Descriptive Summary
Access
Publication Rights
Preferred Citation
Acquisition Information
Scope and Content of Collection
Indexing Terms
Descriptive Summary
Title: High Brow Society records
Dates: 1982-1996
Collection Number: 2008-21
Creator/Collector:
High Brow Society
Extent: 1.65 linear feet (1 carton and 1 manuscript box)
Repository:
GLBT Historical Society
San Francisco, California 94103
Abstract: 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.
Language of Material: English
Access
Collection is open for research.
Publication Rights
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.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item]. High Brow Society records. Collection Number: 2008-21. GLBT Historical Society
Acquisition Information
Gift of Michael Wolford on June 28, 2007. Addition by Bill Larsen, August 2023.
Scope and Content of Collection
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.
Indexing Terms
Drag
LGBTQ
Gay men
Nightlife
San Francisco (Calif.)
Photographs