Lesbian Herstory Archives

Founded in 1974 by a group of lesbians, including Deborah Edel and Joan Nestle, the Lesbian Herstory Archives (LHA) is the world’s largest collection of materials by and about lesbians. For more than 50 years, the LHA has thrived as a grassroots community archive — collections, staffing, and outreach are managed by a team of […]

In honor of the Lesbian Herstory Archives’ 50th Anniversary, and in the spirit of hot dates everywhere, Archives Coordinators Alexis Clements and Shawn(ta) Smith-Cruz are organizing a 40 over 40 speed dating event.  The event will be held in-person on Wednesday, September 25th from 7 – 9pm at the Lesbian Herstory Archives (484 14th Street, […]

Lesbians AND crafts? What more could you want? In honor of the Lesbian Herstory Archives’ 50th anniversary some craft-loving volunteers began hosting weekly craft nights for folks to meet in small groups to gather, craft, and chat. Each night is assigned a theme to give everyone inspiration, but as far as crafting goes, there are […]

They’re here! Merchandise is now available online that will let you show your love for the Lesbian Herstory Archives and lesbians of all kinds in all their glory! Modeling our newest merch are models Joan Nestle (LHA Co-Founder and Coordinator) and her partner Di Otto, Maddie Provost (LHA Volunteer) and Rachel Corbman (LHA Coordinator), along with […]

In honor of the Lesbian Herstory Archives’ 50th Anniversary, Archives Coordinator Alexis Clements is organizing and facilitating an intimate series of conversations in the spirit of a consciousness raising group. Each week participants will be given a small set of readings to review in advance and then we’ll come together to talk about the readings […]

It’s June, and all kinds of Pride Celebrations are happening! Here is a sampling of events we are joining, associated with, or just simply love. Join for any or all! June 4: NewFest shows “Jewelle, a Just Vision.” And the Lesbian Herstory Archives is co-presenting it!  This personal and moving documentary illuminates the decades-spanning work of […]

The Lesbian Herstory Archives hosts three events that capture activism, memory, pictures, publishing and community in lesbian herstory.

We are entering the final months of the Mellon Grant-funded Lesbian Elders Oral Herstory Project. We are so thankful to those who have already participated and look forward to including more voices, especially those that can bring a diversity of perspective to reflect upon the lesbian community at large. In particular, we encourage Lesbian Elders […]

By Joan NestleWith special gratitude to Wendy Smiley, who through her grieving, said yes. Editor’s Note: On June 18, 2021, The New York Times, ran an obituary of Madeline Davis with the headline “Madeline Davis, Who Spoke to the Nation as a Lesbian, Dies at 80.” The formal obituary is worth reading. These two personal […]

We are very excited to announce that beginning in June we are welcoming visitors back to the Archives for casual browsing! Please visit the calendar on our website to see the available dates and times, and to book your appointment.