Known as the birthplace of the Gay Rights Movement, the Stonewall Inn stands as an enduring symbol of hope and freedom for the members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community. In partnership with Pridelive, the National Park Service, and the Stonewall Inn National Monument, EDG will lead the Stonewall National Visitor Center (SNMVC) design.
Located in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village, next door to the Stonewall Inn at 51 Christopher Street, the SNMVC will serve as the first LGBTQ+ visitor center within the National Parks System. As creators of the built environment, it is our job to learn, understand, and believe in the purpose of our work. Our mission is to actively listen and learn about the stories that inspired the center and create a space that celebrates the history, ideals, and community that comprise the rich heritage of the Stonewall Inn and the Gay Rights Liberation. We strive to engage in meaningful dialogue, deepen our understanding of the movement, and partner with those involved – from stakeholders to community members and everyone for which the center will inspire. At EDG, we are committed to creating a space that realizes the mission of SNMVC to preserve, advance, and celebrate the legacy of the Stonewall Rebellion.
The Stonewall Inn is a bar located in Greenwich Village, New York City that played a pivotal role in the LGBT rights movement in the United States. The history of the Stonewall Inn and the Stonewall Riots is a story of resistance and resilience in the face of oppression and discrimination.
The bar was opened in 1967 and quickly became a popular gathering spot for members of the LGBT community, particularly those who were marginalized and excluded from mainstream society. The bar was one of the few places where gay and transgender individuals could gather without fear of arrest, as homosexuality was illegal in most states. In the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, a routine police raid of the Stonewall Inn sparked a riot that lasted for several days. The raid was typical at gay bars, but the patrons fought back this time, resisting arrest and throwing objects at the police. The riot quickly spread to the streets outside the bar, with thousands of people gathering to protest the police brutality and harassment that they had long endured.
The Stonewall Riots marked a turning point in the struggle for LGBT rights in the United States. The rioters were predominantly young, poor, and non-white, and their uprising responded to daily violence and discrimination. The riots led to several LGBT advocacy groups, including the Gay Liberation Front and the Gay Activists Alliance, which fought for greater visibility and acceptance of LGBT individuals in society. In the years following the Stonewall Riots, the LGBT rights movement gained momentum, with activists organizing protests and marches across the country. In 1970, the first Gay Pride Parade was held in New York City to commemorate the first anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. The parade has since become an annual event held in cities worldwide.
In 1990, the Stonewall Inn was designated a National Historic Landmark, recognizing its significance in the struggle for LGBT rights. The bar was restored and reopened in 1993, and today, it is a popular gathering spot for LGBT individuals and allies. The Stonewall Inn has become a symbol of the LGBT rights movement, and its legacy continues to inspire activists and advocates worldwide.
The history of the Stonewall Inn and the Stonewall Riots is a testament to the power of collective action and the resilience of marginalized communities in the face of oppression.
The Stonewall Inn remains an important symbol of hope and progress for the LGBT rights movement, and its legacy continues to inspire generations of activists and advocates.
EDG understands the inclusivity that the SNMVC honors and has assembled a team of LGBQTIA+ community members and allies devoted to fulfilling the mission of SNMVC. For the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center project, EDG has compiled a team with extensive experience leading large-scale historical landmark projects and interior renovations.
EDG’s LGBTQIA+ team members will bring the thoughtfulness, attention to detail, and sensitivity necessary for this project and its invaluable message.