The High Brow Society was an annual drag Halloween party held in San Francisco from 1982 to 1997. According to a 1992 “Brief History of The High Brow Society,” during its first years the event was known as The Dowager Ball and was hosted by John Allin. Beginning in 1986, a number of Allin’s friends began to host the party, calling themselves “The High Brow Society.” The party also became a fundraiser that year, primarily for HIV/AIDS-related organizations. The party was also known as the "The Muscle Sisters Drag Party." The collection includes albums, photographs, videos, invitations, membership lists, and ephemera documenting events from 1982 through 1996.

1.65 linear feet (1 carton and 1 manuscript box)

Copyright to material has been transferred to the GLBT Historical Society. All requests for reproductions and/or permission to publish or quote from material must be submitted in writing to the GLBT Historical Society Archivist.

Collection is open for research.