Activists celebrate 25 years of ACT UP’s Oral History Project

Members of ACT UP gathered at the CUNY Graduate Center on Sept. 15 to mark the 25th anniversary of the ACT UP Oral History Project. The anniversary event reflected on the two-plus-decades of work to compile hundreds of interviews completed to preserve the history and legacy of ACT UP. “A quarter century ago, Jim [Hubbard] … Read More

Activists celebrate 25 years of ACT UP’s Oral History Project
Members of ACT UP gathered at the CUNY Graduate Center on Sept. 15 to mark the 25th anniversary of the ACT UP Oral History Project. The anniversary event reflected on the two-plus-decades of work to compile hundreds of interviews completed to preserve the history and legacy of ACT UP. [caption id="attachment_65141" align="aligncenter" width="700"]Members of ACT UP command the information table at the anniversary event. Members of ACT UP command the information table at the anniversary event.Donna Aceto[/caption] "A quarter century ago, Jim [Hubbard] and Sarah [Schulman] realized that the legacy of ACT UP was fading due to the internet revolution and lack of digitized material," an event flyer noted. "After 18 years of work with James Wentzy, 199 interviews were conducted to create www.actuporalhistory.org." The event featured a conversation with Hubbard, Schulman, and Matt Brim of CUNY's Center for LGBTQ Studies (CLAGS). [caption id="attachment_65136" align="aligncenter" width="700"]Matt Brim facilitates the discussion. Matt Brim participiates in a discussion alongside Hubbard and Schulman.Donna Aceto[/caption] Schulman, speaking at the event, noted that the archive has had 14 million views and 700,00 downloads. During the event, footage was showcased from past events such as the Stop the Church demonstration at St. Patrick's Cathedral. See some photos from the event below: [caption id="attachment_65138" align="aligncenter" width="700"]Ann Northrop speaks while members of ACT UP look on. Ann Northrop speaks while members of ACT UP look on.Donna Aceto[/caption] [caption id="attachment_65148" align="aligncenter" width="700"]Sarah Schulman listens during a discussion about ACT UP's Oral History Project. Sarah Schulman listens during a discussion about ACT UP's Oral History Project.Donna Aceto[/caption] [caption id="attachment_65137" align="aligncenter" width="700"]Michael Petrelis speaks to the audience. Michael Petrelis addresses the audience.Donna Aceto[/caption] [caption id="attachment_65139" align="aligncenter" width="700"]Steve Helmke gestures while holding the microphone. Steve Helmke participates in the discussion.Donna Aceto[/caption] [caption id="attachment_65140" align="aligncenter" width="700"]Jean Carlomusto looks on. Jean Carlomusto looks on.Donna Aceto[/caption] [caption id="attachment_65142" align="aligncenter" width="700"]Richard Dworkin enters the meeting room. Richard Dworkin.Donna Aceto[/caption]