STREET. LOUIS – The Missouri History Museum presents a unique exhibit that delves into a less-told part of St. Louis history. Since the late 19th century, the museum has been a local center of history. Now it presents an exhibition that highlights the impact of the LGBTQIA+ community on the city.
The exhibition dates back to 1904, when the St. Louis World’s Fair was held. During this time the book “The Story of a Life” by Claude Harlandy was published. It is one of the first autobiographies about life as part of the LGBTQIA+ community in St. Louis.
Ian Darnell, assistant curator of the LGBTQIA+ Collection, explained the importance of the exhibition. “This exhibition shows that LGBTQIA+ people are intertwined throughout the city’s entire history,” he said. Darnell has spent the last decade uncovering this history. “You can’t really tell that story in a full, complete and truthful way without including the experiences, struggles and achievements of LGBTQIA+ people.”
What to know about this weekend’s Spirit of St. Louis Air Show
The Gateway to Pride exhibit at the Missouri History Museum features more than 150 historical items, including costumes and interactive experiences like dancing under disco balls. It offers a new perspective on American and St. Louis history by highlighting how LGBTQIA+ people experienced and shaped events.
Adrienne Sharp, General Manager of Communications, spoke about a special feature of the exhibition. “This is the Lou Memorial and it is an opportunity for our visitors to come and really pay tribute to the people they love and the memories they have with the LGBTQIA+ community.”
The exhibit educates visitors about the LGBTQIA+ acronym and showcases the resilience, contributions and struggles of LGBTQIA+ people in St. Louis. Darnell noted, “This is the first time the Missouri History Museum has, in a really big, in-depth way, explored the LGBTQIA+ experience in St. Louis.”
Sharp added: “Ten years ago you would never have seen this, would you? Look at the progress that has been made. “Now we can share these stories that have been hidden for so many years.”
The exhibition opens this weekend to kick off Pride Month and will run until June of next year. For more details, visit MoHistory.org.
Close modal
Suggest a correction
Suggest a correction
Keynote USA
For the Latest Local News, Follow Keynote USA Local on Twitter.