About this Event
Queer people have always been on the North Shore—more numerous, more resilient, and more extraordinary than the history books have allowed us to know. For centuries, these stories of survival, rebellion, and love have been erased, sanitized, or straight-washed. Now, it is time to bring them into the light.
Join author Jim Moser at the Lynn Museum and Arts Center for a fast-paced, emotional journey through 400 years of local history. This captivating visual presentation will uncover the hidden sanctuaries, fierce activism, and astonishing lives of people who fought to live authentically in Essex County.
Discover the incredible local roots and legacies of figures spanning four centuries, including:
- Henry Davis Sleeper, the brilliant interior designer who built a glittering sanctuary on Eastern Point.
- John Hays Hammond Jr., America’s most prolific queer scientist and inventor.
- Leonard Bernstein, the legendary musical genius born in Lawrence.
- Fran Dalton, who courageously broke gender molds to live an independent, authentic life in Newburyport.
- Pat Gozemba, a fierce activist and archivist who helped ensure our community's stories would not be forgotten.
- Governor Maura Healey, who shattered the lavender ceiling and has deep family roots in Byfield soil.
Following the presentation, there will be a Q&A session and a book signing for the newly released Queer Heroes of the North Shore: Four Centuries of Love, Rebellion and Survival.
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
- Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Noon)
- Location: The Lynn Museum and Arts Center, 590 Washington St., Lynn, MA
- Admission: Free and open to the public!
Come celebrate our history, our progress, and the courage it takes to be seen.
Learn more about the book and the event here: https://queerheroesnorthshore.my.canva.site/
For questions, contact [email protected]
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Museum at Lynn Museum & Arts Center, 590 Washington Street, Lynn, United States
USD 0.00
