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National Coming Out Day and and the Archaeology of LGBTQ Communities

Today marks the 31st anniversary of National Coming Out Day, honoring all who have come out as LGBTQ or as as a straight ally for equality. Check out the Human Rights Campaign for an account of this day’s history as well as ways to participate and celebrate in your community.

We are proud to feature recent titles that emphasize the history and preservation of two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer settings in the United States. Read about the authors and their works below, and don’t forget to take advantage of Berghahn’s 25th anniversary 25% discount on both titles! (Use promotional code BB25.)

Now available!
PRESERVATION AND PLACE
Historic Preservation by and of LGBTQ Communities in the United States

Significant historic and archaeological sites affiliated with two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer history in the United States are examined in this unique volume. The importance of the preservation process in documenting and interpreting the lives and experiences of queer Americans is emphasized. The book features chapters on archaeology and interpretation, as well as several case studies focusing on queer preservation projects. The accessible text and associated activities create an interactive and collaborative process that encourages readers to apply the material in a hands-on setting.

Read Preface

Forthcoming November 2019!
IDENTITIES AND PLACE
Changing Labels and Intersectional Communities of LGBTQ and Two-Spirit People in the United States

With a focus on historic sites, this volume explores the recent history of non-heteronormative Americans from the early twentieth century onward and the places associated with these communities. Authors explore how queer identities are connected with specific places: places where people gather, socialize, protest, mourn, and celebrate. The focus is deeper look at how sexually variant and gender non-conforming Americans constructed identity, created communities, and fought to have rights recognized by the government. Each chapter is accompanied by prompts and activities that invite readers to think critically and immerse themselves in the subject matter while working collaboratively with others.

Katherine Crawford-Lackey is a PhD candidate in public history at Middle Tennessee State University. She currently serves as a contractor with the National Park Service. Her research focuses on public commemoration and place-based history. She recently co-authored an article with Barbara Little, “Exploring American Places with the Discovery Journal: A Guide to Co-Creating Meaningful Interpretation” (The George Wright Forum).

Megan E. Springate works in the National Park Service Cultural Resources Office of Interpretation and Education. She currently serves as the National Coordinator for the 19th Amendment Centennial Commemoration for the NPS. Her edited volume, LGBTQ America: A Theme Study of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer History (National Park Foundation and National Park Service, 2016) was awarded the 2018 Paul E. Buchanan Award by the Vernacular Architecture Forum.

Visit Berghahn’s archaeology page for more titles.