Exploring Stonewall: The Monument, the Museum, and LGBTQ+ History

BY MARK CHESNUT

October is LGBTQ+ History Month, so it’s an ideal time to consider a visit to the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center, a new attraction in New York City that documents one of the most pivotal moments in the LGBTQ+ rights movement.

While the Stonewall rebellion has been a legendary turning point in queer history for decades, the visitor center opened just a few months ago, and during my first visit I discovered that it packs a lot of fascinating information and moving stories into a small space. If you're a history buff, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, an ally or anyone interested in human rights, this should be on your updated list of things to do in New York City (and it's free to get it in, so it's a budget-friendly choice, too). 

I've already put together a fantastic list of New York City travel tips with 7 ways to connect with LGBTQ+ history (while also learning about my uncle, a gay celebrity astrologer in the 1960s) in a previous post. Now here's more about this noteworthy new attraction.

You can also watch my video reel of the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center on my Instagram (click here or just scroll to the bottom of this article). 

Let's rewind to the late '60s. The Stonewall Inn, a rather nondescript gay bar, in New York City's Greenwich Village; a sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community and a place where people could be themselves. But things weren't all rainbows and unicorrns. Back then, police raids on LGBTQ+ bars were an unpleasant fact of life. June 28, 1969, was just another one of those nights… until it wasn't.

On that fateful night, the patrons of Stonewall decided enough was enough. The resistance grew, turning into what we now know as the Stonewall Riots. These six days of uprisings sparked the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.

Designated by President Obama in 2016, the Stonewall National Monument became the first U.S. national monument dedicated to LGBTQ+ rights and history. It's not just a single building; it's a whole chunk of the neighborhood, including Christopher Park, where a set of often-photographed statues commemorate the struggle and triumph of the community.

And now, there's yet another way to learn about this important moment in history: a brand-new visitor center. 

The Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center is a fascinating attraction set in what had been part of the Stonewall Inn, the gay bar that was raided on that fateful night in 1969. 

The mission of the center is "to memorialize the legacy of the Stonewall Rebellion while serving as a beacon for generations to come" — and I think they're doing a great job at that. The facility isn't large, but it's packed with exhibits about the Stonewall rebellion and how LGBTQ+ life has evolved in the years before and after that event. 

A large video exhibit in the back shows a continuous loop of videos about various topics related to queer history and life, and it's worth taking a seat and watching all of them. 

The museum itself is a wellspring of knowledge. It's not just about the riots; it dives deep into LGBTQ+ culture, struggles, and celebrations over the decades. From Harvey Milk's speeches to vibrant Pride parades, the exhibits are informative and moving.

Whether you're a history buff, an ally, or someone within the LGBTQ+ community, the Stonewall National Monument and Museum offers a profound and enriching experience. It's a testament to the power of standing up for what’s right and the enduring spirit of a community that has faced incredible challenges yet continues to thrive.

This is a definite must-see for any LGBTQ+ travel or gay travel itinerary.

Admission to the visitor center is free, and it's open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm.

Be sure to stop at the reception desk when you visit: They have free brochures that can lead you on a 45-minute, self-guided LGBTQ+ walking tour of Greenwich Village, hitting important sites including the location of the starting point for New York City's first pride march and gay and lesbian bars that have played a role in the city's queer history and life.  

Absolutely. The Stonewall Inn is now a two-level gay bar that welcomes everyone — including lots of tourists of every stripe who come to make a toast in a historic spot where history began. It's a perfect place to stop after the visitor center.