Mapping, Documenting, and Highlighting LGBTQ+ History in Maryland

Preservation Maryland has been leading a statewide effort to research and preserve LGBTQ+ history in the Old Line State for several years, and the project outcomes and resources are available here online.

The Baltimore Gay Alliance was the city’s first Gay and Lesbian (later LGBTQ+) activist and service group founded in 1975.

The Baltimore Gay Alliance was the city’s first Gay and Lesbian (later LGBTQ+) activist and service group founded in 1975.

Leon’s, 870 Park Ave in Baltimore Maryland is the oldest continually operating gay bar in Baltimore; it has been a gay bar since 1957.

Leon’s, 870 Park Ave in Baltimore Maryland is the oldest continually operating gay bar in Baltimore; it has been a gay bar since 1957.

Maryland’s LGBTQ+ Historic Context Study

The document and property database of nearly 400 sites important to LGBTQ+ life in each of Maryland’s counties are now part of the historic record. The report illuminates Maryland LGBTQ+ history in rural, suburban, and urban locations, including sites associated with non-binary historical figures, leading “out” elected officials, strong community groups and popular gay bars, advocacy for AIDS treatment and marriage equality, and many other important sites. The Context Study is a milestone in Preservation Maryland’s multi-year commitment to LGBTQ+ heritage visibility and diversification of the historic record.

ACCESS THE REPORT HERE (PDF)
In 2022, Preservation Maryland released an abridged version of the report as a designed booklet Planting the Rainbow Flag. If you have questions about about the report, please contact Dana Cohen, Director of Communications at dcohen@presmd.org Thank you to our partners Maryland Historical Trust, University of Maryland, City of Baltimore Commission on Architectural and Historical Preservation, Montgomery County Planning, and Baltimore Heritage
PLANTING THE RAINBOW FLAG