In honor of LGBT Pride Month, the National Archives and Records Administration organized a workshop and edit-a-thon focused on improving Wikipedia entries related to LGBT history with a focus on subjects related to National Archives records. Activities included new editor orientation and training and a presentation from National Archives staff. Coffee and lunch were generously provided courtesy of Wikimedia D.C.. The event was co-sponsored by the National Archives, Wikimedia DC and the National Archives Foundation. This event was part of the the Amending America initiative at the National Archives in commemoration of the 225th anniversary of the Bill of Rights.
Note:
This event occurred June 16, 2016 but we are keeping the editing alive through July 30, 2016. Please continue to edit articles on the to do list!
Andrew Lih, associate professor of journalism at American University speaks to a group of editors during the LGBTQ Wikipedia Editathon hosted at National Archives in Washington, DC, on June 16, 2016.
To-do list
To create
Federal Globe (Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Employees of the Federal Government) http://www.fedglobe.org/
(The website hasn't been updated since 2012, but I think there are still some active chapters in the government, including DOD http://www.dodfedglobe.com/ ; the Smithsonian is trying to revive its membership) Uncommon fritillary (talk) 03:01, 13 June 2016 (UTC)
Lucy/Joseph was a woman who passed as a man during the Civil War. Joseph might also have been a transgender man. Lucy applied for a pension for husband.
George W. McBurney
McBurney was a Canadian living in the US and was deported for being Gay. His immigration file is here; it can be used for other pages.
This 1953 EO, signed by Pres. Eisenhower, effectively banned gay men and lesbians from the federal civil service for 20 years. See page 5 for the "sexual perversion" clause. (NAID 28360664)
added section of the Subcommittee on Investigations (and related links and references) to the Lavender Scare entry
added a link to a PDF of the Baker v. Nelson appeal as available in the NARA catalog as a reference to the section on the appeal to the Supreme Court (see reference 17).
When
Thursday, June 16, 2016
10:00am - 5:00pm
Who
No advanced technical skills required! All members of the public and NARA staff, whether Wikipedians or not, are welcome to join.
What to bring
Photo ID
Laptop (limited number can be loaned if needed)
Where
To access NARA's Innovation Hub, please use the National Archives Building's entrance at Pennsylvania Avenue. This is the research/staff entrance, not the main exhibits/events door.
Sign up directly below or at meetup.com. This event is free of charge with security and catering; an advance headcount is desired.
Goals
Michael Hussey, archivist, speaks to a group of editors during the LGBTQ Wikipedia Editathon hosted at National Archives in Washington, DC, on June 16, 2016.
To encourage inexperienced editors (especially members of LGBTQ community) and show them how they can contribute to Wikipedia
To improve a selection of Wikipedia articles related to LGBTQ topics
To increase awareness of NARA records and research resources
To celebrate the 225th anniversary of the Bill of Rights
Schedule
LGBTQ Editathon Agenda
Time
Activity
Location
10:00
Meet and refreshments
Innovation Hub (see above for directions)
Photo ID required for security entry
10:30-11:30
Welcome and editing tutorial; Greetings by David Ferriero, Archivist of the United States; Jim Gardner, Executive for Legislative Archives, Presidential Libraries, and Museum Services; Pamela Wright, Chief Innovation Officer
Innovation Hub
11:30-11:45
Break
11:45-12:30
NARA staff presentation: LGBT records in the Archives
Laptop & photo ID. The Archives has a limited number of loaner laptops you may utilize during the edit-a-thon, and they are first-come, first-served.
May I take photographs?
You're welcome to bring your own camera or non-feeder scanner.
Do I need a research card?
You will not be required to obtain a research card to attend the event, but researcher registration is right outside the room, and this is a great opportunity to get one!
