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High Brow Society records
2008-21  
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Collection Details
 
Table of contents What's This?
  • 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