We have been able to build a diverse and vast collection of primary sources on sexuality through the generosity and concern of many individuals. Individuals have donated their own personal letters, diaries, and family photographs; handouts they picked up at gay pride parades; items found in their aunt’s or uncle’s attic; old issues of sexuality-related periodicals; and even the whole inventory of a rare book business. Many publishers of ‘zines, newsletters, and magazines have agreed to provide complimentary subscriptions to the Human Sexuality Collection, and organizations have decided to preserve their older records with us.
The donations have lined the shelves in our climate-controlled vault with over 600 cubic feet of manuscripts, 100 international and 900 U.S. periodicals, and over 5,000 books. Cornell remains active in our efforts to expand the Collection further to ensure that a more complete documentation of sexuality will be available for the history books.
Thank you for considering being a part of this effort to preserve a full history of sexual politics. There are several ways to address any concerns about confidentiality and still make valuable historical material accessible. Please e-mail, call, or write me to discuss the material you might like to contribute to the Human Sexuality Collection, or your other ideas for supporting the Collection. I look forward to hearing from you!
Brenda J. Marston, Curator of the Human Sexuality Collection
2B Carl A. Kroch Library
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853
607-255-3530