Celebrating LGBTQIA+ History at the Stonewall Visitor Center
The Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center (SNMVC) has become a significant landmark, symbolizing the ongoing struggle for LGBTQIA+ rights and history. Recognized recently with a 2025 Village Award from the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation, SNMVC is positioned in the heart of Greenwich Village in New York City, a locale deeply rooted in the events of the 1969 Stonewall Riots. As the first National Park Service visitor center dedicated to LGBTQIA+ issues, it not only preserves the legacy of the riots but also serves as an educational hub for future generations.
In its first year, this vibrant center attracted over 60,000 visitors from across the globe. Visitors walk through a powerful narrative surrounding the Stonewall Riots, an uprising that sparked the global LGBTQIA+ rights movement. The center's exhibitions are designed to educate and inform, ensuring that the stories of courage, struggle, and resilience are told and remembered.
This project was spearheaded by WB Engineers+Consultants, who provided Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) engineering services to ensure the center is both functional and sustainable. Led by Associate Principal Kristen Pecci, the team collaborated with several notable organizations, including EDG Architecture + Engineering and Local Projects. The upgrades included the installation of a new mechanical system, updated electrical distribution, and complete renovations of plumbing and drainage systems. These efforts are crucial for a historic site, where preserving integrity while enhancing functionality is paramount.
One remarkable aspect discovered during renovations was a doorway leading directly from the original Stonewall Inn into the dance floor area, which police used during the riots. This doorway has been carefully excavated and included as part of the museum’s exhibitions, serving as a poignant reminder of the past.
The Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center has not only gained recognition through awards but has also hosted several notable figures advocating for equality. Celebrities like Elton John and figures from the political sphere, including former Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and President Biden, have visited to lend their support and honor the history of Stonewall. Its accolades include being featured by National Geographic as one of the "7 Must-See New Museums in the World" and being recognized by USA Today as one of the "10 best new museums in the US."
As Kristen Pecci remarked, life at WB Engineers has been enriching while working on SNMVC. The project has become a collaborative effort, merging expertise and passion from diverse professionals committed to social justice. This dedication reflects the ethos of the space itself—a sanctuary for reflection, learning, and commemoration of LGBTQIA+ history. The development of SNMVC embodies a larger movement towards inclusivity and understanding, promoting diversity in heritage preservation.
As we look towards the future, the Stonewall Visitor Center stands not only as a local treasure but also as a national symbol of progress. It reminds us of the fight for equality and the importance of remembering history as we continue the journey toward a more inclusive society. Through continued education and collaborative efforts, the legacy of the Stonewall Riots will remain a vital component of American culture, inspiring future generations to advocate for justice and equality.
Highlights from the Stonewall Visitor Center:
- - Historical Importance: Honors the legacy of the 1969 Stonewall riots.
- - Award Recognition: 2025 Village Award and featured by National Geographic.
- - Visitor Engagement: Over 60,000 visitors in its first year, making a global impact.
- - Collaborative Efforts: Involvement of diverse experts in its creation and ongoing operations.
- - Cultural Exchange: Hosting prominent figures and activists advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights.
With the Stonewall Visitor Center's establishment, history is not only preserved but actively woven into the fabric of present-day society—reminding each visitor of the courage that ignited a movement and the ongoing fight for equality.