Lesbian Herstory Archives

A museum, a library, and a community center all dedicated to lesbian history and culture. The mission of the Lesbian Herstory Archives is to accumulate and preserve information regarding lesbian lives and to provide access to this information with no sexual, political, or academic requirements.
 
In addition to a wide selection of books, journals, and press materials, the archives include historical artifacts and personal belongings, such as diaries, videos, posters, photographs, and clothes. The archives also host various exhibits and special events.
 
After separating from the Gay Academic Union (GAU), Joan Nestle, Deborah Edel, and other women established an organization that focuses on lesbian culture, and so in 1974, the Lesbian Herstory Archives was founded.
 
Throughout the years, the archives expanded, more women joined the organization and donated their personal materials. This is the world’s largest selection of materials made by and about lesbians and their communities, and currently, the archives include about 11,000 books, 1,300 periodical titles, historical items, and photographs.