Frequently Asked Questions

The archive at the GLBTHS receives many questions; and here we try to address some of the questions we are asked most often. Please take a look to see if we have answered your question.

Who can use the archive?
Anyone can use the archive, as long as they agree to abide by the archive rules and procedures.

I want to visit the archive, what should I do? Do I have to have an appointment?
You need an appointment for weekday visits. For GLBTHS members the research room is open Wednesday to Friday 11am to 5pm by appointment, which is subject to availability. Membership starts at $30, and you can sign up onsite or online.

We are open on the first and third Saturday of each month 1pm to 5pm to the general public (please check the website for closures). Non-members can also schedule an appointment for Fridays, subject to availability.

To make an appointment email reference@glbthistory.org with the date and time you would like to schedule an appointment.

To prepare for your visit you can also search our collections (archives, periodicals and oral histories) online at http://www.glbthistory.org/research/index.html. For some of our collections we have collection guides, which may contain a collection inventory, available online at http://oac4.cdlib.org/institutions/Gay,+Lesbian,+Bisexual,+Transgender+Historical+Society

The archives are located at 657 Mission Street #300 (third floor). We are on Mission between New Montgomery and 3rd, right next door to the Cartoon Art Museum, http://bit.ly/dPssgh. You will need to call from the call box at the front door to be let into the building.

You may be also interested in the San Francisco Public Library's LGBT collections:
http://sfpl.org/index.php?pg=2000128301

Can I take pictures in the reading room?
Researchers are allowed to take digital photographs of items, at no charge. Researchers are also allowed to photocopy materials, at 25 cents a page (no quarters required).

I am planning to come to the reading room. Can I bring my laptop? Do you have wifi?
Yes, you can bring your laptop, please note that there are a limited number of electrical outlets available to visitors. There is wireless internet access available in the reading room.

I don't live in Bay Area and can't come visit the GLBTHS. How can I do research in the archive?
Unfortunately due to limited staffing we are not able to conduct research for off-site patrons. If you need research done in our collections, but are unable to visit, you may wish to hire a local researcher. The Association of Professional Genealogists has a listing of professional researchers on their website. We are also happy to recommend local researchers who may be available for freelance research projects. Please email us directly for this list.

Can I get a copy of a photo, film footage, and/or audio recordings in your collection?
Select photographs are searchable at Calisphere, here (http://goo.gl/OpMMQ).  Audio recordings from the Randy Alfred Collection (#1991-24) and Kevin Burke collection (#1999-51) are searchable at: http://www.glbthistory.org/gaybackmachine/. All other collections may be perused in our database in the reading room at our site.

Licensing of collection material is available for varying fees. Please download our moving image fee schedule or still image fee schedule for more information. Please email us directly for licensing requests or questions.

I have something I would like to donate to the GLBTHS, what should I do?
If you have a donation please use the donation form on this website. Please include either a list of items you would like to donate or a description, the size of the donation (number of boxes, periodicals, etc.), and your timeframe for the donation in your email.

Please do not mail or bring in potential donations without prior approval from GLBTHS staff, we cannot accept them.

I want to know how much my antique or historic object/book/artwork is worth, can you tell me?
No, we can't. GLBTHS staff are trained to judge the historic value of our collections, but are not professional judges of monetary value. For a professional appraiser in your area, please visit the American Society of Appraisers website, which has a listing of certified appraisers in your area. You can also try doing a completed auction search on eBay or look up a specific book title on AbeBooks for information about how similar items have been priced recently.