The Cherry Grove Archives Collection promotes global appreciation of the rich and creative history of the earliest known haven for LGBTQ people and their allies in the United States. The CGAC is dedicated to the preservation of the social, political and cultural history of Cherry Grove, Fire Island, New York.
It is our mission to collect, preserve and share this history through the archival protection and storage of Cherry Grove's historic artifacts, including documents, photographs and film.
The CGAC has been in existence for more than twenty-five years.
Originally founded and organized by (the ever-passionate) Harold Seeley, today the Archives is a committee of volunteers who work hard to properly handle, preserve and present our collective history to our community.
The Archives Collection contains materials dating back to the 1940's when Cherry Grove, Fire Island, was a "playground" for many NYC theatrical people who summered on the island, because it was only two hours outside the city.
Its uniquely secluded destination helped make Cherry Grove one of the earliest safe havens for LGBTQ people in the United States. The community's archival materials are integral to the history of the LGBTQ movement in this country.
CGAC seeks to bring our history to life through archival presentation, fabulous fundraising events and connecting with our community through our Facebook page.
Our bi-annual Film Festival is an exciting way to present our content and to showcase works from queer communities around the globe.
The Archives Show is another bi-annual event that allows visitors to view artifacts and photo albums from Grove residents and theater productions.
CGAC is very honored to be gifted material by past (and present) community members. We seek to not only preserve the momentos and memories, but to continue finding ways to bring these amazing moments of our legacy to life.
Our purpose is to educate the Cherry Grove LGBTQ(S) community about the significance of its history in the LGBTQ movement over the past 75 years.
Through the work of our volunteers, we're able to continue our mission and expand the Archives' impact.
If you would like to find out more about our work or how you can become a CGAC volunteer, please contact our Chair Person Troy Files (contact@cgarchives.org).
As a committee of the Arts Project of Cherry Grove (founded in 1948) we are proud to be part of their legacy in the history of the LGBTQ movement and continued work in the Cherry Grove community and are a registered 501c3.