Emerson College Archives Preservation Assesment

FAIN: PG-51794-13

Emerson College (Boston, MA 02116-4624)
Christina J. Zamon (Project Director: May 2012 to February 2014)

A preservation assessment of the historical and administrative records of Emerson College and the American Comedy Archives. The collection includes more than 2,000 linear feet of paper, film, and objects, as well as over 15,000 photographs, approximately 800 books, and over 5,000 audiovisual recordings including interviews with Phyllis Diller, Dick Gregory, Bob Newhart, and Dick Van Dyke. Holdings such as the Norman Lear Script Collection, the Bill Dana Collection, and materials on vaudeville document important developments in the history of American theater, television, film, radio, journalism, and broadcasting.

The Emerson College Archives in the Iwasaki Library contains the historical records of the 132-year-old College and special collections related to its focus on communication and the arts. These collections offer insight into Boston's and the nation's theater history; the history of television, radio, broadcasting, and film; and the history of Boston. They include the American Comedy Archives's primary source material documenting ground-breaking individuals who have written, produced or performed comedy for radio, television, motion pictures or live performance. The Emerson College Archives intends to have the Northeast Document Conservation Center conduct a Preservation Needs Assessment. The final report will identify potential hazards to the collection from the environment or from storage and handling procedures; recommend procedures for ensuring the long-term preservation of the collections; prioritize the needs of the collections; and identify the required preservation actions.