Email Share 2K Shares

Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell will announce plans Friday at the historic Stonewall Inn in New York City for a new, groundbreaking study on LGBT history, according to three sources familiar with the event.

Peggy Phalan, general manager of the Stonewall Inn, was among those who said the event will take place at Stonewall Inn on Friday, but she had limited information on the planned study that will be announced.

“They do field studies for different groups, and they’re starting one for the LGBT community,” Phalan said.

Although the nature of the study wasn’t immediately clear, sources described the initiative as “historic” in nature. An Interior Department official said the initiative would be headed by the National Park Service and ensure the agency is telling a complete story of America’s heritage and history.

[UPDATE: Per a news release Wednesday, the study will aim to “identify places and events associated with the civil rights struggle of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans and ensure that the agency is telling a complete story of America’s heritage and history.”]

In addition to Jewell, New York City officials and gay philanthropist Tim Gill, known for his work in funding efforts in the marriage equality movement, are scheduled to attend the kickoff for the study, two sources familiar with the event said.

Jewell is known for being a supporter for the LGBT community. Prior to her nomination as secretary of the interior, Jewell was CEO of the Washington State-based outdoor and recreational retailer REI and helped drive business support in that state for marriage equality when it was on the ballot in 2012.

According to an invite obtained by the Washington Blade, the announcement will be made at 11 am. The Blade will update this post as more information becomes available.