About LGBT History Project Resources
The LGBT Center of Central PA and the Dickinson College Archives and Special Collections have partnered to document the stories and history of LGBT life and activism in the greater Central Pennsylvania region. This site contains oral histories that have been recorded for the LGBT History Project, as well as fully accessible digital versions of documents, images, and artifacts that have been donated to the project.
This is a quickly growing collection, and not all items are available through this website. Please contact Malinda Triller-Doran at archives@dickinson.edu for information about how to access all of the resources of the LGBT History Project, as well as how to donate additional materials.
Generous support to make these unique resources accessible has been provided by the Schlegel Deibler Charitable Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
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LGBT History Project
Date: 1995 tp 1997
Founded by Paul Foltz in 1982, Lily White and Company was a south central Pennsylvania organization composed of entertainers and female impersonators. Lily White and Company produced numerous shows and performances throughout central Pennsylvania and the United States with the intent of raising funds for HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ+ organizations in the 1980s and 1990s. Jack Radcliffe is a photographer known for his emotionally powerful photography. He took these black and white photos of Lily White & Company for promotional purposes.
Digital versions of these photos are unavailable to access online. Please contact archives@dickinson.edu for more information.
Collection: LGBT-042 - Radcliffe
Topics:
Organizations: Lily White & Company
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Date: April 1990 to January 1991
SCAAN supported patients with HIV/AIDs to navigate welfare, social security, and financial concerns, as well as providing medical supplies and assisting patients with a verity of task, ranging from light housekeeping to assisting terminal patients with end-of-life planning.
Digital versions of SCAAN Newsletters are unavailable to access online. Please contact archives@dickinson.edu for more information.
Collection: LGBT-005 - Dierkers
Topics: HIV/AIDs
Organizations: South Central Aids Assistance Network (SCAAN)
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![STUDS Magazine [November] 2008 Cover](/sites/default/files/styles/artifacts_browse/public/image_lgbt/STUDS_%5BNov%5D-2008.jpg?itok=YIg4A16Z "STUDS Magazine [November] 2008 Cover")
Date: circa June 2007 to April 2010
STUDS Magazine was created by Lindsay Snowden and Shaashawn Dial in 2007 as a place to showcase cloths made by and for masculine identifying women and celebrate these “handsomely beautiful women.” STUDS ran from 2007 – 2010.
Digital versions of these issues are unavailable to access online. Please contact archives@dickinson.edu for more information.
Collection: LGBT-032 - Snowden
Topics:
Organizations: STUDS Magazine
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Date: August 1982
Picture of group of members at Dignity/Central PA Picnic in 1982. This picture is found on page 16 of the PDF of the Dignity/Central PA Scrapbook.
Dignity/Central PA's is a forum for human concerns, a place of seeking for greater self, knowledge, and wisdom, an affirmation of one's sexual orientation in faith, and personal ministry. This scrapbook was created by Steven Leshner, a member of Dignity/Central PA, and includes mostly photos, unless otherwise noted, of annual picnics, events, and members, like those of founder Jerry Brennan and Father Wallace Sawdy.
Collection: LGBT-029 - Leshner
Topics:
Organizations: Dignity/Central PA
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Date: August 1982
Picture of group of members at Dignity/Central PA Picnic in 1982. This picture is found on page 16 of the PDF of the Dignity/Central PA Scrapbook.
Dignity/Central PA's is a forum for human concerns, a place of seeking for greater self, knowledge, and wisdom, an affirmation of one's sexual orientation in faith, and personal ministry. This scrapbook was created by Steven Leshner, a member of Dignity/Central PA, and includes mostly photos, unless otherwise noted, of annual picnics, events, and members, like those of founder Jerry Brennan and Father Wallace Sawdy.
Collection: LGBT-029 - Leshner
Topics:
Organizations: Dignity/Central PA
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Date: August 22, 1976
Photo of Ms. Kathy Sullivan from the 1976 Dignity/Central PA Picnic. This picture can be found on page 9 of the PDF of the Dignity/Central PA Scrapbook.
Dignity/Central PA's is a forum for human concerns, a place of seeking for greater self, knowledge, and wisdom, an affirmation of one's sexual orientation in faith, and personal ministry. This scrapbook was created by Steven Leshner, a member of Dignity/Central PA, and includes mostly photos, unless otherwise noted, of annual picnics, events, and members, like those of founder Jerry Brennan and Father Wallace Sawdy.
Collection: LGBT-029 - Leshner
Topics:
Organizations: Dignity/Central PA
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Date: 1976
Picture of Dignity/Central PA member Aaron Spicher at the Philadelphia Gay Pride in 1976. This picture can be found on page 4 of the PDF of the Dignity/Central PA Scrapbook.
Dignity/Central PA's is a forum for human concerns, a place of seeking for greater self, knowledge, and wisdom, an affirmation of one's sexual orientation in faith, and personal ministry. This scrapbook was created by Steven Leshner, a member of Dignity/Central PA, and includes mostly photos, unless otherwise noted, of annual picnics, events, and members, like those of founder Jerry Brennan and Father Wallace Sawdy.
Collection: LGBT-029 - Leshner
Topics:
Organizations: Dignity/Central PA
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Date: July 28, 2018
The Harrisburg Men’s Chorus, now the Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus, was established in 1987 in memory of Joe Tucci. They are a non-profit organization comprised of amateur singers, and their performance schedule includes two major concerts (Spring and Christmas) along with singing engagements throughout the year. The Harrisburg Men’s Chorus aspires “to create entertaining, fun, and vibrant gay-friendly musical programs” and “celebrates the LGBT experience in song and performance.”
This is the postcard for the ''Voices United'' concert featuring the Harrisburg Gay Men's Chorus, Central PA Womyn's Chorus, Baltimoe Men's Chorus, and MCC Voices of the Spirit.
Collection: LGBT-014 - Loveland
Topics:
Organizations: Harrisburg Gay Men's Chorus, Central PA Womyn's Chorus
View Item: Harrisburg Gay Men's Chorus ''Voices United'' Program Postcard - July 28, 2018
Date: May 5, 1991
The Harrisburg Men’s Chorus, now the Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus, was established in 1987 in memory of Joe Tucci. They are a non-profit organization comprised of amateur singers, and their performance schedule includes two major concerts (Spring and Christmas) along with singing engagements throughout the year. The Harrisburg Men’s Chorus aspires “to create entertaining, fun, and vibrant gay-friendly musical programs” and “celebrates the LGBT experience in song and performance.”
This is the program for the 1991 Spring Concert.
Collection: LGBT-058 - Anonymous
Topics:
Organizations: Harrisburg Men's Chorus
View Item: Harrisburg Men's Chorus ''United We Stand'' Program - May 5, 1991
Date: May 2019
The Harrisburg Men’s Chorus, now the Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus, was established in 1987 in memory of Joe Tucci. They are a non-profit organization comprised of amateur singers, and their performance schedule includes two major concerts (Spring and Christmas) along with singing engagements throughout the year. The Harrisburg Men’s Chorus aspires “to create entertaining, fun, and vibrant gay-friendly musical programs” and “celebrates the LGBT experience in song and performance.”
This is a postcard flyer for the choral interpretation of David Levithan's award winning book Two Boys Kissing organized and performed by the Harrisburg Gay Men's Chorus.
Collection: LGBT-014 - Loveland
Topics:
Organizations: Harrisburg Gay Men's Chorus
View Item: Harrisburg Gay Men's Chorus ''Two Boys Kissing'' Performance Flyers - May 2019
Date: 2015 to 2016
The Harrisburg Men’s Chorus, now the Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus, was established in 1987 in memory of Joe Tucci. They are a non-profit organization comprised of amateur singers, and their performance schedule includes two major concerts (Spring and Christmas) along with singing engagements throughout the year. The Harrisburg Men’s Chorus aspires “to create entertaining, fun, and vibrant gay-friendly musical programs” and “celebrates the LGBT experience in song and performance.”
This is the Concert Guide for the Harrisburg Gay Men's Chorus 2015 to 2016 Concert Season.
Collection: LGBT-099 - Drop Files
Topics:
Organizations: Harrisburg Gay Men's Chorus
View Item: Harrisburg Gay Men's Chorus Season Guide - 2015 to 2016
Date: 2014 to 2015
The Harrisburg Men’s Chorus, now the Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus, was established in 1987 in memory of Joe Tucci. They are a non-profit organization comprised of amateur singers, and their performance schedule includes two major concerts (Spring and Christmas) along with singing engagements throughout the year. The Harrisburg Men’s Chorus aspires “to create entertaining, fun, and vibrant gay-friendly musical programs” and “celebrates the LGBT experience in song and performance.”
This is the Concert Guide for the Harrisburg Gay Men's Chorus 2014 to 2015 Concert Season.
Collection: LGBT-099 - Drop Files
Topics:
Organizations: Harrisburg Gay Men's Chorus
View Item: Harrisburg Gay Men's Chorus Season Guide - 2014 to 2015
Date: December 14, 1991
The Harrisburg Men’s Chorus, now the Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus, was established in 1987 in memory of Joe Tucci. They are a non-profit organization comprised of amateur singers, and their performance schedule includes two major concerts (Spring and Christmas) along with singing engagements throughout the year. The Harrisburg Men’s Chorus aspires “to create entertaining, fun, and vibrant gay-friendly musical programs” and “celebrates the LGBT experience in song and performance.”
This is the program for the 1991 Christmas Concert.
Collection: LGBT-058 - Anonymous
Topics:
Organizations: Harrisburg Men's Chorus
View Item: Harrisburg Men's Chorus ''Now is the Time'' Program - December 14, 1991
Date: October 6, 1995
The Harrisburg Men’s Chorus, now the Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus, was established in 1987 in memory of Joe Tucci. They are a non-profit organization comprised of amateur singers, and their performance schedule includes two major concerts (Spring and Christmas) along with singing engagements throughout the year. The Harrisburg Men’s Chorus aspires “to create entertaining, fun, and vibrant gay-friendly musical programs” and “celebrates the LGBT experience in song and performance.”
This is the program for a concert organized by the Harrisburg Men's Chorus in concert with Marilyn Horne, the Hershey Symphony Orchestra, Delaware Valley Men's Chorus, Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus, Lehigh Valley Gay Men's Chorus, and vocalists from The Susquehanna Chorale, Jubilate!, Alumni Choral of Lebanon Valley College, and Saint John's Lutheran Church Chancel Choir.
Collection: LGBT-014 - Loveland
Topics:
Organizations: Harrisburg Men's Chorus
View Item: Harrisburg Men's Chorus Marilyn Horne Program - October 6, 1995
Date: October 27, 2018
The Harrisburg Men’s Chorus, now the Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus, was established in 1987 in memory of Joe Tucci. They are a non-profit organization comprised of amateur singers, and their performance schedule includes two major concerts (Spring and Christmas) along with singing engagements throughout the year. The Harrisburg Men’s Chorus aspires “to create entertaining, fun, and vibrant gay-friendly musical programs” and “celebrates the LGBT experience in song and performance.”
This is a postcard for the Harrisburg Gay Men's Chorus annual fundraiser themed "Halloween Pop."
Collection: LGBT-099 - Drop Files
Topics:
Organizations: Harrisburg Gay Men's Chorus
View Item: Harrisburg Gay Men's Chorus Halloween Pop Cabaret Dance Party Postcard - October 27, 2018
Date: 2019
The Harrisburg Men’s Chorus, now the Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus, was established in 1987 in memory of Joe Tucci. They are a non-profit organization comprised of amateur singers, and their performance schedule includes two major concerts (Spring and Christmas) along with singing engagements throughout the year. The Harrisburg Men’s Chorus aspires “to create entertaining, fun, and vibrant gay-friendly musical programs” and “celebrates the LGBT experience in song and performance.”
This is a postcard advertising the ''Confessions of an Elf(ie)" performance in December 2019.
Collection: LGBT-014 - Loveland
Topics:
Organizations: Harrisburg Gay Men's Chorus
View Item: Harrisburg Gay Men's Chorus ''Confessions of an Elf(ie)" Performance Postcard - 2019
![Harrisburg Men's Chorus [Christmas] Program - December 3, 1989](/sites/default/files/styles/artifacts_browse/public/image_lgbt/MensChorus_Concert-Program-1989-12-03.jpg?itok=P9o0hDRl "Harrisburg Men's Chorus [Christmas] Program - December 3, 1989")
Date: December 3, 1989
The Harrisburg Men’s Chorus, now the Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus, was established in 1987 in memory of Joe Tucci. They are a non-profit organization comprised of amateur singers, and their performance schedule includes two major concerts (Spring and Christmas) along with singing engagements throughout the year. The Harrisburg Men’s Chorus aspires “to create entertaining, fun, and vibrant gay-friendly musical programs” and “celebrates the LGBT experience in song and performance.”
This is the program for the 1989 Winter Concert.
Collection: LGBT-058 - Anonymous
Topics:
Organizations: Harrisburg Men's Chorus
View Item: Harrisburg Men's Chorus [Christmas] Program - December 3, 1989
Date: 2018 to 2019
The Harrisburg Men’s Chorus, now the Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus, was established in 1987 in memory of Joe Tucci. They are a non-profit organization comprised of amateur singers, and their performance schedule includes two major concerts (Spring and Christmas) along with singing engagements throughout the year. The Harrisburg Men’s Chorus aspires “to create entertaining, fun, and vibrant gay-friendly musical programs” and “celebrates the LGBT experience in song and performance.”
This is the Concert Guide for the Harrisburg Gay Men's Chorus 2018 to 2019 Concert Season.
Collection: LGBT-099 - Drop Files
Topics:
Organizations: Harrisburg Gay Men's Chorus
View Item: Harrisburg Gay Men's Chorus Concert Guide - 2018 to 2019
Date: December 5, 2010
The Harrisburg Men’s Chorus, now the Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus, was established in 1987 in memory of Joe Tucci. They are a non-profit organization comprised of amateur singers, and their performance schedule includes two major concerts (Spring and Christmas) along with singing engagements throughout the year. The Harrisburg Men’s Chorus aspires “to create entertaining, fun, and vibrant gay-friendly musical programs” and “celebrates the LGBT experience in song and performance.”
This is the program for the 2010 Winter Concert.
Collection: LGBT-057 - Central PA Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
Topics:
Organizations: Harrisburg Men's Chorus
View Item: Harrisburg Men's Chorus Christmas Cabaret Program - December 5, 2010
Date: May 16, 1992
The Harrisburg Men’s Chorus, now the Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus, was established in 1987 in memory of Joe Tucci. They are a non-profit organization comprised of amateur singers, and their performance schedule includes two major concerts (Spring and Christmas) along with singing engagements throughout the year. The Harrisburg Men’s Chorus aspires “to create entertaining, fun, and vibrant gay-friendly musical programs” and “celebrates the LGBT experience in song and performance."
This is the program for their 1992 Spring Concert.
Collection: LGBT-058 - Anonymous
Topics:
Organizations: Harrisburg Men's Chorus
View Item: Harrisburg Men's Chorus ''A Musical Celebration for Spring'' Program - May 16, 1992
Date: circa 1970 to circa 2000
Dignity/Central PA's is a forum for human concerns, a place of seeking for greater self, knowledge, and wisdom, an affirmation of one's sexual orientation in faith, and personal ministry.
This scrapbook was created by Steven Leshner, a member of Dignity/Central PA, and includes mostly photos, unless otherwise noted, of annual picnics, events, and members, like those of founder Jerry Brennan and Father Wallace Sawdy.
Collection: LGBT-029 - Leshner
Topics:
Organizations: Dignity/Central PA
View Item: Dignity/Central PA Scrapbook - circa 1970 to circa 2000 , Dignity/Central PA Scrapbook Detailed Inventory
Date: 1983 - 1999
This collection was donated by an unidentified donor during a LGBT History Roadshow event in Harrisburg in October of 2019. It includes a t-shirt, a trophy, 4 buttons, and 1 wooden nickel.
Collection: LGBT-090 - Unidentified Donor
Topics:
Organizations: Pennsmen Inc., Harrisburg Hustlers Volleyball Team
View Item: LGBT History Project: LGBT-090 Unidentified Donor Collection
Date: 2000 - 2007, 2019
Alberta Hamm was born April 1, 1941 and assigned male at birth. After high school, Hamm entered the seminary for a short time before ultimately enrolling in the Army. She was stationed at Fort Dix, NJ and served 13 months in Korea. After being discharged in 1961, Hamm entered sales, owning her own business for a time, and working for Montgomery Ward department store starting in 1979 selling appliances throughout stores in Pennsylvanian for the next 20 years. From a young age Hamm knew she was different. She started to transition in 1995 and after retiring in 1999, had transition surgery in 2001 at the age of 60. She also enrolled in Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) in 2000, where she pursued a degree in social services. While at HACC, she served as president of the campus LGBTQ+ organization, student senator, and in 2002 became the first transgender individual in the nation to become student body president of a collegiate student government. She served in this position from Spring 2002 to Spring 2004. After Hamm graduated, she worked for the Center for Independent Living, and stayed active with local LGBT+ organizations like TransCentral PA and Common Roads. Hamm passed away in October 2019 at the age of 78.
Collection: LGBT-096 - Hamm
Topics: Transgender Experiences
Organizations:
View Item: LGBT History Project: LGBT-096 Alberta Hamm Collection
Date: September 1977
Benedict A. “Wesley” Trautwein was a drag performer from Waldwick, NJ. He grew up in Central PA while also working for the PA State Department of Revenue. As a drag performer, he was part of The Jewel Box Revue, a touring female drag troupe (1932-1975), and used the stage name Francis Parker. After he left The Jewel Box Revue, he moved back to Harrisburg, PA where he continued to perform at local bars and clubs. Trautwein passed away in 2003.
Collection: LGBT-104 - Trautwein
Topics:
Organizations:
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Date: September 1977
Benedict A. “Wesley” Trautwein was a drag performer from Waldwick, NJ. He grew up in Central PA while also working for the PA State Department of Revenue. As a drag performer, he was part of The Jewel Box Revue, a touring female drag troupe (1932-1975), and used the stage name Francis Parker. After he left The Jewel Box Revue, he moved back to Harrisburg, PA where he continued to perform at local bars and clubs. Trautwein passed away in 2003.
Collection: LGBT-104 - Trautwein
Topics:
Organizations:
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