WSU Stewart Library announces 'Queering the Archives'

OGDEN, Utah – Weber State University’s Stewart Library Special Collections invites the community to attend a special kick-off event for their new project, “Queering the Archives: LGBTQ+ Oral Histories,” on June 24 at the Ogden Union Station.

While at the event, guests can learn more about the project, sign up for an oral history interview, and participate in family-friendly crafts and activities. They can also view the Rainbow Letters Exhibit, a collection of remarks from attendees of Northern Utah Pride events, on display in the Myra Powell Gallery. The highlight of the event will be a drag show at 5 p.m.

“We noticed in Special Collections that there are noticeable gaps in the documented history of the LGBTQ+ community,” said Sarah Langsdon, head of Special Collections. “We want to remedy that, so we’re looking for people willing to share their stories, photographs, diaries, and other information.”

Langsdon and her staff will spend the rest of the year collecting oral histories. Once the interviews are completed, Special Collections staff plan to create virtual and physical exhibits showing the impact of the LGBTQ+ community. Oral history participants need to be over 18 years old, but teens can participate in the “I Matter” exhibit by submitting artwork and written pieces about their experiences.

“Sensitive topics may, of course, be a part of a project like this, so participants can remain anonymous,” Langsdon said. “But we hope that all members of the LGBTQ+ community know that their voices and stories matter, and that they will find themselves reflected in the archives.”

“Queering the Archives” is generously funded by Project Rainbow Utah, the Utah Humanities Council, and WSU Office of Diversity. For more information, visit weberqueerarchives.org. 

Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.

Author:

Melissa Francis, coordinator of Special Collections
801-626-7235, melissajohnson1@weber.edu

Contact:

Sarah Langsdon, head of Special Collections
801-626-6540, sarahlangsdon@weber.edu