Our Story
“Save the seeds, children!”
The Faulkner Morgan Archive is the largest independent, community-generated 501(c)3 nonprofit devoted to sharing Kentucky-connected LGBTQ narratives. Our focus is to unequivocally affirm our community’s place in the rich tapestry of Kentucky’s past, present and future.
About Us
At the heart of the Faulkner Morgan Archive is an extensive collection of over 15,000 items and 250 hours of oral histories, covering 200 years of LGBTQ life in Kentucky. This resource serves as a powerful tool for activists, scholars, artists, and museums seeking to explore and elevate Kentucky’s LGBTQ history.
Mission, Vision, Values
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Our purpose is to weave a profound sense of LGBTQ belonging into the fabric of history, fostering enduring honor and respect for our community while securing its indelible place in the future.
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Our mission is clear: to share Kentucky’s LGBTQ history and unequivocally affirm our community’s place in the rich tapestry of our past, present, and future.
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Our vision is to live in a world where the LGBTQ community is protected, included, and celebrated without question.
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At the Faulkner Morgan Archive, we hold dear to our values:
Wise Stewardship: We use our resources to ensure the story of LGBTQ Kentucky is shared in the present and preserved for the future with integrity. Stewardship of our communities’ resources makes our preservation efforts possible and abiding.
Celebration of Free Expression: Inspired by our namesakes, artists Henry Faulkner and Robert Morgan, we value the free expression of all LGBTQ people. Through our programming and collections, we celebrate LGBTQ Kentuckians’ long history and culture of free expression, creativity, and talent.
The Power of Community: We foster a sense of belonging among LGBTQ Kentuckians and reinforce these ties through recording and preserving our shared history. This community of artists, activists, educators, politicians, entertainers, and advocates draws from a wide array of social classes, races, ethnicities, religions, abilities, and geographic regions united in a common queer experience.
The Faulkner Morgan Archive is not just a repository of LGBTQ history—it’s an active force in the cultural conversation. In addition to curating the archive, we engage with the public through events, workshops, talks, and trainings. Our work spans various mediums and platforms, ensuring that the voices and experiences of LGBTQ Kentuckians are honored and accessible for generations to come.
Our Work
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Caring for the Archive’s Collections:
Our ever-growing collection includes personal letters, photographs, memorabilia, and oral histories spanning over 200 years of Kentucky LGBTQ history. Our team is dedicated to preserving these invaluable resources with integrity and care. We actively expand and refine our collections, ensuring that they remain a vital resource for activists, scholars, artists, and the broader community.
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Exhibitions & Events:
We curate and host a variety of exhibitions and events that showcase the rich and diverse history of LGBTQ life in Kentucky. These exhibitions range from in-person displays at galleries and museums to virtual showcases accessible to a global audience. Through these carefully curated exhibits, we bring to light the art, activism, and everyday lives of LGBTQ Kentuckians, offering a vivid and compelling narrative of our community's past and present.
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Talks, Trainings, & Workshops:
Education and engagement are at the core of what we do. The FMA regularly hosts talks, trainings & workshops designed to inform and inspire. These events provide valuable insights into LGBTQ history, art, and cultural legacy, while also offering practical tools for individuals and organizations looking to foster inclusivity and understanding. Our team is committed to making these educational opportunities accessible to all, ensuring that our community’s stories are shared widely and meaningfully.
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Pagan Babies Book
Pagan Babies Book: FMA is proud to have played a key role in the creation and publication of "Pagan Babies," a collaborative book that captures a vibrant moment in Kentucky’s LGBTQ history. The book features photographs, essays, and artwork that document the intersections of art, culture, and queer identity in Lexington during the sexual revolution and gay liberation movements. "Pagan Babies" is not just a book; it's a testament to the resilience, creativity, and spirit of Kentucky's LGBTQ community.
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Pride of Place Walking Tour
Uncover the places where Lexington’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer history happened through our self-guided walking tour! From sites of activism and celebration to spaces that fostered community, this tour uncovers hidden stories and highlights the vibrant LGBTQ presence that has shaped Lexington through the decades. Whether you're a local or a visitor, the Pride of Place Walking Tour offers a unique and engaging way to connect with Kentucky's LGBTQ heritage.
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Press & Blog
Stay up to date with the latest news about our work through our press and blog pages. In the blog, you'll find the latest updates on our initiatives, exhibitions, and events, as well as deeper insights into the stories behind our collections. From features in national and local media, our press page is the go-to place for news, reflections, and updates on our evolving work. Keep checking in to see how the Faulkner Morgan Archive continues to grow, impact, and share Kentucky’s LGBTQ legacy!
Our History
Photo: Robert Morgan (left) and Henry Faulkner (center) at the Opening of Johnny Angel Disco, 1978.
“I lived in Henry Faulkner's house as a high school student and was taught the "gay ways" Henry honed in his early days on the road as a youthful artist vagabond of the 1940s. The social upheavals of the 1960s were about to disrupt this well-established world of gay culture in Lexington. The next 20 years would be turbulent ones as I, and my generation of liberated gays, began to write our own history and sometimes tried to bury the history that was behind us. Looking back now, I see images and artwork that document our community, and I realize that it was always the outlaws, eccentrics, and artists who pushed the boundaries of our world. I'm reminded of something Henry used to always say: ‘Save the seeds, children! Save the seeds’.”
— Robert Morgan
The Faulkner Morgan Archive was founded in 2014, born from the vision of preserving Kentucky’s rich LGBTQ history for future generations. Named after two queer and iconic Kentucky artists, Henry Faulkner and Robert Morgan, the archive reflects their rebellious spirit, creativity, and legacy of free expression. Encompassing almost a century of LGBTQ Kentucky life and activism, Henry and Bob's story sparked the archive's creation.
Our work began as a single effort between Dr. Jonathan Coleman and Bob to catalog his extensive LGBTQ collection, including the estate of his mentor, Henry. Soon thereafter, other individuals within the community began to deposit material, broadening the scope of the archive to include a diverse array of queer Kentucky stories.
Since our founding, we’ve been telling Kentucky-connected LGBTQ stories far and wide, from New York to San Francisco, while also deeply engaging with communities throughout the Commonwealth. From co-sponsoring Kentucky’s first LGBTQ historic marker to mounting exhibitions across the state and nation, FMA has been instrumental in keeping Kentucky’s LGBTQ stories alive.
“Bob and Jon begin meeting informally to archive Bob’s collection.
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“Faulkner Morgan Archive is officially founded. ”
“We established our first public exhibit and oral history collection.”
“We assisted with the Kentucky LGBTQ Historic Context Narrative.”
“The FMA incorporated with the Commonwealth of Kentucky as a 501c3 nonprofit.”
“We co-sponsored Kentucky’s first LGBTQ historical marker.”
“FMA received a large gift from the Forbes Collection of Edward Melcarth.”
“We launched the Pride of Place Walking Tour.
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“We created The Country Oral History Project.
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“We unveiled the “Mother Of Us All” mural by Gaia.”
“We published our first book “Pagan Babies”.”
“We celebrated Henry Faulkner’s 100th Birthday.”
“We are presenting the first comprehensive exhibition of Kentucky’s LGBTQ history.
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Interested in Exploring Our Collections?
Dive into Kentucky's rich LGBTQ history with access to over 15,000 items and 250 hours of oral history. Whether you're a researcher, artist, activist, or simply curious, our archives are open to all.