Cherry Grove was one of the first gay beach towns in the United States, joining a handful of LGBTQIA+ vacation spots and resorts that became popular in the pre-Stonewall era, along with places like Provincetown, Massachusetts, and Saugatuck-Douglas, Michigan.
The striking images in the collection are special because of their rarity, as well as the joy and intimacy
displayed in them. There is a relaxed nature to the photos, of couples with their arms around each other,
groups of friends out at fabulous parties or simply spending time together on the breathtaking beach.
The SAFE/HAVEN exhibition curated and presented by CGAC
has received rave reviews from Time Out, Vogue, Newsday,
CBS News, The Advocate and The New York Times.
SAFE/HAVEN has been displayed at The Stonewall National
Museum and also at The New York Historical Society.
Now it's coming home to Cherry Grove.
A series of 23 panels have been displayed all around Cherry Grove to
showcase the captivating and candid photos from queer visitors, residents,
homeowners (and their straight allies) living in the Grove in the 1950s.
Take a hardcopy map or use our online map to find all the locations.
Look for the smartphone QR codes throughout the tour to hear audio from longtime Grove residents about their experience in 1950s Cherry Grove.
Share your experience by reaching out on social media or using #CGARCHIVES.
Large installation panels have been placed around the Grove, allowing viewers to appreciate the detail and joy of these captivating photos.
In 2015 CGAC volunteers began documenting community members through audio and video interviews to capture their amazing stories and knowledge of Cherry Grove's history.
Excerpts from some of these interviews has been used as part of our Safe/Haven exhibition.
The Safehaven Exhibition explores the gay and lesbian community that flourished during the 1950s in Cherry Grove through some 70+ photographs and additional ephemera from the unique holdings of the Cherry Grove Archives Collection.
CGAC has printed a limited edition, high quality photo book with all the photos, ephemera and interactive audio from this groundbreaking exhibition.
