Stephen Lane in Residence January 2024

We are pleased to announce Stephen Lane has completed his January 2024 residency with the Speculative Play and Just Futurities program.  

While in residence, Lane researched the development of the archival collections of the Indiana State Archives, the Indiana State Library, and the Indiana Historical Society.

Focusing specifically on LGBTQ+ stories, his project explored new ways for archival collections to reflect all aspects of Indiana’s history. His interests lay in understanding how community-centered archival practices allow people of all identities and backgrounds to have their stories recorded for future generations.  

About Stephen Lane

Stephen Lane is a librarian at IU Indianapolis (IUI) serving the School of Philanthropy and School of Liberal Arts. He received his Masters of Library and Information Science and Masters of Public History degrees at IUI. Previously, Lane worked as the special collections librarian at the Indianapolis Public Library, where he served on the Board of Trustees.

Lane’s graduate work examined the history of Indiana Avenue drag queens. and was titled “The Female Impersonators of Indiana Avenue: Race, Sexuality, Gender Expression and the Black Entertainment Industry.” Stephen found an interest in history and archives through his work uncovering the history of Afro-Paraguayans while serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer.  

Speculative Play and Just Futurities is made possible through the generous support of the Mellon Foundation. SPJF is a collaboration between the IUPUI Arts and Humanities Institute, the Center for Africana Studies and Culture, and the Ray Bradbury Center. Learn more about the program here.