Exhibit In New Hope To Share Stories Of LGBTQ+ Boatlift Refugees

NEW HOPE, PA — A traveling exhibit, "With Open Heart and Open Arms: LGBTQ+ Cuban Refugees and Our Community’s Response to the Mariel Boatlift," is coming to New Hope for three days only in late October and early November.

The exhibit, chronicling the story of LGBTQ+ Cubans who were part of the Mariel Boatlift of Cuban

refugees in 1980, will be presented locally in celebration of National LGBTQ+ History Month by New Hope Celebrates History and the Pennsylvania LGBTQ+ History Network.

"With Open Hearts and Open Arms" will be on view at the New Hope Inn & Suites, formerly the Clarion Inn & Suites New Hope-Lambertville, at 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope. A preview of the first three panels will be displayed in the lobby on Oct. 29 with the full exhibition taking place Oct. 30, Nov. 5 and 6 in the cabaret room.

“The Mariel Boatlift was an important piece of LGBTQ+ history. It brought many otherwise
shunned and forgotten lives to our U.S. shores, particularly to Pennsylvania and some to Bucks
County, where they reside today contributing to our Latin diversity," said Daniel Brooks, director of New Hope Celebrates History. "We are proud of our active partnership with the PA LGBTQ History Network, and have exhibited other similar historic collections together. This exciting and educational one is not to be missed!’

In April 1980, Fidel Castro opened the port of Mariel in Cuba to all Cubans who were seeking
asylum in the United States. By October 1980, more than 125,000 Cubans had come to the U.S. by
boat, in what became known as the “Mariel Boatlift.” Among those who left Cuba were
members of the LGBTQ+ community who had been persecuted and imprisoned by Castro’s
regime.

When members of the LGBTQ+ community in Pennsylvania learned of this hardship, they began
to set up resettlement camps to provide temporary shelter, such as in Fort Indiantown Gap.
Through the years, the Cuban LGBTQ+ immigrants became an integral part of Pennsylvania,
bringing their culture, arts, and stories to be shared.

“With Open Hearts and Open Arms” brings these immigrants’ stories to life. In words and photos, the exhibition brings hope, courage, and inspiration to all who see it. It will be open to the public on weekends from 1 to 4 p.m. and by appointment only for a private tour. It is free to attend, available in both English and Spanish. To arrange a private tour, contact Dan Brooks at danielbrooksnyc@gmail.com.

For this and other events, visit www.newhopecelebrates.com.

New Hope Celebrates (NHC) is a nonprofit organization focused on highlighting the
history and cultural nuances of New Hope and Lambertville, N.J., while stimulating the retail,
hospitality, and professional community.

NHC is comprised of a Board of Directors that drives activities and events that serve the diverse LGBTQ+ populace through the creation and promotion of marketing opportunities, educational activities, and cultural events. One such event is the annual, week-long Pride celebration held in May.

Since 2003, NHC has organized events that recognize the strong LGBTQ+ presence in the New Hope area and celebrated the history and culture of our scenic river towns.

Funding generated through New Hope Celebrates events is channeled back into our community to support our neighbors in collaborative business and cultural initiatives that make New Hope a great place for residents and visitors alike.