The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History has a long tradition of documenting the full breadth of the American experience and what it means to be an American. The LGBT narrative is an important part of that American story, and the Smithsonian has been documenting and collecting related objects for many years.
Tuesday, Aug. 19, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.the Smithsonian will hold an event marking the acquisition of a significant number of objects related to LGBT history. Present at the event will be John Gray, director, National Museum of American History; Monica Helms, creator, Transgender Pride Flag; David Huebner, former ambassador to New Zealand, and his spouse Duane McWaine; David Kohan and Max Mutchnick, creators of Will and Grace; Patsy Lynch, photographer; Mark Meinke, founder, Rainbow History Project; Kelly Neel, interim executive director, Gay and Lesbian Community Center, Baltimore; Kevin Platte, executive and artistic director, DC Cowboys Dance Company Inc. and Silvia Ros, photographer.
New and recent acquisitions include Renee Richard’s tennis racquet, the official Transgender Pride flag, materials from the groundbreaking TV series Will and Grace and the diplomatic passports of the former U.S. ambassador to New Zealand David Huebner and his spouse, Duane McWaine. The objects will be on view during the ceremony.
