Smithsonian Time Capsule

The Stonewall riots sparked a new attitude and activism around LGBTQ rights. Now, half a century later, revisit the historic moment that began a movement and explore objects from the Smithsonian Institution that tell stories of the gay experience in America. Examine a donation can from America’s first gay pride march, an AIDS memorial quilt panel, Matthew Shepard’s personal belongings, and notes written to Gene Robinson, the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church.Includes footage from Lilli Vincenz’s films “Gay and Proud” and “The Second Largest Minority,” which were only made available through mail, private screenings, and independent film festivals.