News and Events

For Immediate Release
December 10, 2008

Contact: Paul Boneberg, GLBTHS Executive Director at (415) 777-5455 x6 or paul@glbthistory.org



GLBT HISTORICAL SOCIETY CELEBRATES CASTRO EXHIBIT OPENING
The GLBT Historical Society's latest exhibit
opens to the public on December 18th

San Francisco, CA - December 10, 2008 - On December 18th, the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) Historical Society will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony to formally open its newest exhibit "Passionate Struggle: Dynamics of San Francisco's GLBT History".

The exhibit, located at the corner of 18th and Castro streets in the heart of the City's main GLBT district, has been open in preview since the release of the MILK film on November 26th, but will formally open on the 18th. "During our previews, thousands of people have come through," said the exhibit's Co-Curator Don Romesburg.  "My favorite, though, was when Harvey Milk's gay nephew, Stuart Milk, thanked us for so respectfully and powerfully displaying elements of his uncle's life and death.  Straight couples, families, long-time Castro residents, queer youth groups, tourists, and politicians have all told me how moving the show has been for them.  Passionate Struggle speaks volumes to the importance of the GLBT Historical Society and how relatable our community's history can be to so many people."

The opening ceremony will feature private tours of the items on display by the exhibit's curatorial team, speeches by GLBT Historical Society Staff and a ribbon-cutting by San Francisco Supervisor Bevan Dufty, who helped the Historical Society secure Washington Mutual's donation of the space and a major grant from Levi Strauss & Co.

The exhibit features artifacts, documents, images, video and audio that illustrate four key themes in GLBT history - People, Places, Politics and Pleasure. Several artifacts from Harvey Milk, the subject of the film MILK, are also on display.

"We've wanted to bring some of the key items from our archives to the Castro for so long," said Paul Boneberg, Executive Director of the GLBT Historical Society. "We're showcasing our community's treasures and celebrating the GLBT Historical Society's vital role at the home for our history."

For more information, go to http://www.glbthistory.org/passionate_struggle/index.html

###

The mission of the GLBT Historical Society is to increase public understanding, appreciation, and affirmation of the history and culture of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and other sexual minority individuals and communities. For more information, call 415.777.5455 or visit www.glbthistory.org.