In Prague, on August 24, 2022, the Extraordinary General Assembly of ICOM has approved the proposal for the new museum definition with 92,41% (For: 487, Against: 23, Abstention: 17). Following the adoption, the new ICOM museum definition is:
“A museum is a not-for-profit, permanent institution in the service of society that researches, collects, conserves, interprets and exhibits tangible and intangible heritage. Open to the public, accessible and inclusive, museums foster diversity and sustainability. They operate and communicate ethically, professionally and with the participation of communities, offering varied experiences for education, enjoyment, reflection and knowledge sharing.”
The first gay museum in the world is the Schwules Museum in Berlin, Germany, which began as an exhibit in 1984 and opened as a dedicated museum in 1985. The Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art in New York City, founded in 1969, is sometimes considered the first museum dedicated to gay art and is a separate, but equally significant, institution. And right here in our own backyard we have the pride of Fort Lauderdale: SNMA was founded in 1973 by Mark N. Silber. The collection was housed in his parents' home for 10 years. It was moved to a classroom at the Sunshine Cathedral, around 1983. The library merged with the Boca Raton -based Southern Gay Archives which were organized by Joel Starkey and collectively they formed Stonewall Library & Archives, Inc.
In 2001, the library and archive moved into the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of South Florida at 1717 North Andrews Avenue. After some trial and tribulations, the current location opened in February 2009.
OutSFL reached out to the Director of Development, Monique Force-Setlock, to find out a little more about the museum, this what she told us: “SNMA is dedicated to preserving and sharing queer history, culture and stories. We house a vast collection of books, archival materials and artifacts that reflect the richness and diversity of LGBTQ+ experiences across generations.
“Stonewall hosts exhibitions, programs and events that foster dialogue, celebrate resilience and amplify voices that have too often been marginalized. Visibility matters and preserving cultural memories is essential to building a more inclusive future. We are unique because we serve as both a cultural anchor and a living archive for the LGBTQ+ community. We offer a place where our stories are honored, studied and shared. Stonewall is committed to preserving LGBTQ+ history, our collections and programs are designed to inspire advocacy, foster understanding build bridges across generations and ensure that queer history is never forgotten.
“Winning the OutSFL award for the second time in a row is an honor that speaks to the heart of our mission. It comes directly from our community, and it reflects the trust, engagement and appreciation for the work that we do."
1300 East Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
954-763-8565
Runner-up: Bonnet House
