Sites of Interest

Barbara Gittings Gay & Lesbian Collection at the Free Library of Philadelphia

Independence Branch, 18 S. 17th Street
(215) 685-1633
This is the second-largest public library collection of GLBT-themes books, movies and magazines in the country. The collection is named for a lifelong Philadelphia activist who fought for the inclusion of gay and lesbian materials in public libraries.

Gay Rights Demonstrations Historical Marker

6th and Chestnut streets
Independence Mall is the site of some of the nation’s first gay rights protests from 1965 to 1969. A Pennsylvania Historical Marker commemorates the pioneering gay activists at 6th and Chestnut streets.

Giovanni’s Room

345 S. 12th Street
(215) 932-2960
www.giovannisroom.com
Founded on South Street in 1973, Giovanni’s Room is one of the oldest GLBT bookstores in the nation. Giovanni’s Room carries a wide selection of gay, lesbian, and feminist titles. In 2008, Giovanni’s Room celebrated its 35-year anniversary.

New Hope

About one hour from Center City, New Hope is nestled among the banks of the Delaware River in Bucks County. This historical village is full of galleries, restaurants, theaters, shops, as well as several gay-owned and operated bed and breakfasts, bars, and restaurants.

Pride and Progress Mural

Corner of Juniper and Spruce streets
Dedicated in 2003 on the west wall of the William Way LGBT Community Center, this 7,500-square-foot, four-story mural pays tribute to gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgendered people. The colorful mural depicts a composite of 1960s gay civil rights marches, a pride festival, and Independence Hall. This mural is one of the largest in the city’s Mural Arts Program, stretching almost an entire block.

Walt Whitman House

328 Mickle Boulevard, Camden, New Jersey
(856) 964-5383
Located two blocks east of the Camden waterfront, this National Historic Landmark provides an intimate glimpse into the life of the poet, attracting visitors from around the world. Whitman’s original letters, personal belongings, the bed in which he died and the death notice that was nailed to the front door have all been preserved. A collection of rare 19th-century photographs, including the earliest known image of Whitman has also been preserved. In addition, one of the bridges spanning the Delaware River is named in his honor.

William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center

1315 Spruce Street
(215) 732-2220;
www.waygay.com
William Way is open seven days a week and provides meeting space for more than 70 groups and hosts a variety of events and art exhibitions throughout the year. William Way also has information about social events and support resources. In 2005, the cross street in front of the center was renamed “Elton’s Way” in recognition of Sir Elton John’s contributions to the City of Philadelphia.

For other sites of interest in Philadelphia, visit our Attractions page.