Information about holdings
Manuscripts: yes
Organizational records: yes
Printed material: yes
Clippings/vertical files: yes
Objects/ephemera: yes
Film/Video/Sound: yes
Photographs: yes

Time periods/geographical regions documented:
Most collections relevant to LGBT archives deal with Stanford University or alumni, 1972 to the present.

Significant People/organizations/subjects documented:
Gay and Lesbian Alliance at Stanford and other collections dealing with gay and lesbian history at Stanford University, Kerrigan Black Papers 1963-1993, Gerard Koskovich - AIDS Activism publications, and Newton "Bud" Flounders collection of gay literature (over 3,000 volumes).
Collecting interests
Continuation of collections concerning the gay and lesbian history of Stanford and from alumni.
Use requirements
Open to scholars and researchers regardless of institutional affiliation.
Services
Research space, copying, audiovisual facilities, reference assistance on site, telephone reference, Internet reference (email/web), and loan agreements for exhibits.
Indices, finding aids, collection descriptions
Collection level descriptions are available on Socrates, the Stanford University catalog, and RLIN. Finding aids and a card catalog are also available, as is information on the UNICORN web site.

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University of California, Berkeley
Bancroft Library
University of California
Berkeley, CA 94720-6000
Phone: (510) 642-6481
Email: Bancref@library.berkeley.edu
Internet address: http://bancroft.berkeley.edu/
also http://sunsite.berkeley.edu/gaybears/

History:
The Bancroft Library was formed by Hubert Howe Bancroft, a bookseller who came to San Francisco during the Gold Rush. Bancroft's collection was purchased by the University of California in 1905, and has grown into the largest archive on the history of the Pacific West as well as the principal rare books and manuscripts library of U.C. Berkeley. As such, it contains a wealth of material of potential relevance to LGBT scholars, but efforts to collect materials related to sexuality have only been formalized in recent years. In 1992 Bancroft's Regional Oral History Office began interviews for its San Francisco AIDS oral history series. In 1995 librarian William Benemann founded the Gay Bears! Collection in the University Archives, within Bancroft, to document lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender life on the Berkeley campus. In 2000, Bancroft appointed Mr. Benemann as adjunct (and founding) curator of the Sexual Orientation and Social Conflict Collection to document controversial gay-related issues.

University of California, Los Angeles
Department of Special Collections
Location: Charles E. Young Research Library
Room A1713
Address: Box 951575
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1575
Phone: (310) 825-4988 Fax: (310) 206-1864
Email: spec-coll@library.ucla.edu
Internet address:  http://www.library.ucla.edu/libraries/special/scweb/
Hours: Mon-Sat: 9 am - 5 pm, except certain intersession days and during some special events.
Wheelchair Access: yes
History
The Department of Special Collections was founded in 1946.
Information about holdings
Manuscripts: 500 ft.
Printed material: thousands
Clippings/vertical files: 20 ft.
Objects/ephemera: 200 items
Film/Video/Sound: 250 items
Photographs: thousands
Microfilm: minimal

Time periods/geographical regions documented:
Primarily the Los Angeles area, but printed materials cover the entire range of world history.

Significant People/organizations/subjects documented:
There are published and manuscript materials pertaining to hundreds of prominent LGBT figures including J. A. Symonds, Gertrude Stein, H. H. Monro, Denton Welch, Claude McKay, Harry Hay, Morris Kight, Terri de la Pena, Christopher Isherwood, Don Bachardy, John Rechy, Yannis Tsarouchis, Stathis Orphanos, Ivy Compton Burnett, Norman Douglas, William Plomer, Anais Nin, William Beckford, Arthur Rimbaud, Ronald Firbank, George Santayana, Glenway Wescott, Tennessee Williams, Virginia Woolf, T. H. White, A.E. Housman, Gerald Heard, Eloise Klein Healy, Paul Monette, Michael Nava, Edouard Roditi, and Howard Moss. Local minor figures are represented by writers Rudy Thomas Foley and Dan Luckenbill. The Rudi Gernreich papers contain a small amount of material pertaining to the first meetings of the Mattachine Society in Los Angeles. Most of these papers are from literary figures, but for those such as Paul Monette's, other community activist concerns are documented. The papers of Morris Kight give insight into the many Los Angeles and international LGBT organizations and activities, although the papers at UCLA do not document these in a systematic way.
All important areas are documented to some extent, including psychology. Many of these studies were begun at UCLA with prominent figures such as Evelyn Hooker. Early work in transgender studies is documented in the papers of UCLA psychiatrist Robert Stoller. Special collections also has works of popular psychology wherein many 20th century works on homosexuality were published, for example Homo Hill (1963), Homosexuality: The International Disease (1965). Particularly important in the UCLA holdings are local imprints that contain hundreds of books in wrappers on popular journalism and psychology and local travel guides and other guides invaluable to LGBT history, and hundreds of titles in all genres of popular literature, particularly detective fiction and erotica.
The history of photography collection contain works by Von Gloeden (in publications) and works by various photographers: Bernice Abbott, Carl van Vechten, Stathis Orphanos, etc. UCLA Special Collections also has collections in the areas of the arts and entertainment, including the gallery records of the Rex Evans Gallery, owned by Rex Evans and James Weatherford (with documentation and correspondence pertaining to Cecil Beaton, Don Bachardy, Louis Fox, Sheila Ross, etc.).
Collecting interests
LGBT materials primarily in support of long-standing collecting areas: local imprints, literature, and culture, etc.
Use requirements
Users must have valid UCLA library cards. Library cards may be obtained on presentation of photo identification. Priority of service is given to researchers formally affiliated with UCLA or with the UC system. There are fees for telephone and mail requests by researchers not affiliated with the university.

Comments about access/use:
No appointment is needed but some materials require 24 hours to retrieve from off-site storage.
Services
Research space, copying, audiovisual facilities, exhibitions, reference assistance on site, telephone reference, Internet reference (email/web), and loan agreements for exhibits.
Indices, finding aids, collection descriptions
Manuscripts have card indices until about 1979, with subject and name added entries, then collection level computer entries. Most manuscript collections have at least box level descriptions, many have folder level and some item level descriptions in finding aids. Some finding aids are available on the web.
 
 

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University of Los Angeles, California - Chicano Studies Resource Center

Women's Resource Center
Location: University of California
250 Golden Bear Center
Berkeley, CA 94720-2440
Phone: (510) 642-4786 Fax: (510) 642-9078
Contact: Dorothy Lazard
Internet address:  http://www.aad.berkeley.edu/uga/osl/wrc/
Hours: Mon-Thu: 9 am - 5 pm; Fri: 9 am - 12 pm.
Wheelchair Access: yes
History
The Women's Resource Center Library was founded in 1972. Information about LGBT culture and history has always been a part of the WRC collection; the Constance Barker Collection includes early lesbian history and literature and was incorporated into the WRC collection in the 1980s.
Holdings summary
The WRC Library has always maintained information about the GLB community in its collection. The pamphlet file collection (2 file drawers) covers topical areas such as the gay movement, gay/lesbian culture, legal and political issues, parenting, coming out stories, gays in the military, homophobia, employment issues, etc. These files also contain organizational newsletters and brochures, newspaper and magazine articles, monographs, bibliographies, and journal articles. Journals such as Sinister Wisdom, Off Our Backs, and the defunct Outlook are part of the Periodicals Collection. Historical journals such as The Ladder, various grassroots women's newspapers of the 1970s, as well as the Constance Barker Collection (early lesbian histories and literature) are part of the Reference Collection. Altogether, the printed volumes number over 350.
Use requirements
Anyone may use the collection during business hours.
Services
Research space, copying, reference assistance on site, telephone reference, and borrowing privileges for individuals.

Other services/notes:
Borrowing privileges of books are reserved only for books and are limited to Berkeley students, staff and faculty.
Indices, finding aids, collection descriptions
Author/Title and Subject card catalog; pamphlet file index (for searching topical files); periodicals are listed alphabetically by title.
News about collections
Occasional acquisition lists are compiled and may be picked up at the WRC. They may be included on our web site in the future.

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