Christopher Street is currently playing host to Stonewall 45: Windows Into LGBT History. This Greenwich Village educational exhibition commemorates the 45th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots: the three-day historic event now heavily regarded as the spark that triggered the rise of the US LGBT rights movement. Over two dozen storefronts stretching from Greenwich Avenue to Greenwich Street, tell the story of the cultural climate surrounding that fateful June night. The Christopher Street exhibition features an amazing collection of archival photos, news clippings, and inspirational quotes from Stonewall: The Riots That Sparked the Gay Revolution author, David Carter.
“Stonewall 45 is made up of panels that combine text and imagery to tell the story of the Stonewall Riots and their significance: the context of anti-LGBT discrimination in the 1960’s; the actual events of June, 1969; and the political response that Stonewall unleashed, which has now earned its place in history.” (GVSHP)
Stonewall 45 was produced by Susanna Aaron and designed by Janean Lesyk. The exhibition is sponsored by the Arcus Foundation and the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation.
A Riot of Perfume
The story of the Stonewall Riots played an especially important part in crafting the olfactive story of Christopher Street, exploring everything from the inn’s founding days as Bonnie’s Stone Wall, an infamous 1920’s tearoom, to its later reincarnation as The Stonewall Inn, a now-iconic symbol of queer pride. You can smell the Stonewall influence in the opening dirty lime cocktail of Christopher Street, catch further wisps of riotous smoke lingering around its notes of leather and incense, and even get lost in the decadent scent of the “dance on skin” crowd (click here to read the full Christopher Street fragrance brief). Stonewall is such an integral part of Christopher Street history that the block between Waverly and 7th Avenue has since been renamed Stonewall Place. Therefore, it plays a similar role in construction of the fragrance.
So, on a sunny Tuesday afternoon, I went back to Christopher Street to take another look at the story of Stonewall. A few quick spritzes, and I was ready to get lost in the overlap of the Village, then and now. For a little over an hour, I traveled from Piece’s to Gaetana Cuccina, taking in Carter’s powerful words while lost in a sea of scent. A perfect way to kickoff the countdown to Pride Week in New York City. For highlights and locations, check out the gallery below.
Pride, Sampling, and Other Upcoming Events
June Pride is in full swing. Join me all next week on Christopher Street for Charenton Macerations’ Annual Pride Week sampling. Just like last year, free sampling locations will be revealed via our social networking feeds, so if you’re not yet following CM, now’s the time. Plans are also in motion for an upcoming July olfactive walking tour of Christopher Street, led by yours truly. Come spend a summer afternoon in the sun with me as I take you through some of my favorite hidden Village olfactive corners. Experience the olfactive story of Christopher Street firsthand. Those interested in early sign-up details should send an email to Charenton Macerations at info@charentonmacerations.com and ask to have their name added to the list. More details (the when’s, where’s, and how much) will be made available during Pride Week, so check back here, or sign up for email notifications below to stay up-to-date. Space will be limited to 20 people, and on a first-come, first-serve basis, so be sure to sign up early.
Wishing everyone a Happy Pride and Christopher Street Liberation Day (June 28).
Stonewall 45: Windows Into LGBT History Photo Highlights
