The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender Community Center‘s National History Archive in New York City recently uncovered a handful of rare photos presumed to have been taken from the “gay beach” at Jacob Riis Park in the 1960s. Named for photographer Jacob Riis, the park was commonly referred to as “Screech Beach” back in the day.
The Center’s images were discovered recently at a second hand store in NYC and acquired and scanned into the collection at the archive shortly thereafter. The photographer and any information about the subjects is unknown. Volunteer archivist Rich Wandel founded the collection in 1990 with the intent to preserve the heritage of our community by making it accessible through regular exhibits, publications, and scholarly research activities.
If you’re interested in checking out Riis Beach this summer, making the trip is a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. The east end of the beach is known for gay sunbathing, cruising, and plenty of (unofficial) nudity.
