Now I am a huge fan of learning about diverse historic places that preservationists can take on as projects. And I am particularly interested in the preservation of African American and GLBT related historic places. Imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon a little tidbit about Michelle Obama. In the latest edition of The Advocate (a GLBT focused news magazine), there is a feature story on Michelle Obama ("It's Not Just About the Hair" by Kerry Eleveld). According to the feature, Michelle Obama was a supporter of having the Henry Gerber House in Chicago designated as an historic landmark.
Henry Gerber established the nation's first gay civil rights organization, the Society for Human Rights, in his home during the 1920s. Chicago Landmarks designated the Gerber House in 2001. So, it's nice to know that the future First Lady not only is interested in historic preservation, but she also recognizes the importance of preserving our nation's diverse historic sites. If this is any indication of her interest in preservation, then Michelle Obama will move seemlessly into being the honorary chair of both Save America's Treasures and Preserve America.
