High Brow Society records

Finding aid created by GLBT Historical Society staff using RecordEXPRESS

GLBT Historical Society

989 Market Street, Lower Level

San Francisco, California 94103

(415) 777-5455

reference@glbthistory.org

http://www.glbthistory.org/

2023

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