Invisible Histories

Invisible Histories is an independent, community based archive preserving, researching, and creating educational content about the rich and diverse history of LGBTQ people, places, and events in the US South. Invisible Histories is a repository for the experiences and culture of LGBTQ people in the region. We ensure that history is not only saved for future generations but is also accessible to those who wish to use it. Further, we strive to accurately represent the complex history of the South and provide resources, training, and other educational opportunities for those wishing to preserve their own community’s legacy. Our archives are located in Charlotte, NC and will open to the public in late 2026. 

Invisible Histories provides educational resources and professional development for 13 Southern States. These include Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. Invisible Histories is actively collecting archival materials in the following six states: Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina. 

Invisible Histories focuses on four key elements related to advancing LGBTQ Southern History:

• Community Engagement: Building relationships with local communities for co-productive preservation,  research, and education.

• Archiving, Preservation, Research & Scholarship: Direct collection and preservation efforts, facilitating scholarly access to materials, and developing guides for everyday people seeking to better engage with their local histories.

• Education: Providing education on LGBTQ Southern history through speaking engagements, workshops, exhibitions, online materials, and publications.

• Professional Development & Best Practices: Developing new scholars in the field and collaborating to establish best practices.

The goals of Invisible Histories are:

1. Create opportunities for intergenerational connection between LGBTQ people in the South.

2. Create research opportunities for students, faculty, and community members in institutional and community based archives for research and preservation.

3. Provide a network of LGBTQ historians and archivists throughout the South through the Queer History South network and conference.

4. Work with universities, libraries, museums, and archives to create collection and preservation partnerships throughout the South.

5. Establish a community based, centrally located space to display these histories and act as a space for community dialogue around the rich and diverse history of the South.

6. Develop publicly accessible exhibits and educational events around Southern LGBTQ history.