ABSTRACT
In 2019, the premiere of the television series Gentleman Jack introduced a wide viewership to Anne Lister (1791–1840), an obscure, northern English landowner known for her pursuit of sexual and romantic relationships with women at a time when social norms did not accommodate same-sex desire. From Gentleman Jack, a devoted community of international fans sprung up around this queer historical figure, many of whom are now actively engaged in researching and reinterpreting Lister's memory across numerous digital platforms. Though few of these fans are trained historians, their archival work and partnerships with established institutions have resulted in significant discoveries related to Anne Lister, her partner Ann Walker, and others in their social circle. Instead of claiming ownership over their findings, this group of fans has created spaces online where those interested can access interpretive and historical materials and make their own connections with Lister, her contemporaries, and one other. This chapter considers this work revolving around Anne Lister's legacy as a form of community-driven curatorial practice. It further explores the potential of these initiatives to challenge assumptions about who is authorized to engage with and speak for heritage and to address gaps and silences within formal heritage practice.
