Tracy Wolf (left) with IMsL 2010 Mollena Williams. Tracy has collected oral histories, Mollena’s is included in the WLHP collection. (Photo from Bay Area Reporter)
CHICAGO – Thanks to the efforts of WLHP supporters Sarah Humble, Tracy Wolf, Ms Cherries Jubali, Emily Prior and Angel Propps .. the oral histories of over 80 women have been taken for the WLHP since its inception in 2010. With additional interviews schedule in 2012 and 2013, over 100 women will have stories available at the LA&M and online.
Thanks to WLHP volunteer Kelly, over 50 interviews (or interview synopses) are available on the Women’s Leather History Project site. The remainder of the histories will be processed as they are received. If you live in or near Chicago and would like to volunteer to help, see below.
From the Play House Studios Collection
More than a Story … Entire Collections! From the Play House Studios Collection
In addition to the oral histories, artifacts and library materials were received from women around the country.
Of special note : The Records of Play House Studios and International Ms Leather were added to the WLHP during 2012. These important institutions in Women’s Leather History are now a part of the collection at the LA&M and will soon be available to scholars, researchers, and leatherfolk interested in their past.
Dozens of other acquisitions from all corners of the United States were received. Club colors, book manuscripts, films, artwork, t-shirts, digital resources, books and magazines are now accessible through the WLHP. Special thanks to donors who contributed their collections: Vi Johnson, Glenda Rider, Sarah Humble, Nancy (Lifestyle Sewing), Liza and Jody (Ms. San Francisco Leather contest), Master Ces Williams, Mama Sandy Reinhardt, Gloria Brame, Seattle Girls of Leather, kd, Midori, Cowboi Jen and others.
Be A Part of Women’s History
As the collections of the WLHP at the LA&M continue to grow .. the need for volunteers, time, energy and financial support grows as well. The Women’s Leather History Project exists because leather women want their history safe, accessible, and preserved for future generations. In addition to saving your own history and gifting it to the WLHP, here’s how you can get involved:
Give your time…
Whether you live near the LA&M in Chicago or clear across the country, your time can directly support the mission of the WLHP. Contact the LA&M using the email address below or the social media buttons above. Volunteers are needed to assist with oral histories, collection processing, digitization projects and outreach.
Support fundraising initiatives…
Money given to the WLHP goes directly to support women’s history at the Leather Archives & Museum. Even $10 goes a long way toward saying “I support the preservation and accessibility of women’s leather history”. Visit this link to support the LA&M with a few simple clicks.
About the Women’s Leather History Project: The Leather Archives & Museum (LA&M) is committed to collecting, preserving and providing access to the contributions, experiences, and histories of women in leather, BDSM, fetish, and related lifestyles. The Women’s Leather History Project (WLHP) represents the LA&M’s ongoing commitment to making the diverse voices of women in leather visible and heard. The WLHP collects artifacts, stories, and other items that represent the experience of all women (straight, gay, bisexual, transsexual, transgender, women of color). The project’s first exhibition “A Room of Her Own” was opened in May, 2011. For more information about the project, please visit http://www.leatherarchives.org/wlhp.
Leather Archives & Museum
