New York City has long been a pivotal hub for queer history, from the vibrant ballroom culture to the profound impact of the AIDS epidemic. Now, a new space dedicated to this rich heritage has opened its doors: The Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center on Christopher Street, just in time for this year’s Pride celebrations.
Honoring the Legacy of Stonewall
The Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center, established by the nonprofit Pride Live, pays homage to the historic Stonewall Rebellion of 1969. This area, designated a national monument by President Barack Obama in 2016, spans 7.7 acres of Greenwich Village and is the first U.S. national monument dedicated to LGBTQ+ history and rights.
A Vision Realized
Pride Live founder Diana Rodriguez envisioned the visitor center as a place to advance Stonewall’s legacy and engage the current generation in supporting it. “My vision for the visitor center is to highlight the historic partnership between the visitor center and the National Park Service (NPS),” Rodriguez shared.
A Storied Location
In 2022, Pride Live leased 51 Christopher Street, originally part of the historic Stonewall Inn. This site has seen various incarnations over the years, including a bagel shop, before being transformed into the visitor center. The current Stonewall Inn, located at 53 Christopher Street, has been a gay bar since 2007, creating a symbolic reunion of the two locations.
Educational and Cultural Hub
The 3,700-square-foot visitor center is dedicated to exhibitions and installations that highlight the importance of the gay rights movement. One notable exhibit is the West Wall, featuring panels curated by Stonewall pioneer Mark Segal. These panels recount the events leading up to and following the Stonewall Rebellion, exploring the NPS’s role in the fight for equality.
Augmented Reality and Trans History
A dynamic display developed with the Kinfolk Foundation uses augmented reality to celebrate trans history. This installation, part of the “Mothers of STAR” panel, honors trans trailblazers such as Marsha P. Johnson, Storme Delarverie, Sylvia Rivera, and Zazu Nova.
Collaboration with Parsons New School
Rodriguez is particularly excited about a project with Parsons New School. Through an elective course called Re
, students will create exhibits for the visitor center’s rotating collection. “It is the exhibit I have the least control over, and I like that,” Rodriguez said, emphasizing the importance of young voices in the queer community.
Future Collaborations and Community Engagement
The visitor center aims to be a collaborative space for various LGBTQ+ organizations. Efrain Guerrero, Pride Live’s newly appointed executive director, highlighted potential workshops with the Victory Institute, events by Lambda Legal, and field trips for the Y’s LGBTQ+ summer youth camp.
Conclusion
The Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center is set to become a cultural fixture in Manhattan, celebrating and preserving the legacy of LGBTQ+ history. With its educational exhibits, collaborative projects, and deep ties to the community, the center offers a vital space for reflection and engagement with New York City’s queer past and present.