This summer, Fire Island’s Cherry Grove Archives Collection (CGAC) is set to present a vibrant mix of in-person and online programming to honor the creative legacy of one of the nation’s earliest known safe spaces for LGBTQ+ people and their allies.
Building on more than 25 years of work preserving LGBTQ+ culture, the Cherry Grove Archives Collection has remained dedicated to collecting, protecting, and sharing the history of Cherry Grove. With materials dating back to the 1940s— when many New York City’s theatrical figures spent their summers on the island— the collection safeguards a vast archive of artifacts that capture the spirit of this historic community.
The CGAC keeps with its mission to “Save the past. Make it last,” through its 2025 summer programming, offering a range of initiatives designed to engage the public and preserve the Grove’s legacy for future generations.
“Queer Grove” Podcast
The Cherry Grove Archives Collection debuts a new podcast, “Queer Grove,” hosted by acclaimed documentary filmmaker, Parker Sargent, whose work celebrates the character and history of queer communities in Fire Island and beyond.
This podcast explores the small beach community that’s been a safe haven for LGBTQ+ individuals for almost 100 years. Through interviews with residents and notable guests, “Queer Grove” depicts an intimate portrait of a community that continues to thrive as a symbol of inclusivity.
Guests include Joel Kim Booster, Esther Newton, Bianca Del Rio, Daniel Nardicio, Jimbo the Drag Clown, Thom “Panzi” Hansen, Bob “Rose” Levine, and Edie Windsor, among others.
New episodes drop every Friday. Listen at queergrove.com.
Premiere of “Making Miss Cherrys”
The Cherry Grove Archives Collection presents the premiere of “Making Miss Cherrys,” a documentary by Parker Sargent that celebrates three decades of the iconic Miss Cherrys pageant. Produced in coordination with the CGAC, the film pays tribute to the 30 year history of the competition, which began in 1992 and local drag artists who created a thriving queer culture in Cherry Grove, Fire Island.
The film follows Timothy Byars (a.k.a. Sabel Scities) as he returns to Cherry Grove to compete in the 2022 Allstars edition of the pageant. Despite facing challenges from the Covid-19 pandemic and a long-distance move to Hawaii, Sabel delivers a triumphant performance. Viewers will see Sabel’s journey along with the history of the Miss Cherrys pageant, with appearances from previous winners such as Charity Charles, Ginger Snap, Brenda Dharling, and Boudoir LeFleur.
A live screening premiere of “Making Miss Cherrys” will take place at the Cherry Grove Community House and Theater on Saturday, July 26 at 8:00 p.m. ET.
A simultaneous live-streaming of the film will be offered as well. In-theater screening tickets are on sale now on the Cherry Grove Archives Collection website for $40 and live-streaming sales will begin June 19th.
All proceeds from the screening benefit the Cherry Grove Archives Collection Inc., a 501c3 organization.
“SAFE/HAVEN“ Book Reissue
The Cherry Grove Archives Collection will release a limited edition 77-page book of the “SAFE/HAVEN” exhibition photos in high quality form. The critically acclaimed exhibition has been displayed at The Stonewall National Museum, at The New York Historical Society, and presented as a Walking Tour in Cherry Grove.
The book includes memorabilia and interactive audio clips from Grove residents, which showcase both the joy and complexity of LGBTQ+ life in the 1950s.
Beginning July 26, “SAFE/HAVEN” will be available for purchase on the Cherry Grove Archives Collection website.
Art Walks: Outdoor Exhibitions and Tours
This summer season, the Cherry Grove Archives Collection will showcase its community’s history through the works of three Fire Island photographers, Warren Boyd Wexler, koitz, and Susan Kravitz, with outdoor Art Walking Tours.
- Warren Boyd Wexler (May 9-June 1)
- koitz (June 6-July 6)
- Susan Kravitz (Aug. 1-25)
Their work will be accompanied by audio clips from Cherry Grove residents and icons, sharing stories of community life and celebration.
The Cherry Grove Memorial Fund has sponsored the summer exhibition schedule, allowing the CGAC to present amazing large scale installations all around town for residents and day trippers to experience the beauty, freedom and legacy of this historic queer sanctuary.
To learn more or support the collection visit the Cherry Grove Archives Collection on their website, Instagram, or Facebook.
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