Safeguarding the Appalshop Films Collection

FAIN: PG-51072-10

Appalshop, Inc. (Whitesburg, KY 41858-0743)
Caroline Rubens (Project Director: May 2009 to October 2011)

The purchase of 1,080 archival film cans and a freezer to rehouse at-risk documentary 16mm films and videos created since 1969. A consultant would advise on archival rehousing and the purchase of the freezer. The selection of supplies and equipment is based on recommendations from the consultant and on the results of a previous NEH Preservation Assistance Grant and other preservation assessments. Appalshop's film holdings document a wide range of events and activities involving the history and culture of Appalachia, including local life, politics, religious services, folk artists at work, and traditional music.

For 40 years, Appalshop has been producing documentary films and videos, audio programs, musical recordings and other forms of media. In the process it has developed an extensive and important collection of materials documenting the Appalachian region and rural America. The Appalshop Film Collection contains approximately 1.8 million feet of 16mm black and white and color film covering all aspects of life in central Appalachia, including coal mining, subsistence farming, craftspeople, labor strikes, musicians, storytellers, religious practices, out-migration, politics, environmental activism, and Appalachian literature. In order to ensure the long term safety of its film holdings, the Appalshop Archive is seeking a grant to retain the services of a film archiving consultant and purchase supplies to re-house a portion of its 16mm picture and sound elements.