Sharing LGBTQ+ and Feminist History

Beyond the Archives is a community-driven project by Lavender Education that seeks to document and celebrate the rich histories of feminist and LGBTQ+ communities in Cambridge, Somerville, and Boston. Through recorded oral histories, interactive maps, intergenerational conversations, and more as we grow, we’re making these stories accessible to all—bridging generations, honoring stories of resistance, and preserving stories for our future.

Our Vision and Mission

Our mission is to create a living archive of LGBTQ+ and feminist voices, bringing stories of love, resistance, and transformation to the center. By preserving these voices, Beyond the Archives ensures that future generations can learn from and connect with the experiences that have shaped our communities. Our goals include:

Preserve intergenerational stories of feminist and LGBTQ+ activism through oral history interviews.

Host intergenerational conversations and educational opportunities showcasing the impact of activism across generations.

Develop an interactive digital map covering key sites in Cambridge, Somerville, and Boston, with each location providing a glimpse into the areas of LGBTQ+ and feminist history through audio, photos, and written stories.

Create curricula for K-12 schools.

Collaborate with local artists and city officials to install public markers and murals at historically significant locations, creating a visible legacy.

Design an exhibit highlighting local LGBTQ+ and feminist history.

“Out of the archives and into the streets!”

The stories of feminist and LGBTQ+ communities are often marginalized and left undocumented. By creating an accessible and lasting record, Beyond the Archives ensures that these voices are heard, recognized, and celebrated by generations to come. Together, we can keep these histories alive, teach others about the struggles and triumphs of those who came before, and inspire future activists.

We have the privilege of many LGBTQ+ and feminist archives, oral history projects, historic site projects, educational programs, and other historic initiatives emerging and thriving over the past several decades. We plan to partner with these groups to be collaborative and supportive. What distinguishes this project is that it will focus on intergenerational exchange, and free resources that will be accessible for generations to come to directly hear from the voices of LGBTQ+ and feminist activists. Our digital map will allow people to easily access historical tours with the voices of activists directly integrated into the experience and learning.

Support Beyond the Archives

Join us on a mission to document and share stories of resistance, resilience, and pride from feminist and LGBTQ+ communities. “Beyond the Archives” aims to capture intergenerational voices and bring them into public spaces through digital maps, oral histories, public art, community storytelling events, and more. Each contribution allows us to sustain and expand these efforts, making these stories accessible to all.

Select from the sponsorship levels below to directly support our mission of making queer and feminist history accessible for all in 2025. Our earliest projects will include recording oral history interviews, hosting community intergenerational events, and creating an interactive digital map. All sponsors will be listed on our website (unless you’d like to remain anonymous).