Bulletin no. 51, 1 September 2011 - ALGA statement on Gay & Lesbian Museum idea
Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives Inc
The Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives has not been approached in relation to much publicised plans this week for a new gay and lesbian museum and cultural centre in Melbourne.
ALGA President Graham Willett commented, “We were very surprised to read in the media about Mr McFeely’s idea. The Australian Lesbian & Gay Archives has been actively collecting, preserving and educating people about the history of Australia’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer communities for over thirty years. We are always open to discussions about further raising the profile of these histories in the community.”
Willett continued, “Our totally volunteer-run and community-owned collection of over 100,000 items is recognised as unique and nationally significant. We have published multiple books. We conduct regular open days and educational opportunities. Our inner Melbourne location provides a space for our active volunteer base and researchers to work with and on the collection, and to meet and discuss issues around GLBTIQ history. Maintaining and growing this collection and educating the community are ongoing financial challenges. We encourage community members who are interested in GLBTIQ history to get in contact with us about how best to assist this important work.”
For further comment, contact Graham on 0424 329 275. More about the Archives: www.alga.org.au
PO Box 124,
Parkville, Vic 3052
email: algar...@hotmail.com
website: www.alga.org.au
Give our past a future.
"Helping to keep the Archives alive, through volunteering and through financial support, is a key way of honouring the lives of previous generations of gays and lesbians and passing the precious gift of collective memory to the next generation." - Joan Nestle, ALGA patron.
More details at our website.