The Leather Archives and Museum, based in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, has much information and details on the beginning of the leather subculture and BDSM community. The 10,000 sq. foot, two-story building houses: ·Eight exhibition galleries; ·A 1,425 sq. foot climate controlled archival storage space ·A 164 seat auditorium; ·A 600 sq. foot reading library to house the research collections ·Various other spaces which serve as working space for staff, volunteers and researchers. In addition to activities in Chicago, the LA&M serves the leather world by preserving material from all leather communities, sending "traveling" exhibits around the country, and providing email and telephone research assistance.     The Leather Archives & Museum is a library, museum and archives pertaining to Leather, fetishism, sadomasochism, and alternative sexual practices. The geographic collection scope is worldwide and includes all sexual orientations and genders. The library collection contains published books, magazines, scholarly publications, films and electronic resources related to the subject matter. The museum collection contains original erotic art and artifacts from alternative sex organizations and individuals. The archival collection contains unpublished papers and records from notable activists, artists, businesses and organizations related to the subject matter. The museum exhibitions and library are open to the public, 18 years and older during regular museum hours. Archival collections are made available by appointment to bona fide researchers. Leather Archives & Museum is located at 6418 N. Greenview Avenue in Chicago. For more information, call 773.761.9200.