The 2026 Living Archive Honors, Presented by Queer History Boston

▷ Presented by Queer History Boston

QHB invites you to The Living Archive Honors — the next chapter of what was formerly the History Maker Awards, now expanded into a five-award celebration honoring the LGBTQ+ individuals and organizations who shape our region's past, present, and future.

At the Living Archive Honors, QHB presents five awards:

• The History Maker Award — Michael Bronski
  QHB's highest honor, given to a living legend whose activism, community building, or cultural leadership has shaped LGBTQ+ Boston.
• The History Project Award — Susan Fleischmann
  Honoring the often unsung work of preserving and passing down LGBTQ+ history, from archivists to educators to collection donors.
• The Queer Commonwealth Award — Jacque’s Cabaret
  Recognizing an organization, venue, publication, or business that's served as a gathering place for Boston's LGBTQ+ community.
• The Lavender Rhino Award — Justice Roe Williams
  A community-nominated honor for a contemporary advocate actively organizing, agitating, and fighting for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility today.
• The Lavender Laureate Award — Candace Nguyen
  A community-nominated honor for an artist whose creative work reflects, preserves, or advances LGBTQ+ culture in Boston.

Queer History Boston is a community archives dedicated to documenting, preserving, and sharing the LGBTQ+ history of New England. Since its founding in 1980, QHB has collected thousands of stories, photographs, and documents, and curated groundbreaking public history exhibits and programs. Today, it remains one of the largest independent LGBTQ+ archives in the United States.

Queer History Boston is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization; ticket purchases may be considered charitable donations and may be tax-deductible. Please save your confirmation email for your records.

Want to support Queer History Boston and help us continue preserving LGBTQ+ history for the next 45 years? Consider making a donation or follow us on Instagram to stay connected.

▽ Crystal Ballroom, 55 Davis Square, Somerville, MA, 02144
▷ Saturday, September 26, 2026
△ Doors at 11:00 AM | Brunch 11:00 AM–12:00 PM | Ceremony 12:00–1:30 PM | Mingling until 2:00 PM
◁ Attire: Daytime glamour is encouraged; but come as you are, baby!

▷ Crystal Ballroom is fully accessible via elevator or ramp, including all seating areas and restrooms. For ADA accommodations, email [email protected] or call (617) 625-4088 after purchasing your ticket — accommodations are first come, first served, so we recommend reaching out ahead of time. If you request assistance day-of, Crystal Ballroom will do their best to accommodate you, but options may be limited.

▷ Masking is welcomed but not required. Free masks will be available at the door. We encourage testing for COVID-19 before arrival. If you're not feeling well or experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms, please stay home. A recording of the awards portion of the program will be made available with captions on our YouTube channel for asynchronous viewing.

▷ No need to print your ticket. We'll have your name at check-in.

While The Living Archive Honors is a fundraiser for QHB, it's also a community event — and cost shouldn't be a barrier to being there. If you're not able to afford a ticket, please email [email protected]. If you're able to pay it forward, consider getting a supporter ticket to help make that possible for others. Thank you.

Includes brunch and a mimosa toast.

Host Committee members help bring together friends, colleagues, and supporters by hosting a table and receive recognition in event materials. Tickets include brunch and a mimosa toast.

Underground Historian — $500

• 4 tickets
• Reserved seating

Community Curator — $1,000

• 8 tickets (full table)
• Reserved seating

For guests who wish to support Queer History Boston without hosting a table. All Supporter Tickets include recognition in event materials, brunch, a mimosa toast, and an additional investment in QHB's mission.

Pay-It-Forward — $200

Includes one ticket. $100 is tax-deductible and helps subsidize a ticket for a community member who otherwise might not be able to attend.

Friend of QHB — $500

Includes one ticket. $400 is tax-deductible and supports Queer History Boston's public programs, archives, and community initiatives throughout the year.

Archivist Circle — $1,000

Includes one ticket. $900 is tax-deductible and represents a leadership investment in Queer History Boston, sustaining our work to preserve, share, and celebrate LGBTQ+ history year-round.

Event venue & nearby stays

Crystal Ballroom, 55 Davis Square, Somerville, United States

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