Pictured #1 Stuck on what to get the leatherfolks on your list?
Browse the LA&M Gift Shop at www.leatherarchives.org . #2 The 2004 LA&M Board of Directors: (back row, from left), Norman Eriksen, Rick Storer, Jon Krongaard, Randall 'Bearman' Klett, Rob Ridinger, Joe Gallagher, Robert Davolt. Seated: Kendra McClain, Chuck Renslow, Lawrence Fox [not shown: Mindy Chateauvert, Donald Dotson, Julia Keathley, Joni Perrie and Tom Stice].
The Leather Archives & Museum is concluding a milestone year, making history while preserving history, as the Chicago-based institution begins its fourteenth year.
By far the most dramatic news is the successful completion of the capital campaign which raised over $400,000 in less than seven years to buy the Museum's home at 6418 N. Greenview on Chicago's North Side.
'Ownership of the building not only means the absence of rent or mortgage payments,' said Executive Director Rick Storer, 'it is also proof of the permanence and viability of leather, fetish and BDSM culture.' A mortgage-burning celebration is being planned for Sunday, Feb. 20, 2005.
Major acquisitions in the past year include the business records of New York's L.U.R.E. bar and artwork by Steve Masters and Etienne. A special exhibit from the museum collections exhibited at the San Francisco Public Library and the LA&M was admitted into the Chicago Metropolitan Library system. The organization's newsletter expanded to a quarterly magazine called 'Leather Times,' with feature articles, photos and exclusive content about leather history and culture.
The Leather Archives & Museum exists to compile, preserve and maintain the history, archives and memorabilia of leather and related lifestyles for historical, educational and research purposes. Information on the organization, membership and publications is available at the museum or on the Web at www.leatherarchives.org .
Having a tough time finding a rack? Torn about what color the new iron maiden for the dungeon should be? Can't imagine buying your leather daddy yet another whip? Consider a gift from the Leather Archives & Museum this year that's safe, sane, consensual—and always fits.
In addition to unique books, prints and stocking stuffers, gift memberships or donations in the name of your favorite leatherfolk are the perfect present for the holidays. It's secure and confidential to shop at the museum gift shop or at www.leatherarchives.org and if your order for the continental United States is received by Sunday, Dec. 19, delivery for Christmas is guaranteed.
Instead of a traditional gift, buy the gift of tradition. Wrap up a piece of history.