(CNSNews.com) - The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission has approved a new historical marker for the area around Independence Hall, recognizing it as the site of the nation's "first organized and annual gay and lesbian civil rights demonstration."

The first demonstration took place at Independence Hall on July 4, 1965, and it became an annual event through the 1960s, a decade that ended with the Stonewall riots in New York City.

According to the "Queer Heritage" website, the 1965 demonstration included a "small group of conservatively dressed lesbians and gay men picket[ing] Independence Hall in Philadelphia."

Equality Forum, the group that applied for the historical marker, said it was "thrilled" by the commission's unanimous vote.

Wayne Spilove, the chairman of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, praised Equality Forum for a "well presented historical marker nomination form."

"Pennsylvania is proud to be both the birthplace of our nation and the birthplace of so many historic events that have advanced civil rights in America," Spilove said in a press release issued by Equality Forum.

According to the state agency's website, the historical marker program, established in 1946, highlights "people, places, and events significant in state and national history."

There are more than 2,000 markers recognizing everything from William Penn's country home to the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
\lang1024
The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission says it approves new markers every year -- and most of them involve public dedications where elected officials, historians and citizens come together to "celebrate and understand their heritage."

Nominations for historical markers may be submitted by any person or organization, and they are then reviewed by a panel of independent experts from across the state and approved by PHMC commissioners in March.

"Limited matching grants are available for the manufacture of markers, but nominators should be prepared to assume the costs of their marker's fabrication," the website says.

Equality Forum said Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell is expected to unveil the historical marker at an upcoming event honoring the 40th Anniversary of the "GLBT Civil Rights Movement."

The celebration is planned for Sunday, May 1, at Independence Hall.

The 16-hour "national celebration" on May Day will include a tribute to "gay pioneers"; a concert featuring Cyndi Lauper; an interfaith service at historic Christ Church with Bishop Gene Robinson presiding; conversations with "gay leaders"; a "Gay Icons Pavilion" at the Independence Visitors Center; and a SundayOUT street festival and parties.