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 Mellon Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
Learn how to contribute documents, images, or artifacts to this project.
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LGBT History Project
Date: March/April 1996
The Pink Triangle Coalition (PTC) was created in 1991 as a non-religious, LGBTQ+ civil rights advocacy and social organization in the City of Lancaster. The Coalition was instrumental in getting sexual orientation non-discrimination protection added to the human relations ordinance in 1991, and in creating a new city Human Relations Commission to enforce the ordinance in 2001. The Coalition dissolved shortly thereafter.
The Lancaster Inqueery was the PTC newsletter. Noteworthy articles in this issues are:
- ''Urvashi Vaid Charms Audience at F&M BGLAD Days Lecture''
- ''Alliance for Tollerance and Freedom''
Collection: LGBT-002 - Lancaster, PA Activism
Topics:
Organizations: Pink Triangle Coalition (PTC), Millersville Allies
View Item: The Lancaster Inqueery (Lancaster, PA) - March/April 1996
Date: September/October 1995
Pink Triangle Coalition (PTC) was created in 1991 as a non-religious, LGBTQ+ civil rights advocacy and social organization in the City of Lancaster. The Coalition was instrumental in getting sexual orientation non-discrimination protection added to the human relations ordinance in 1991, and in creating a new city Human Relations Commission to enforce the ordinance in 2001. The Coalition dissolved shortly thereafter.
The Lancaster Inqueery was the PTC newsletter. Noteworthy articles in this issue are:
- ''Names Project Quilt Coming!''
- ''Thanks and No Thanks''
- Both Letters to the Ed
Collection: LGBT-002 - Lancaster, PA Activism
Topics:
Organizations: Pink Triangle Coalition (PTC)
View Item: The Lancaster Inqueery (Lancaster, PA) - September/October 1995
Date: May 13, 1995
The Pink Triangle Coalition (PTC) was created in 1991 as a non-religious, LGBTQ+ civil rights advocacy and social organization in the City of Lancaster. The Coalition was instrumental in getting sexual orientation non-discrimination protection added to the human relations ordinance in 1991, and in creating a new city Human Relations Commission to enforce the ordinance in 2001. The Coalition dissolved shortly thereafter.
The Prom event was jointly sponsord by PTC, Franklin and Marshall College's LGB's and Allies, and Millersville College's Allies.
Collection: LGBT-002 - Lancaster, PA Activism
Topics:
Organizations: Pink Triangle Coalition (PTC), Franklin and Marshall LGB's and Allies, Millersville Allies
View Item: Pink Triangle Coalition "The Prom" Flyer - May 13, 1995
Date: March/April 1995
Pink Triangle Coalition (PTC) was created in 1991 as a non-religious, LGBTQ+ civil rights advocacy and social organization in the City of Lancaster. The Coalition was instrumental in getting sexual orientation non-discrimination protection added to the human relations ordinance in 1991, and in creating a new city Human Relations Commission to enforce the ordinance in 2001. The Coalition dissolved shortly thereafter.
The Lancaster Inqueery was the PTC newsletter. Noteworthy articles in this issue:
- ''The PTC Welcomes Three New Board Members''
- ''What is our community?''
- ''R.U. Gay? Lancaster Newspapers maintain their discriminatory policies''
Collection: LGBT-002 - Lancaster, PA Activism
Topics:
Organizations: Pink Triangle Coalition (PTC)
View Item: The Lancaster Inqueery (Lancaster, PA) - March/April 1995
Date: undated
The Pink Triangle Coalition was created in 1991 as a non-religious, LGBTQ+ civil rights advocacy and social organization in the City of Lancaster. The Coalition was instrumental in getting sexual orientation non-discrimination protection added to the human relations ordinance in 1991, and in creating a new city Human Relations Commission to enforce the ordinance in 2001. The Coalition dissolved shortly thereafter.
Collection: LGBT-002 - Lancaster, PA Activism
Topics:
Organizations: Pink Triangle Coalition (PTC)
View Item: Pink Triangle Coalition Logo - circa 1991
Date: undated
Flyer created by local activists in repsonse to the removal of the comic strip ''For Better or for Worse'' from the Intelligencer Journal, a local Lancaster, PA newspaper.
Collection: LGBT-002 - Lancaster, PA Activism
Topics:
Organizations: Pink Triangle Coalition (PTC)
View Item: ''It's Time to Fight Censorship'' Flyer - undated
Date: April 1993
The Pink Triangle Coalition was created in 1991 as a non-religious, LGBTQ+ civil rights advocacy and social organization in the City of Lancaster. The Coalition was instrumental in getting sexual orientation non-discrimination protection added to the human relations ordinance in 1991, and in creating a new city Human Relations Commission to enforce the ordinance in 2001. The Coalition dissolved shortly thereafter.
Flyer created by the Pink Triangle Coalition for March on Washington for Lesbian, Gay, and Bi Equal Rights and Liberation 1993.
Collection: LGBT-002 - Lancaster, PA Activism
Topics:
Organizations: Pink Triangle Coalition (PTC), Alternative Adventures
View Item: Pink Triangle Coalition March on Washington Flyer - April 1993
Date: March 6, 1993
Invitation for a fundraiser event to support March on Washington for Lesbian, Gay, and Bi Equal Rights and Liberation, 1993.
Collection: LGBT-002 - Lancaster, PA Activism
Topics:
Organizations:
View Item: ''Night of 1000 Parties'' Fundraiser Invitation - March 6, 1993
Date: October 23, 1992
Pink Triangle Coalition was created in 1991 as a non-religious, LGBTQ+ civil rights advocacy and social organization in the City of Lancaster. The Coalition was instrumental in getting sexual orientation non-discrimination protection added to the human relations ordinance in 1991, and in creating a new city Human Relations Commission to enforce the ordinance in 2001. The Coalition dissolved shortly thereafter.
Flyer created for Pink Triangle Coalition's Harvest Fest.
Collection: LGBT-002 - Lancaster, PA Activism
Topics:
Organizations: Pink Triangle Coalition (PTC)
View Item: Pink Triangle Coalition Harvest Fest Flyer - October 23, 1992
Date: July 18, 1992
Pink Triangle Coalition was created in 1991 as a non-religious, LGBTQ+ civil rights advocacy and social organization in the City of Lancaster. The Coalition was instrumental in getting sexual orientation non-discrimination protection added to the human relations ordinance in 1991, and in creating a new city Human Relations Commission to enforce the ordinance in 2001. The Coalition dissolved shortly thereafter.
This flyer was created for Pink Triangle's Youth Group Picnic.
Collection: LGBT-002 - Lancaster, PA Activism
Topics:
Organizations: Pink Triangle Coalition (PTC)
View Item: Pink Triangle Coalition Youth Group Picnic Flyer - July 18, 1992
Date: 1987 - 2007
Marths ''Marty'' Tornblom was born in Utah and was raised in the greater Salt Lake City area as a member of the Mormon Church. She decided to get a degree in education, which led her to teaching. She moved with her family to Harrisburg in 1980, and that began her involvement in the local community and her work around HIV/AIDS. Tornblom started off as a volunteer in the South Central AIDS Assistance Network (SCAAN) in their Buddy Program, which paired a volunteer up with someone who had HIV/AIDS to be their support when needed. She later worked as the Prevention Educator for the organization.
This collection covers materials related to Tornblom's time with the South Central AIDS Alliance Network (SCAAN).
Collection: LGBT-054 - Tornblom
Topics:
Organizations: South Central Aids Assistance Network (SCAAN), AIDS Community Alliance
View Item: LGBT History Project: LGBT-054 Martha ''Marty'' Tornblom Collection
Date: November 1981
Founded in 1968 in California, the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) began as a Christian outreach to meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. MCC Harrisburg (later renamed MCC of the Spirit) and MCC Lancaster (later renamed MCC Vision of Hope) were two local parishes in the Central PA Area.
The Gayfolio, which after two issues later became The Link, was a gay community newspaper published by MCC Harrsiburg. The main article in this issue is "Election '81 Analysis: Did the gay and lesbian vote affect the outcome?" There is also news about local MCC chapters.
Collection: LGBT-001 - Burns
Topics:
Organizations: MCC Harrisburg, Dignity/Central PA, West Branch Gay Support Network (WBGSN), PA Lesbian/Gay Support Network (PALGSN)
Date: September 1977
Founded in 1968 in California, the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) began as a Christian outreach to meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. MCC Harrisburg (later renamed MCC of the Spirit) and MCC Lancaster (later renamed MCC Vision of Hope) were two local parishes in the Central PA Area.
The Scroll was an early version of the MCC Harrisburg Newsletter. This issue provides a calendar of events for September, October, and the beginning of November 1977.
Collection: LGBT-001 - Burns
Topics:
Organizations: MCC Harrisburg, Dignity/Central PA
View Item: The Scroll (MCC Harrisburg) - September 1977
Date: March 1982
Founded in 1968 in California, the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) began as a Christian outreach to meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. MCC Harrisburg (later renamed MCC of the Spirit) and MCC Lancaster (later renamed MCC Vision of Hope) were two local parishes in the Central PA Area.
The Link, which was previously titled the Gayfolio, was a gay community newsletter published by MCC Harrsiburg. Note worthy items in this issue are:
- "Market Square arrests prompt action" (pg. 1)
- "Pennsylvania NOW Lesbian Caucus Update" (pg. 10)
Collection: LGBT-001 - Burns
Topics:
Organizations: Pennsmen Inc., Pennsylvania NOW, Parents of Gays, Metropolitan Community Church (MCC), MCC Harrisburg
View Item: The Link (MCC Harrisburg) - March 1982
Date: January/February 1982
Founded in 1968 in California, the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) began as a Christian outreach to meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. MCC Harrisburg (later renamed MCC of the Spirit) and MCC Lancaster (later renamed MCC Vision of Hope) were two local parishes in the Central PA Area.
The Link, which was previously titled the Gayfolio, was a gay community newsletter published by MCC Harrsiburg. Note worthy items in this issue are:
- "San Francico will host Gay Olympic Games" (pg. 1)
- "PL/GSN strives to improve conditions for gays" (pg. 9)
Collection: LGBT-001 - Burns
Topics:
Organizations: MCC Lancaster, Metropolitan Community Church (MCC), PA Lesbian/Gay Support Network (PALGSN)
View Item: The Link (MCC Harrisburg) - January/February 1982
Date: March 1982
Founded in 1968 in California, the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) began as a Christian outreach to meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. MCC Harrisburg (later renamed MCC of the Spirit) and MCC Lancaster (later renamed MCC Vision of Hope) were two local parishes in the Central PA Area.
This newsletter members are updated as to why there has not been a newsletter for a while due to support of the community newspaper, The Link, a calendar of events for April, and general updates.
Collection: LGBT-001 - Burns
Topics:
Organizations: MCC Harrisburg, MCC Lancaster, MCC Williamsport
View Item: MCC Harrisburg Newsletter - March 1982
Date: September 1981
Founded in 1968 in California, the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) began as a Christian outreach to meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. MCC Harrisburg (later renamed MCC of the Spirit) and MCC Lancaster (later renamed MCC Vision of Hope) were two local parishes in the Central PA Area.
This newsletter a calendar of events for October was provided, an update on the parish partitioning for Study Group Status, and notifications for a formation of a Lesbian support group and a support group in Williamsport.
Collection: LGBT-001 - Burns
Topics:
Organizations: MCC Harrisburg, MCC Philadelphia
View Item: MCC Harrisburg Newsletter - September 1981
Date: August 1981
Founded in 1968 in California, the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) began as a Christian outreach to meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. MCC Harrisburg (later renamed MCC of the Spirit) and MCC Lancaster (later renamed MCC Vision of Hope) were two local parishes in the Central PA Area.
This newsletter provides a calendar of events for the month of September and and update on how the parish is doing as an organization.
Collection: LGBT-001 - Burns
Topics:
Organizations: MCC Harrisburg
View Item: MCC Harrisburg Newsletter - August 1981
Date: June/July 1981
Founded in 1968 in California, the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) began as a Christian outreach to meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. MCC Harrisburg (later renamed MCC of the Spirit) and MCC Lancaster (later renamed MCC Vision of Hope) were two local parishes in the Central PA Area.
This newsletter gives a general summary of events int June and July, gave a summary of the parishes discussion on "Inclusive Language," which was a topic at a recent discussion meeting, and provides a calendar of events for the month of August.
Collection: LGBT-001 - Burns
Topics:
Organizations: MCC Harrisburg, Dignity/Central PA
View Item: MCC Harrisburg Newsletter - June/July 1981
Date: May 1981
Founded in 1968 in California, the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) began as a Christian outreach to meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. MCC Harrisburg (later renamed MCC of the Spirit) and MCC Lancaster (later renamed MCC Vision of Hope) were two local parishes in the Central PA Area.
This newsletter gives a general update of May's events.
Collection: LGBT-001 - Burns
Topics:
Organizations: MCC Harrisburg
View Item: MCC Harrisburg Newsletter - May 1981
Date: April 1981
Founded in 1968 in California, the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) began as a Christian outreach to meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. MCC Harrisburg (later renamed MCC of the Spirit) and MCC Lancaster (later renamed MCC Vision of Hope) were two local parishes in the Central PA Area.
In this newsletter a fundraiser is discussed, a round table dicussion was held on minorities in the Gay Community, and a calendar of events for the month of May was provided.
Collection: LGBT-001 - Burns
Topics:
Organizations: MCC Harrisburg
View Item: MCC Harrisburg Newsletter - April 1981
Date: 1994 - 1997
Jack Radcliffe is a photographer known for his emotionally powerful photography. This collection is a compilation of Photographic Prints and Negatives that Radcliffe took of Lily White & Company as promotional material.
Collection: LGBT-042 - Radcliffe
Topics:
Organizations: Lily White & Company
View Item: LGBT History Project: LGBT-042 Jack Radcliffe Collection
Date: 1985 - 2016
Opened in 1966 in the small town of Spring Grove, PA, Altland’s Ranch was the first official LGBTQ+ bar in the York area, and was the longest running LGBTQ+ bar in the county. Altland’s Ranch was abspace for the LGBTQ+ community to make their own. It was known for hosting drag balls, discos, and particularly Halloween parties.
Altland’s Ranch became more than just a party space, it was also a space for LGBTQ+ community groups to use for programs and became a type of community center for the LGBTQ+ community in the York area. Altland’s Ranch closed in 2016.
Collection: LGBT-084 - Altland's Ranch
Topics:
Organizations:
View Item: LGBT History Project: LGBT-084 Altland's Ranch Collection
Date: 1989 - 2013
Peg (Stoppard) Welch was born in December 1951 near Chester County, Pennsylvania. Peg was a young mother of two and worked at various jobs until joining Parents Without Partners where she met her second husband, Phil. With his help, Peg was able to graduate from Millersville University with a degree in social work, and later worked at Big Brothers Big Sisters, the United Way, the YWCA, and Planned Parenthood. At the YWCA, Peg met her future wife, Delma Welch. Peg was an active member in York Area Lambda, helped to establish the Lesbian Alliance, and was involved in activism to get LGBT ordinances passed with the York City Human Relations Commission.
Delma Welch was born in Washington D.C. and grew up in Cardiff, Maryland. Delma began going to National Organization for Women (NOW) meetings in 1975 after becoming interested in feminism. After being in a relationship with a man for 23 years, she met her future wife, Peg (Stoppard) Welch, at the YWCA. Today, Peg and Delma live in York, PA.
Collection: LGBT-080 - Welch
Topics: Human Relations Ordinance
Organizations: York Area LAMBDA, The Names Project
View Item: LGBT History Project: LGBT-080 Peg & Delma Welch Collection
Date: 1981 - 1988
These audio recordings are copies of mixed tapes that a Harrisburg resident made in the 1980s for the former La Rose Rouge Bar at 400 North Second Street.
Collection: LGBT-047 - Anonymous
Topics:
Organizations:
View Item: LGBT History Project: LGBT-047 Collection