Aurora Northland Lesbian Center records

Aurora Northland Lesbian Center was founded in Duluth, Minnesota in 1988 as the Lesbian Task Force. The group incorporated that year as Elsie Center then changed its name in 1989 to Aurora: A Northland Lesbian Center. The non-profit organization was based on a membership model, with a board of directors, volunteers, and, in some years, a paid staff member. Originally located at 8 North Second Avenue East, the Center moved into Duluth’s Building for Women at 32 East First Street in 1994.

Aurora provided a drop-in center, library, newsletter, referrals by phone and in person, and social events. Aurora members produced the annual Northern Lights Womyn’s Music Festival from 1990 to 1998. Decreasing membership and a lack of funding led to Aurora’s closure in 2012.

The 1988 articles of incorporation included these goals:

To increase self-acceptance, self-esteem and positive social identification among lesbian women

To promote awareness, education, and advocacy on lesbian issues and concerns in the community at large

To provide lesbian groups and individuals with a safe, sober-supportive environment conducive to meaningful, affirmative social interaction

To increase networking and communication among lesbians in the Duluth-Superior area and the Greater Northeast Minnesota region

To promote women’s cultural enrichment, with special consideration for lesbian culture

To sponsor events and activities that will further accomplish the goals stated above