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Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Robert Kesten Talks Stonewall National Museum (AUDIO)

Produced by Charlotte Robinson


 





In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with Robert Kesten, President and CEO of Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Founded in 1973 the Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library has grown into the largest lending library of its kind in the U.S. with more than 34,000 books and audio-visual materials. The archives also contain more than 6 million pages of documents and more than 2,000 objects of critical importance to our LGBTQ history. Rotating exhibitions, talks, lectures and films have attracted thousands to the Stonewall National Museum each year enriching the lives of countless others. Some of the upcoming events include their fourth annual Gala fundraiser where they will ceremoniously and historically induct architect, philanthropist and president of the Arcus Foundation Jon Stryker, retired Congressman Barney Frank and Grammy winning singer-songwriter Janis Ian into its nationally traveling “Standing on the Shoulders of Heroes” exhibition on February 21st. This fabulous fundraising event takes place at The VENUE in Wilton Manors, FL from 6P to 9P for a fabulous night of celebration with cocktails, dinner, conversation and community. Other events include Amazon Rising: The Legacy of Wonder Woman that runs now through February 17th and Sahara: NYC’s Lesbian Legacy that will be on display February 28th to April 5th. Also the Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library in partnership with the LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame will celebrate the 2026 class of inductees recognizing the achievements and contributions of LGBTQ athletes, coaches, advocates and sports enthusiasts. We talked to Kesten about what he would like to accomplish at the Stonewall National Museum and his spin on our LGBTQ issues. 

Robert Kesten is a seasoned nonprofit executive with extensive experience in the for profit and government sectors. Kesten has had the unique experience of working on the break-up of the USSR on the ground in the Soviet Union and being in Tahrir Square during the Arab Spring in Egypt. This has given him a special understanding of human rights, the need for democracy and the role education plays in the transformation of nations and their people. Kesten’s varied career also includes writing and producing an award-winning documentary film on learning the lessons from the Holocaust winning the Jury Prize at the Moscow Film Festival. The Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library is a safe welcoming place that inspires and promotes understanding through collecting, preserving and sharing the proud culture of our LGBTQ community and their significant role in American society. For More Info…


1 comment:

Marilyn Rosen said...

A terrific interview with Robert who is exactly the person we need at the helm of The Stonewall National Museum. His greater vision is inclusive, warm and welcoming and an invitation to all who seek commonality..
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