Such an effort is a striking departure from the short shrift previously accorded local gay history. Eventually the society plans to expand the initiative to other cities and regions of Indiana.
A year from now the initiative will include 40 oral histories, an exhibit and possibly a publication, said Suzanne Hahn, the historical society’s vice president of library and archives. Lee, are part of the historical society’s three-phase LGBT Collecting Initiative. Tuchman’s papers, along with a recently acquired collection of photographs of Indianapolis gay life from the 1980s onward shot by photographer Mark A. “I thought I’d have to beg John to take the stuff,” Tuchman said. Tuchman wondered if the historical society would be interested in a donation of his personal papers. Tuchman, an Indianapolis immigration attorney, civic leader and arts patron who as a 68-year-old gay man has seen a transformation in the area’s attitudes.Īt a party a year ago Tuchman ran into the historical society’s CEO, John A. “There’s a realization that there’s a whole culture here, and it’s significant and interesting,” said Steven L.
And last month the Indiana Historical Society announced it is launching its own effort to gather artifacts and documents of local gay history. Indiana Landmarks, the state’s largest historic preservation group, a year ago launched its LGBT Heritage program and began tracking down sites that played a role in Indianapolis’ gay culture in years past. The doings were front page news for days.īut another, quieter LGBT victory is unfolding in a different and less obvious setting - the halls of history. Supreme Court, by letting stand a lower court ruling, in effect legalized same-sex marriage in Indiana. The October decision prompted great celebrations in Indiana’s gay community.