Brooklyn · NYC landmark
Lesbian Herstory Archives
484 14th Street · Brooklyn, New York City
An independent archive preserves lesbian lives through books, photographs, letters and other records, with visits by advance appointment.
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NYFE Summary
Women involved in the Gay Academic Union began this archive in the 1970s to keep lesbian history from disappearing. It first occupied Joan Nestle’s Manhattan apartment. Volunteers gathered letters, photographs, publications and personal records that were often missing from established archives.
The collection is now available for casual browsing by advance appointment. Researchers should contact the archive with their subject and the materials they hope to consult. Its volunteer-run model continues the founders’ effort to preserve records of everyday lives as well as organized activism.
NYFE summary from the official history and visitor sources linked below.
Plan a visit
Check the operator’s current opening, admission and access information before travelling. Historic status does not guarantee public access to every interior.
Official visitor information ↗