Art exhibit depicts history of LGBT on the Seacoast

LGBT art on display at Franklin Gallery beginning Wednesday (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - You don't have to go far to find out about the history of LGBT groups on the Seacoast. It's as close as your backyard.

RiverStones Custom Framing and The Franklin Gallery are hosting an exhibit that opens next Wednesday titled "Seacoast LGBT History Project: A Banner Year.

"This is the project's fifth year and the fourth year we are exhibiting in Rochester," Tom Kaufhold, founder of the Seacoast LGBT History Project, said. "We are excited to have the opportunity to display all of the banners we have received that tell the stories of seacoast LGBT groups. Some for the first time."

"Our purpose is to research, document and preserve the history of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people on the Seacoast of New Hampshire," he said. Items range from vintage guides, to posters, DVDs, brochures, pins, photographs, awards, newspaper clippings and other items that tell the story of the Seacoast LGBT community.

"I am excited to offer my gallery space again to display new artifacts from this very important project," said Kris Ebbeson, proprietor of RiverStones Custom Framing and Franklin Gallery. "Although there won't be a Pride Day in Rochester this year, due to COVID-19, we are still celebrating the LGBT community, and I encourage the public to come and view this important exhibit." The exhibit runs through Aug. 29.

RiverStones Custom Framing and the Franklin Gallery are open Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit the Seacoast NH LGBT Facebook page or email seacoastnhlgbthistory@gmail.com or call RiverStones at (603) 812-1488 or send e-mail to riverstonescustomframing@gmail.com.