In Our Own Voices, 245 Lark Street by Alexa Moynihan
/As part of the We Save Albany’s Stories project, the Historic Albany Foundation has researched Capitol Region buildings significant to the LGBTQ+ history of Albany, New York. Among other organizations within the area, Albany’s In Our Own Voices emerged as an essential space dedicated to the development of the Albany LGBT community.
Recent Image of 245 Lark Street, In Our Own Voices Inc.
“These organizations came together initially to encourage other human and civil rights groups to broaden their agendas to include the issues that affect LGBT people of color.”
Early Image of 245 Lark Street From a 1975 Inventory Form
In Our Own Voices currently operates to provide supportive services within the Albany area. The organization that exists today combines the efforts of various social action groups including Sisters and Brothers in the Life (SABIL), the Gay Men of Color Alliance (GMOCA), the Feminist Action Network (FAN), and finally the Social Justice Center.
“Providing essential resources to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community of Albany, In Our Own Voices aims to ensure the strength and survival of these communities”
Providing essential resources to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community of Albany, In Our Own Voices aims to ensure the strength and survival of these communities in a wide range of social spheres. These include mental, physical, political, spiritual, and economic realms. With their impact on the Capitol Districts’s LGBT+ community, the buildings which have housed the organization provide a significant backdrop for the essential work of In Our Own Voices.
Early Blueprint of the Property From a 1975 Inventory From
In Our Own Voices operates from their property on 245 Lark Street. The office building which stands today was originally built in the late 1870’s, and has since provided work space to multiple organizations in Albany. The property is surrounded by a densely built up area of both residential and commercial lots. The 5,445 square foot lot includes an additional 6,420 square feet of interior space for the organization.
“Following their purchase, IOOV could realize their goals to provide a platform for LGBT voices and a space to develop leadership within the community”
An Image Prior to IOOV’s purchase of 245 Lark Street ca. 1988
The building predates the organization itself, but boasts a rich history in the community care industry. In 1975, it was owned by Albany’s Visiting Nurse Association as one of the organization's three properties in Arbor Hill. Founded in 1880, VNA is one of the oldest home healthcare agencies in the country and continues to provide essential care to those in low-income housing areas. With the Visiting Nurse Association’s ownership of 245 Lark street, the property has a long standing tradition of supporting Albany communities.”
In 1988, the property was put on the market and later purchased by In Our Own Voices. Following their purchase, IOOV could realize their goals to provide a platform for LGBT voices and a space to develop leadership within the community. As In Our Own Voices continues operation in pursuit of these goals, 245 Lark Street has become a significant landmark to the LGBT+ history of the Capitol District.
by Alexa Moynihan
Many thanks to Tandra LaGrone for providing additional information.