October 2021
We've All Always Been Here: Historical Perspective of LGBTQ Life in Maryland
A collective of Maryland organizations and agencies have undertaken and completed a groundbreaking research document, the Maryland LGBTQ Historic Context Study. Maryland is only the second state to conduct such comprehensive LGBTQ history; Kentucky being the first. The report, released in September 2020, illuminates Maryland LGBTQ history in rural, suburban, and urban locations, including an inventory of nearly 400 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 project was funded in part by the Maryland Historical Trust’s Historic Preservation Non-Capital Grant Program and CLG Grant Program and managed by Preservation Maryland. The 100-page document and property database of nearly 400 sites important to LGBTQ life in each of Maryland’s counties is now part of the historic record—and is being abridged for a forthcoming illustrated booklet and resource guide. And as hoped, the report has already spurred local efforts to research and preserve specific properties in Baltimore City and Montgomery County—and an opportunity to learn more about LGBTQ history in Prince George’s County. Our speaker, Meagan Baco, managed the project and worked very closely with authors Susan Ferentinos, Ph.D. and Benjamin Egerman of the Pratt Library.
| Date | Time | Location | CM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, October 20 View/download flyer | 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon | Participation is via GoToMeeting at https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/383187701 You can also dial in using your phone. | 1.5 (pending) |
Speaker(s)/Instructor(s) Biography
Meagan Baco
Meagan Baco (they/them) is Executive Director of Anacostia Trails Heritage Area (ATHA), Prince George’s County’s state-certified heritage tourism area. Previously, Meagan was Director of Communications at Preservation Maryland, where they led content and communications strategies for the Campaign for Historic Trades, Smart Growth Maryland, and PreserveCast. Additionally, they managed diverse public history projects including about labor history, women’s suffrage and voting rights, and LGBTQ history. Meagan is an inaugural fellow of the ARCUS Preservation Leadership program and recently completed the Northwestern Kellogg Allstate Foundation Nonprofit Leadership Program. Earlier work experience includes Acting President of Preservation Action and Historic Preservation Specialist at Clinton Brown Company Architecture. Meagan holds an M.S. in Historic Preservation from Clemson University and the College of Charleston, and a B.A. in Environmental Design from SUNY Buffalo. As a serial hobbyist, Meagan dabbles in philately, locksport, phone repair, and magnet fishing. They live with their partner in a historic rowhouse in the Charles Village neighborhood of Baltimore.
Questions regarding this event should be directed to Tom Gross at Thomas.gross@ppd.mncppc.org.