Queer Joy, Museum Style, an engaging talk by Katherine Ott, Curator in the Division of Medicine and Science at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Saturday, August 30, 2025
1:30 p.m.

Queer Joy, Museum Style
A talk by the Smithsonian's Katherine Ott
Irving Archives & Museum
Saturday, August 30, 2025
1:30 p.m.

Taking gender and sexuality seriously often disrupts the usual way museums operate. Practical issues related to the daily workings of the gift shop, object storage, and wayfinding have mundane solutions. When it comes to visitor happiness and telling full, compelling stories, things can get delicate. The complex and beautiful topic of American history elicits an alphabet of emotions, from awe and aggravation to vulnerability, wonder, and everything in between (X,Y, Z emotions are hard to find). This talk serves up the joy of working in a museum, saving queer history, and embracing the possibilities of America.

About Katherine Ott

Katherine Ott is a curator in the Division of Medicine and Science at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. She documents LGBTQ+ history, the history of gender and sexuality, disability, ophthalmology, dermatology, and other irresistible subjects. She has curated exhibitions on HIV and AIDS, the Stonewall Uprising, the Americans with Disabilities Act, polio, and prosthetics. She teaches graduate classes in American Studies at The George Washington University and is the author or co-editor of three books and many articles. Katherine responds to all pronouns and is energetically honing her queer superpower.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Irving Museums. Their generous, ongoing support brings valuable programs like this, and many more, to our community.