Invisible Histories

Invisible Histories, a community based archive, preserves, researches, and creates educational, community-centered content about the rich and diverse history of LGBTQ people, places, and events in the US South. Invisible Histories is a repository for the experiences and culture of Queer and Trans people in the region. We focus on ensuring that history is not only saved for future generations but is also accessible to those who wish to use it. Further, we strive to accurately represent the complex history of the LGBTQ South and provide resources, training, and other educational opportunities for those wishing to preserve their own community’s legacy.

Invisible Histories provides educational resources and professional development for 13 Southern States. These include: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee,Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. Invisible Histories is actively collecting archival materials in the following six states: Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

While our priority is to permanently archive collections in our physical repository, however, donors may have the option to have their materials donated via Invisible Histories to a partner repository if that location is deemed safe for their collection.

Invisible Histories focuses on four key elements related to advancing LGBTQ Southern History:

• Community Engagement: Building relationships with local communities for co-productive preservation and research.
• Archiving, Preservation, Research & Scholarship: Direct collection and preservation efforts, and facilitating scholarly access to materials.
• Education: Providing education on Queer Southern history through various channels including speaking engagements, exhibitions, online materials, and publications.
• Professional Development & Best Practices: Developing new scholars in the field and collaborating to establish best practices.