When Doors Open: Places of Pride, Preserving LGBTQ+ Portland
Join the Architectural Heritage Center in celebrating Pride Month by honoring the many LGBTQ+ community members who integrated preservation into queer spaces across Portland.
This exhibit explores the interconnectedness of identity, space, and memories – and how all three are preserved. The spaces showcased in the exhibit were more than just homes and gathering spots for LGBTQ+ communities, they were safe havens for belonging, support, and growth.
The stories of early LGBTQ+ activists for historic preservation are also amplified throughout the exhibit. Visitors will learn about the influential buildings and sites they saved, and the culturally and historically significant communities they created – including the story of Ben Milligan and Jerry Bosco, founders of the Architectural Heritage Center.
Ben Milligan and Jerry Bosco’s amazing work was tragically cut short in the late 1980’s due to the HIV epidemic, and the Bosco-Milligan Foundation (BMF) was formed to carry on their work through education, advocacy, and stewardship of their architectural collection for the benefit of all. Today, the AHC and BMF are stewards of one of the largest architectural artifact collections in the nation thanks to Jerry’s and Ben’s commitment to historical preservation.
“When Doors Open elevates the places and spaces that have shaped Portland’s LGBTQ+ past and present. At a time when queer communities face diminishing civil rights and increasing erasure, this exhibition powerfully reminds us of LGBTQ+ Portlanders’ resilience and joy.”
– Cayla McGrail, Guest Curator
Join in this important story of people and place, of passion and pride.
The exhibit opens July 10 and the museum is open Thursdays - Saturdays 11a.m. until 5p.m.
Register for complimentary admittance to the opening reception Thursday, July 10, 6p.m.
Show your pride: support AHC in creating more inclusive exhibits like this one.
Doors Wide Open: Places of Pride has been made possible through donations from local community members and our generous supporters including grants from the Oregon Cultural Trust and the Ed Cauduro Fund of Oregon Community Foundation