Julius’ & the Gay Rights Movement
A Presentation & Walking Tour by Tom Bernardin

Julius’, at the corner of West 10th and Waverly Place, has been welcoming folks since 1840, first as a grocery store and starting in 1864 as a bar. During Prohibition it was a speakeasy and, along with nearby haunts Nick’s and the Village Vanguard, was frequented by many jazz legends. Starting in the 1950s, Julius’ began attracting a predominantly gay clientele and is considered by most accounts the oldest continually operating gay bar in New York City. In April 1966, three years and three months before the Stonewall Rebellion, it was the scene of the famous Sip In, the opening salvo in the struggle for gay rights.

Tom Bernardin, Village tour guide and self-described unofficial historian of Julius’, will present a short lecture sharing his research on the history of this establishment followed by a walkabout visiting some of the notable locations in the gay rights movement. The evening will end at Julius’ to view the historical display in the back room, which will be reserved for those wishing to enjoy a beverage or the famous burgers.