The American LGBTQ+ Museum
Digital
Summary
Until now, a large, national LGBTQ+ cultural institution dedicated to honoring LGBTQ+ history and cultures in the United States has not existed – The American LGBTQ+ Museum aims to change that. In the years to come, the museum will create a physical space in New York City, one that is vibrant and welcoming, both visually and cognitively, for the entire LGBTQ+ community.
The museum will celebrate LGBTQ+ culture and the impact LGBTQ+ people have had on the course of American history; educate people of all sexual orientations and gender identities about the rich and diverse contributions that LGBTQ+ people have made and are making to American society; and preserve the oral histories, documents, and artifacts that tell the stories of LGBTQ+ cultures and movements.
Background
The museum’s board was first assembled in 2016, and has since grown to more than two dozen LGBTQ+ activists and leaders who are themselves reflective of the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community.
Organization Type
Museum, Non–Profit
Assignment
Design and develop a scalable website that expresses the need for this forthcoming museum while providing users avenues to learn more as the museum grows.
Client
The American LGBTQ+ Museum
Years
2020
Location
New York, NY
Approach
As the museum is in its early stages of planning and build-out, they were in need of a platform that could evolve as they grow. The website utilizes archival images of the LGBTQ+ community – featuring prominent figures, movements, events, and symbols. The museum’s brand mark of the square is expanded on to include more holding shapes, including the triangle. The triangle was originally used by the Nazi regime, gay men were forced to wear a pink triangle as a source of shame. In the 1970’s the symbol began to be reclaimed by the LGBTQ+ community as a source of pride and unity.
Research
LGBTQ+ history, figures, and symbols
Quote
“LGBTQ history is especially urgent because our communities have emerged from denial, repression, and invisibility into acceptance, pride and full societal participation. This Museum helps forge the future by documenting our past.”
– Urvashi Vaid, Attorney, Writer, Activist & Secretary of the American LGBTQ+ Museum
Components
Information Architecture, Wireframing, User Experience Design, User Interface Development, CMS Development
Technical Specs
HTML, CSS, WordPress, Javascript, AJAX, Responsive Design
Team
Principal: Michael Ellsworth
Principal: Corey Gutch
Creative Direction: Gabriel Stromberg
Design: Òscar Viñas
Web Development: Shaun Kardinal
Account Management: Raya Leary
The first museum in the United States dedicated to honoring and celebrating LGBTQ+ history.
