In Memoriam: James Crutchfield

From the Gay and Lesbian Activist Alliance, to the Gay Community Center, SMYAL, Capital Area Rainbowlers Association, Capital Area Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Veterans of America, Metropolitan Community Church, Capital Pride, Lambda Sci-Fi, and more, James “Hawk” Crutchfield made an enduring mark on LGBTQ life in Washington.

Who We Are

Rainbow History Project’s mission is to collect, preserve and promote the history and culture of the LGBTQ community of metropolitan Washington, D.C. We are an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization and membership is free.

Our Archives

Our collection of nearly 2,000 items is accessible to anyone interested in LGBTQ history. The collection media includes physical, digital, video and photographs, plus oral histories and other sound files.

Our Events

Join us throughout the year for informative in-person and virtual events about important topics and issues in our community’s history. We host presentations, informal talks, walking tours and more.

News Updates

August 8, 2023

Community leader and RHP co-founder James Crutchfield dies at age 77

Rainbow History Project is saddened by the July 29 death of James “Hawk” Crutchfield, […]

June 28, 2023

History-making activist and D.C.-area LGBTQ leader Lilli Vincenz dies at age 85

Rainbow History Project is saddened to learn of the death yesterday, June 27, of […]

April 18, 2023

Diedre Gray hired as director of RHP Trans History Initiative

Rainbow History Project has hired Diedre Gray (she/her) as director of its Trans History […]

March 1, 2023

A lesbian life not to be missed

One of the leaders in the Washington-area arts and social justice communities, Jill Strachan, […]

Donate an item to our collection

Rainbow History Project continually collects materials to ensure that the history of the D.C. area’s LGBTQ community is documented and can be shared with future generations. Your materials are important and RHP is interested!