Digital Archive Documents Washington LGBTQ History
The Palouse LGBTQ History Project preserves regional stories through research and archived records.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in LGBTQ+
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The Palouse LGBTQ History Project, led by history instructor Brian Stack, serves as a digital archive for queer history in Washington state. The project compiles research on significant local events and figures from the past century.
Why it matters
The initiative aims to uncover and preserve local queer history that has often been overlooked. By funding this effort, Washington State University and the University of Idaho are prioritizing the documentation of regional LGBTQ+ experiences.
The project documents history spanning over 100 years, including the career of medical professional Alan Hart. Additional data includes a 10-day university sit-in and records regarding state sodomy laws.
The players
Brian Stack
He is a history instructor at Spokane Falls Community College who researches and maintains the Palouse LGBTQ History Project.
Alan Hart
He was a medical professional who operated in Washington state approximately 100 years ago.
The details
Brian Stack, an instructor at Spokane Falls Community College, utilizes the Daily Evergreen database to research university history and investigate treatment at the state reformatory in Monroe. The archive provides public access to findings that trace local institutional changes, such as the 1979 student vote to ban the group Gay Awareness and its eventual reinstatement in the 1990s.
Timeline
Alan Hart practiced as a medical professional in the 1920s.
WSU students voted to ban the Gay Awareness group in 1979.
The Gay Awareness group received university recognition again in the 1990s.
The Palouse LGBTQ History Project remains accessible as of October 2026.
Culture Shift
The Palouse LGBTQ History Project marks a departure from traditional institutional narratives by centering queer voices within the progressive era sodomy laws. This effort mirrors a broader societal trend of reclaiming regional histories that were previously excluded from academic archives.
Residents can access the digital archive to learn about regional history and the evolution of student organizations. This resource offers a practical way for students and community members to engage with the complex heritage of the Palouse region.
The takeaway
The project demonstrates that local archives are vital for maintaining the continuity of regional history. Readers can support similar efforts by engaging with digital archives and participating in local historical preservation projects.
Further reading
Discover more about ongoing efforts to document local experiences in the Washington LGBTQ+ section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Daily Evergreen.
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Do you believe local institutions should prioritize funding for the preservation of LGBTQ+ history?
