The LGBTQ Archives project began in 2022 as an investigation into university and community archives to uncover lesser-known or unknown histories in Greenville, North Carolina, with particular attention to narratives that center marginalized and intersectional communities. After exploring several possible narrative directions, we chose to focus on LGBTQ Experiences in Eastern North Carolina due to the general lack of representation in our existing archives.
The purpose of the project is to recognize and highlight LGBTQ stories of Eastern North Carolina by adding to the existing archives and documenting new stories that help expand on our community knowledge and history.
Today, we begin the process of inviting community members to share their stories and further learn and expand on the histories and narratives of our community. We will be inviting participation and collecting stories through this academic year, using an interview video format.
Outcome:
With permission from participants, the shared stories will become part of the existing university archives and be presented as a collaborative exhibition with the community. The exhibition will aim to educate on LGBTQ history in Eastern North Carolina by sharing these stories as a comprehensive collection of work.
Support:
This project is a collaboration between Joyner Library’s Special Collections, and Pitt County Arts Council (PCAC). We’re also working with the Dr. Jesse R. Peel LGBTQ Center at ECU to prepare project promotional materials and develop our participation strategy for community engagement.
We received generous funding support from ESC (Engagement Scholarship Consortium) scholarship committee. The grant will directly support the project by providing funds for student research assistants on the project. Students who received these funds include Lee Turner (AY 2022 – 2023) and LC Love (AY 2022 – 2023, AY 2023 – 2024). The grant also helps with project supplies for promotion, participation, and story gathering this academic year.