About Queer History Boston
Queer History Boston is a community archives that documents, preserves, and shares LGBTQ+ histories of Boston and New England.
What started in 1980 as a small group of volunteers has grown into one of the largest LGBTQ+ community archives in the U.S. For 45 years we operated as The History Project, a name that closets who we are and those we document... but now we are coming out as Queer History Boston, and we couldn’t be prouder!
Above: ACT UP/Boston, “ACT UP Pamphlet” Circa January 1989
Our Vision
We envision a world where LGBTQ+ stories are celebrated, preserved, and understood as essential to our shared history and collective future.
Our Mission
The History Project works to document, preserve, and share the rich and diverse histories of New England’s LGBTQ+ communities by maintaining a community-driven archives, supporting research, and creating public programming that brings history to life.
Left: Postcard featuring young child reading "Wonder Woman" book, taken in New Words Bookstore in 1976 by Ellen Shub, Cambridge, MA.
The Queer History Boston offices and archive
Our Collections
Since 1980, Queer History Boston has been collecting primary source materials documenting the histories of LGBTQ+ communities throughout Boston and New England. With over 200 archival collections, we maintain one of the largest independent LGBTQ+ archives in the United States.
Janet Woodcock, “Large crowd in AIDS Action Committee AIDS Walk” 1989
Our Work
We aim to make our collections highly accessible, create exhibitions quickly in response to specific community needs and opportunities, and conduct outreach programs that bring the stories in our collections to life.
LGBTQ+ Boston Button and Pin Collection,
“1984 Boston Lesbian & Gay Pride Unity button” 1984
Our TEAM
Meet the dedicated volunteers, staff, and board members who guide The History Project’s mission and make our work possible.
Why Queer History
For centuries, LGBTQ+ lives and relationships were deliberately erased from the historical record, leaving our community’s stories marginalized and invisible. Queer History Boston ensures these histories are preserved and celebrated, reclaiming the past while enriching Boston’s collective memory for generations to come.
Address
Queer History Boston
565 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116
Hours
Use of the archives is free and open to the public! Due to limited space in the archives, our hours are by appointment only.
Contact
Questions? Contact us at info@queerhistoryboston.org