Support for landmark designation of the 1826 building housing Julius’ Bar at 159 West 10th Street/188 Waverly Place is growing, as we approach the 50th anniversary of the Julius’ “Sip In,” the first planned civil disobedience for LGBT rights.  On April 21, 1966, three gay activists challenged state regulations which made it possible to close down bars simply for serving gay people, three years before the Stonewall Riots.  In 2012 GVSHP got Julius’ Bar determined eligible for the State and National Registers of Historic Places based upon this groundbreaking civil rights history, and now we are seeking landmark designation for the site as well.

Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer has recently lent her support to the cause, joining the seven members of the LGBT caucus of the New York City Council (led by local Councilmembers Corey Johnson and Rosie Mendez), Congressmember Jerrold Nadler, State Senator Brad Hoylman, Assemblymember Deborah Glick, Village Independent Democrats, and Community Board #2.

Would your group like to support the effort?  Sample letters are here; just let us know.
HOW TO HELP:

• Write the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission urging them to landmark Julius’ > >
• Come to GVSHP’s Panel Discussion on the Julius’ Sip-In on April 12, 6:30 pm at Jefferson Market Library (click for information)
• Purchase a piece of history and support GVSHP! Buy a high-quality, glossy, estate stamped, silver gelatin print suitable for framing of the iconic image of the Julius’ ‘Sip-In’ by Fred W. McDarrah, with proceeds supporting GVSHP > >

Find out more about LGBT history sites in the Village and East Village and GVSHP’s efforts to recognize and preserve them here and here.