Fire Island is a narrow, 31-mile-long barrier island off the coast of Long Island. Since the 1920s, Cherry Grove has attracted artistic, bohemian vacationers from New York City and its surrounding areas, naturally evolving into one of the nation’s foremost LGBTQ summertime destinations.

The Arts Project of Cherry Grove was incorporated in 1948. Its first production was a fundraising event, the Cherry Grove Follies of 1948.

Ever since then, the Arts Project has played a central role in the community life of Cherry Grove.

In 2013 The Community House was nominated for inclusion in the New York State Parks and National Registers for Historic Places. Cherry Grove resident, Carl Luss, researched and wrote the extensive nomination papers which ultimately resulted in its official designation on June 4, 2013. The Community House is one of three places designated for their seminal importance in LGBTQ history. (The others are The Stonewall Inn in New York City and the Frank Kameny home in Washington, D.C.)

The Arts Project of Cherry Grove and its home, the Community House, are proud to be considered instrumental in the history of the LGBTQ movement. We invite you to become active participants in this ever-evolving legacy.