Exploring LGBTQ+ History Through the Smithsonian Archives

Beyond Stonewall: Exploring LGBTQ+ History

“All young people regardless of sexual orientation or identity deserve a safe and supportive environment in which to achieve their full potential.” Harvey Milk


Module objective: Explore the rich history of the LGBTQ+ community from the turn of the 20th century through the Stonewall Riots in 1969 and beyond. Identify Arizona History and Social Science State Standards that pertain to the teaching of Latino history in Arizona classrooms.


We are going to learn about GBLTQ+ history from Smithsonian film, Beyond Stonewall, Exploring LGBTQ+ History Through the Smithsonian Archives. (Video is posted below).

The film explores the incredible objects from the National Museum of American History that showcases the rich history of the LGBTQ+ community from the turn of the 20th century through the Stonewall Riots in 1969 and beyond.


To Do:

1. Create and complete a KWL chart for the film. A KWL chart is a graphic organizer used to facilitate learning. It helps students activate prior knowledge, set learning goals, and reflect on what they’ve learned. The acronym KWL stands for What I know, What I Need to Know and What I Learned. Here is what your KWL chart needs to look like:

KWL Chart
K – What I Know about GBLTQ+ contributions to US and Arizona History What I Need to Know about AZ Academic Standards as they pertain to GBLTQ+ contributions to US and AZ history. L- What I learned about LGBTQ+ contributions to US and Arizona history from the film, Beyond Stonewall (list at least 8 things that you learned about in the film)
  1. Scroll through the and identify 3 standards that pertain to the teaching of GBLTQ + contributions to American and Arizona history. You may copy and paste the standards into the “What I Need to Know” part of the chart. You may copy and paste the standards into the What I Need to Know part of the chart. Include the grade level of the standard, the discipline and standard number. Example : 6.E5.1 Describe the factors that influence trade between countries or cultures.

2. Before you watch the film, Beyond Stonewall, record what you already know about GBLTQ+ history and contributions to the U.S. Don’t Google or AI anything- just list what you already know, if you know don’t know much, it is okay- just say that.

3. Scroll through the and identify 3 standards that pertain to the teaching of GBLTQ + contributions to American and Arizona history. You may copy and paste the standards into the “What I Need to Know” part of the chart. You may copy and paste the standards into the What I Need to Know part of the chart. Include the grade level of the standard, the discipline and standard number. Example 6.E5.1. 6.E5.1 Describe the factors that influence trade between countries or cultures.

4. Watch the 51 minute film, , and take notes in the L – “What I Learned” column of your KWL Chart.

5. Reflection Question: How does this film challenge or complicate your understanding of LGBTQ+ history? What new questions does the film raise for you? Explain your thinking for full credit (expectation, one paragraph).

Requirements: answer

WRITE MY PAPER