A Community Resource:
The Sexual Minorities Archives
The Sexual Minorities Archives (SMA) is a LGBTQ community-built, community-directed, and community-managed archive overseen by Bet Powers and based in Northampton. It is a national collection of LGBTQ literature, history, and art. Now in its 40th year, it is one of the oldest and largest LGBTQ archives in the United States.
The Archives House is home to nearly 10,000 books, over 900 periodicals sets, comprehensive subject file materials on LGBTQ life, multi-media, art works, and rare LGBTQ historic materials. Each year, 300 to 500 people visit the SMA to browse, conduct research, volunteer their time, work as student interns, or attend support group meetings.
Unfortunately, the house that is home to both the archives and Bet himself is about to be sold, and a fundraising drive is in progress to help save this great community resource. If you’re interested in helping to contribute to preserving the Sexual Minorities Archives in our local community, visit Bet’s fundraising page for more details at:
To Visit the archives:
Schedule an appointment by e-mailing
sexualminorities.archives@yahoo.com or calling 413-584-7616.