AIDS/Brooklyn Exhibition collection
Call Number
Dates
Creator
Extent
Language of Materials
Abstract
This collection includes oral histories and print materials collected and donated for the AIDS/Brooklyn exhibition, undertaken by the Brooklyn Historical Society in the early 1990s. The project was developed to document the impact of the AIDS epidemic on Brooklyn communities.
Historical Note
Brooklyn Historical Society (BHS) began preparing the exhibition AIDS/Brooklyn in 1991. David M. Kahn, Executive Director of BHS at the time, had lost his partner, Ron Wogaman, to an AIDS-related illness earlier that year. The exhibition, which opened in 1993, aimed to document the crisis in Brooklyn through the material culture, personal narratives, and life histories of those living with HIV/AIDS. This exhibition was a part of BHS's institution-wide efforts to be more responsive to contemporary events in Brooklyn through exhibits, collection development, and education.
Robert Rosenberg, a documentary film producer, was hired as project director. Robert Sember, a New York University doctoral candidate in Performance Studies, also conducted many of the interviews. Kathryn Pope, a research assistant, made initial contacts with people and organizations affected by HIV/AIDS or involved in advocacy. The Brooklyn Historical Society's Museum Division staff also worked on this exhibition: Ellen Snyder-Grenier (Chief Curator at the start of the project), Daniel Barron (Curator of Collections), and Dwandalyn Reece (Chief Curator starting in November 1992).
Community Advisory and Scholarly Advisory Committees provided guidance throughout the process. The Community Advisory Committee was involved with identifying individuals and organizations in Brooklyn to reach out to for interviews and donations of materials. The exhibition team printed flyers in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole and sent them to community and healthcare organizations related to HIV/AIDS issues. This outreach effort was also publicized in the press.
At the time of the exhibition in 1993, the borough of Brooklyn had an estimated 35,000 cases of HIV. There, as in the rest of the nation, the disease was disproportionately affecting African American, Latino, and gay communities. Brooklyn, however, was experiencing demographic shifts in the spread of AIDS that differed from the considerable high-impact zone of Manhattan. The disease was impacting women and children in Kings County; over 1800 women had HIV/AIDS in 1992, according to the city's AIDS Surveillance Unit. Nationwide, estimated deaths from AIDS peaked in 1995; over 50,000 U.S. residents died that year. Due primarily to multi-drug treatment and lowering infection rates, the number has since declined.
Historical note bibliography:
Tabor, Mary B.W. "Chronicling the Spread of AIDS Throughout Brooklyn." New York Times (New York, NY), May 31, 1992.
Wong, Sumi. "Historical Society at Work On Show About a Very Contemporary Subject: the AIDS Epidemic and Its Impact on Brooklyn Residents." The Phoenix (Brooklyn, NY), September 25, 1992.
Young, Joyce. "Exhibit takes closer look at life with AIDS." New York Daily News (New York, NY), April 18, 1993.
Arrangement
The AIDS/Brooklyn Exhibition collection is organized into three series:
Series 1: Oral histories, 1992-1993
Series 2: Collected materials, 1985-1994
Series 3: Donated materials, 1945-1997
Scope and Contents
The AIDS/Brooklyn Exhibition collection includes oral histories conducted and materials collected for an exhibition undertaken by the Brooklyn Historical Society in 1993.
The oral history recordings, initially made on magnetic tape, were with narrators who had firsthand experience with the crisis in their communities, families, and personal life. Narrators came from Brooklyn and the New York metropolitan area and had different experiences that connected them with HIV/AIDS. Topics that come up in the oral histories include: hemophilia, sexual behavior, addiction, medical practice, social work, homelessness, activism, childhood, relationships, and parenting.
The print and audiovisual materials collected by BHS staff or donated to BHS for the exhibition include flyers, brochures, posters, HIV/AIDS medication and treatment information, obituaries, photographs, VHS tapes, and an audiocassette tape. Donated materials represent the work of HIV/AIDS awareness and advocacy organizations and individuals' lives.
Subjects
Organizations
Families
Genres
Topics
Places
Conditions Governing Access
The oral histories are open to researchers with varied restrictions according to narrator agreement. Oral histories can be accessed on site at the Center for Brooklyn History's Othmer Library and online on the Oral History Portal.
The other materials are open to users without restriction onsite at the Othmer Library.
Conditions Governing Use
Use of the oral histories other than for private study, scholarship, or research requires the permission of Center for Brooklyn History. For assistance, please consult library staff at cbhreference@bklynlibrary.org.
While many items at the Center for Brooklyn History are unrestricted, we do not own reproduction rights to all materials. Be aware of the several kinds of rights that might apply: copyright, licensing and trademarks. The researcher assumes all responsibility for copyright questions.
Preferred Citation
Collection citation:
Identification of item, date (if known); AIDS/Brooklyn Exhibition collection, 1993.001, [Box and Folder number]; Brooklyn Public Library, Center for Brooklyn History.
Oral history citation:
[Narrator Last Name, First name], Oral history interview conducted by [Interviewer First name Last name], Interview Date [Month day, YYYY], AIDS/Brooklyn Exhibition collection, [Object ID]; Brooklyn Public Library, Center for Brooklyn History.
Material Specific Details
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The oral histories that make up this collection were compiled by a team including a project director, researcher and a research assistant. Staff for this project included Dwandalyn Reece King (Chief Curator), Robert Rosenberg (Project Director and Interviewer), Robert Sember (Researcher and Interviewer), and Kathryn Pope (Research Assistant).
These materials were gathered by Brooklyn Historical Society's Museum Division and transferred to the Library collections in 1997.
Separated Materials
Objects collected for this exhibition were separated into Center for Brooklyn History's Art and Artifacts collection and individually cataloged. These objects are currently separate, but are to be intellectually arranged with this collection.
About this Guide
Processing Information
Most recordings and transcripts were digitized in late 2015 and early 2016. Series 1: Oral histories was processed to the item-level by Theodore Kerr and Brett Dion in 2016. Series 2 and 3 were previously inventoried and a container list was created. Will Brown, Intern, started processing the non-oral history materials in January 2020. Alice Griffin, Archivist, finished processing the collection in March 2023.
Folder titles in brackets were provided by Alice Griffin. Preservation photocopies of newspaper clippings were made and newspaper discarded.
Sponsor Note
Repository
Series 1: Oral histories, 1992-1993, inclusive
Scope and Contents
This series includes oral history interviews on original and duplicate audio cassettes, along with transcripts of the interviews with Barbara Norris, Mildred Pearson, Kenny Post and Cheryl Wagner, Dolores Rivera, Luis E. Nieves Rosa, and William Sandoval with Rita Rodriguez. Summaries of all of the interviews written by the project coordinators and photographs of some of the interviewees are also included.
Some of the interviewees also donated materials for the exhibition. These materials are described in Series 3: Donated Materials, 1945-1996, of this finding aid.
Arrangement
The series is in the order imposed by the initial processing archivist.
Oral History Note
Oral history interviews are intimate conversations between two people, both of whom have generously agreed to share these recordings with the Center for Brooklyn History archives and with researchers. Please listen in the spirit with which these were shared. Researchers will understand that:
1. The Center for Brooklyn History abides by the General Principles & Best Practices for Oral History as agreed upon by the Oral History Association (2009) and expects that use of this material will be done with respect for these professional ethics.
2. Every oral history relies on the memories, views and opinions of the narrator. Because of the personal nature of oral history, listeners may find some viewpoints or language of the recorded participants to be objectionable. In keeping with its mission of preservation and unfettered access whenever possible, CBH presents these views as recorded.
3. Transcripts created prior to 2008 serve as a guide to the interview and are not considered verbatim. The audio recording should be considered the primary source for each interview. It may contain natural false starts, verbal stumbles, misspeaks, repetitions that are common in conversation, and other passages and phrases omitted from the transcript. This decision was made because CBH gives primacy to the audible voice and also because some researchers do find useful information in these verbal patterns.
4. Unless these verbal patterns are germane to your scholarly work, when quoting from this material researchers are encouraged to correct the grammar and make other modifications maintaining the flavor of the narrator's speech while editing the material for the standards of print.
Existence and Location of Copies
The transcripts and most of the interviews are available online on the Oral History Portal.
Conditions Governing Use
Use of the oral histories other than for private study, scholarship, or research requires the permission of CBH. For assistance, contact digitalcollections@bklynlibrary.org.
Broman, Melinda, 1992 June 20, inclusive
Scope and Contents
In the interview, Melinda Broman provides information about her experience as a heterosexual woman within a straight relationship dealing with HIV/AIDS. She speaks about the lack of support within the AIDS movement and also the lack of support from the hemophiliac community. Broman made friends with gay men active in the AIDS movement, but did not always feel she was getting the support she needed. It was different within the community of people with hemophilia. She felt that fear of HIV/AIDS made the virus an unwanted topic of discussion. Melinda Broman also speaks about being in a serodiscordant couple and how it related to handling her own non-HIV-related health issues. Interview conducted by Robert Sember.
Biographical / Historical
Melinda Broman, a white woman, was 47 years old when she was interviewed. Her husband Victor Ockey, who had hemophilia, died of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in 1989. He was infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) during a routine blood transfusion in the early 1980s. At the time of this interview, Broman had lived in Brooklyn's Cobble Hill neighborhood since the mid-1980s. Broman's involvement with AIDS was extensive, reaching beyond her relationship with her husband. As a member of the National Hemophilia Foundation she has lobbied for increased awareness of the specific plight of HIV+ hemophiliacs. Through her work as a psychologist at Downstate Medical Center and as a member of the Brooklyn Psychological Association she has organized AIDS workshops. She was interviewed primarily because of her personal and professional experience with AIDS issues specific to people with hemophilia.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original and duplicate cassette tapes are not available for research use. Access to the interview is available digitally onsite at Center for Brooklyn History's Othmer Library and online on the Oral History Portal.
Two original audio cassettes. Two duplicate audio cassettes.
Three preservation .WAV files. One access .mp3 file.
Externally hosted content
https://oralhistory.brooklynhistory.org/interviews/broman-melinda-19920620/
Coleman, Philip, 1992 June 13, inclusive
Scope and Contents
In the interview, Philip Coleman talks about the impact that AIDS has had on the Black gay community and on his life. He speaks about what love, sex and relationships have come to mean to him as a PWA. He makes some observations about gay PWAs living in Brooklyn, based on the experiences he had in his support group. Coleman shares his thoughts and feelings rooted in the intersectional experience of being Black, gay, and living with HIV throughout the interview. He talks about what he thinks was needed in terms of activism and services, and how racism and homophobia play out in church, in community, and elsewhere. Throughout the interview, Coleman connects the work he does around his being a gay Black man living with HIV to issues such as ageism, the house music and ballroom dance scenes, and even overlapping activism as it related to Haiti. Interview conducted by Robert Sember.
Biographical / Historical
Philip Coleman was 52 years old at the time of the interview in 1992. A gay African American person with AIDS (PWA), he was born in Harlem, New York, lived on the Upper West Side of Manhattan for many years, and was living alone in the East Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn during the time of this interview. Coleman was a member of Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) and he conducted sensitivity training for volunteers working with gay African Americans before he was diagnosed. In 1992, he participated in a HIV positive support group for gay men in Brooklyn. He had been ill for some time and had previously been hospitalized with respiratory and circulation ailments shortly before this interview.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original and duplicate cassette tapes are not available for research use. Access to the interview is available digitally onsite at Center for Brooklyn History's Othmer Library and online on the Oral History Portal.
Two original audio cassettes. Two duplicate audio cassettes.
Three preservation .WAV files. One access .mp3 file.
Externally hosted content
https://oralhistory.brooklynhistory.org/interviews/coleman-philip-19920613/
Rotter, Beverly and family of Iris De La Cruz, 1992 April 03, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Beverly Rotter, Melissa De La Cruz, and Randy Rotter are interviewed as a family group. They discuss Iris De La Cruz (1954 - 1991) and the powerful mark she made on the world as an AIDS activist, sex worker activist, and writer. They talk about her life and work before HIV and after. Each one remarks on Iris's humor, kindness, and fierceness as an activist. Melissa talks about what it was like to have Iris as her mother. Randy discusses bonding with Iris through humor, and also his anger around her HIV infection. Beverly speaks about being a caregiver and the work that it takes to advocate for someone. Each also speaks about their own understanding of HIV/AIDS before Iris seroconverted (when HIV antibodies are detected) and after. Criticizing stigma and discrimination of people with HIV/AIDS, Beverly Rotter tells the interviewer that their line of questioning is inappropriate and lets him know she will not continue in that direction. Interview conducted by Robert Rosenberg.
Biographical / Historical
Iris De La Cruz is the daughter of narrator Beverly Rotter, mother to Melissa De La Cruz and sister to Randy Rotter. Beverly was one of the founders of Iris House, a care facility for women living with HIV, where she was also on the board of directors. She also founded Mothers March Against AIDS. At the time of this 1992 interview, Melissa was working with Lifeforce, doing safer sex education. Randy was self-employed during this period. Beverly Rotter died in October 2015.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original and duplicate cassette tapes are not available for research use. Access to the interview is only available onsite at Center for Brooklyn History's Othmer Library.
One original audio cassette. One duplicate audio cassette.
Two preservation .WAV files. One access .mp3 file.
Fernandes, Carney and Kristy, 1993 January 11, inclusive
Scope and Contents
In the interview, the narrators discuss Kristy Fernandes' HIV positive status and Carney Fernandes' role as primary caregiver. Kristy talks about her friends, the care she has received, what she wants to be when she grows up, and disclosure at school. Carney talks about Kristy's mother, his previous relationships, and how he has dealt with Kristy's health. Based on his experiences, he presents his ideas of what work has to be done to better respond to HIV/AIDS. Carney is vocal about AIDS issues and the community. He provides insight as a straight man of color not living with HIV who is profoundly impacted by the virus. Interview conducted by Robert Rosenberg.
Biographical / Historical
At the time of this 1993 interview, Kristy Fernandes was a seven year old girl who had been diagnosed with AIDS two years prior. Kristy's father, Carney Fernandes, was 55 years old at the time of the interview. Carney Fernandes was an immigrant from Guyana and had tested negative for HIV. He had been caring for his daughter on his own since her mother's death in the late 1980s. Upon learning of his daughter's HIV status he went back to school to become a nurse. Kristy was aware of her diagnosis and able to keep up with her school work and had only minor limitations on her daily life. They lived together in an apartment in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original and duplicate cassette tapes are not available for research use. Access to the interview is only available onsite at Center for Brooklyn History's Othmer Library.
One original audio cassette. One duplicate audio cassette.
Two preservation .WAV files. One access .mp3 file.
Hargrove, Jason, 1992 February 4, inclusive
Conditions Governing Access
Access to this recording is restricted by the donor. Please contact digitalcollections@bklynlibrary.org for further questions.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original and duplicate cassette tapes are not available for research use.
One original audio cassette. One duplicate audio cassette.
Two preservation .WAV files. One access .mp3 file.
Henry, Christopher, 1992 October 2, inclusive
Scope and Contents
In the interview, Christopher Henry speaks of AIDS from the position of a young gay man of color living in a city. He is conscious of the role race and ethnicity play in understanding the issues raised by the AIDS crisis. He describes his mother's reaction to his HIV positive status and interactions with gay friends. Henry provides insights into the views of people impacted by HIV in Brooklyn related to the systemic issues of HIV/AIDS. He speaks about HIV being created by the government as well as how the government's inaction impacts care. He talks about the ignorance he sees within his own Brooklyn neighborhood of Crown Heights. He discusses the virus in the contexts of spirituality, gay rights, and race. Interview conducted by Robert Sember.
Biographical / Historical
Christopher Henry, a gay African American man, tested positive for HIV four years before this interview. This was discovered a few weeks before his cousin, who was also gay, died from AIDS. He moved from his family home in the Bronx into his cousin's house in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn in 1991. Apart from attending support groups at Woodhull Hospital, Henry was not involved with AIDS-related organizations or activities at the time of the interview. Henry did not consider himself an activist because he did not carry banners. Instead, Henry saw himself more as a public intellectual in the making, akin to a celebrity or "public official." He was close to family, had a sense of community, and was raised with a Christian foundation.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original and duplicate cassette tapes are not available for research use. Access to the interview is only available onsite at Center for Brooklyn History's Othmer Library.
Two original audio cassettes. One duplicate audio cassette.
Two preservation .WAV files. One access .mp3 file.
John, Marilyn, 1992 June 23, inclusive
Scope and Contents
In the interview, Marilyn John speaks about the changes she has witnessed within Caribbean communities, particularly with regards to sexuality, because of the AIDS crisis. John brings to the conversation her experience from within the Caribbean community, as well as a background and interest in community health. Throughout the course of the interview, John talks about the need for a holistic approach to health (Holistic Methods of Intervention), specifically with a focus on culture and immigration. She also talks about the need for Caribbean-specific cultural training related to HIV. Since her primary interest is in education, she concentrates on the approaches she takes to address different needs and characteristics of the communities she works with. Finally, she outlines what should be done for Brooklyn's Caribbean communities. Interview conducted by Robert Sember.
Biographical / Historical
Marilyn John, a Trinidadian woman, was thirty-four years old at the time of the interview in 1992. A graduate of Long Island University, she was once program coordinator for one of the AIDS programs at the Caribbean Women's Health Association (CWHA) in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn. She also had a private AIDS consulting business and represented Caribbean AIDS concerns at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. John saw the impact AIDS had on Brooklyn's Caribbean communities, as well as the experience of AIDS service providers. In the years following this interview, John became executive director of the CWHA and an employee of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. In 2010, John pled guilty in federal court to embezzlement and fraud charges. In 2016, she was the National Ambassadors Coordinator for the faith-based White House Prayer for Our Nation initiative.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original and duplicate cassette tapes are not available for research use. Access to the interview is available digitally onsite at Center for Brooklyn History's Othmer Library and online on the Oral History Portal.
One original audio cassette. One duplicate audio cassette.
Two preservation .WAV files. One access .mp3 file.
Externally hosted content
https://oralhistory.brooklynhistory.org/interviews/john-marilyn-19920623/
Morciglio, Adolph, 1992 June 1, inclusive
Scope and Contents
In the interview, Adolph Morciglio speaks about his long relationship with drugs; both as a person who used drugs for 30 years and as someone who no longer uses drugs, as well the role that drugs played during his time at Rikers Island. He speaks about his early childhood and the impact he feels it had on his opportunities in life, his early awareness of HIV, and the impact HIV has had on his life, his family, and the Red Hook community he is from. Towards the end of the interview, he speaks about the need for greater action by the government and churches. Interview conducted by Robert Rosenberg.
Biographical / Historical
Adolph Morciglio was a person with AIDS (PWA) and a former intravenous drug user (IVDU). Part Puerto Rican, he grew up on Columbia Street in the Red Hook neighborhood of Brooklyn and lived in the Brooklyn Heights neighborhood at the St. George Hotel in a special program for homeless PWAs. Prior to the interview, he'd had no major opportunistic infections though he had a dangerously low T cell count. He was formerly working as a paralegal and had been incarcerated at Rikers Island.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original and duplicate cassette tapes are not available for research use. Access to the interview is available digitally onsite at Center for Brooklyn History's Othmer Library and online on the Oral History Portal.
One original audio cassette. One duplicate audio cassette.
Two preservation .WAV files. One access .mp3 file.
Externally hosted content
https://oralhistory.brooklynhistory.org/interviews/morciglio-adolph-19920601/
Morrissey, Karen and Ripp, Robert, 1992 July 29, inclusive
Scope and Contents
This interview focuses on the life, death, and relationships of artist and dancer Michael through the points of view of his sister Karen Morrissey and his lover Robert (Rob) Ripp. Together they discuss serodiscordant couples, spirituality in the face of death, the lack of governmental response to HIV/AIDS, witnessing and supporting someone navigating the healthcare system, and the impact of HIV/AIDS on family, friends, and community. Ripp speaks about his understanding of HIV/AIDS as a gay man. Both reflect on being near Michael when he died. Morissey recalls how she came to learn more about homosexuality and HIV/AIDS through her brother and how she was awed by her brother's spirit in the face of adversity. Interview conducted by Robert Sember.
Biographical / Historical
Robert (Rob) Ripp is a gay man whose friend and lover Michael died of complications related to HIV/AIDS at the age of 26 on March 30, 1992. At the time of the interview, Ripp lived in the Park Slope / Carroll Gardens area of Brooklyn and was 30 years old. Ripp grew up on Long Island, and moved to New York when he was 23. Ripp was a member of ACT UP. Karen Morrissey is a heterosexual woman and Michael's sister. Michael and Morrissey grew up in Rye, New York in Westchester County. She has a child and a husband.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original and duplicate cassette tapes are not available for research use. Access to the interview is available digitally onsite at Center for Brooklyn History's Othmer Library and online on the Oral History Portal.
Two original audio cassettes. Two duplicate audio cassettes.
Four preservation .WAV files. One access .mp3 file.
Externally hosted content
https://oralhistory.brooklynhistory.org/interviews/morrissey-karen-and-robert-ripp-19920729/
Mulcahy, Donna, 1992 June 27, inclusive
Scope and Contents
In the interview, Donna Mulcahy discusses her experience as a partnered straight woman not living with HIV in Brooklyn in the early 1990s, married to a man with HIV and an addiction to heroin. The narrator speaks about her partner's addiction and his status as an HIV positive person with AIDS. She speaks of a supportive family, a fulfilling work life, and a community of people living with and impacted by HIV and addiction. For this narrator, the AIDS crisis was at first something she ignored, then something she understood as about about people who used drugs, and eventually about other communities such as gay men and other partners of people living with HIV. Interview conducted by Robert Sember.
Biographical / Historical
Donna Mulcahy, a white heterosexual woman, was 31 years old in 1992. Her partner Arthur died six months before this interview of AIDS-related causes. While she was born in the South, Mulcahy grew up on Long Island and moved to Brooklyn as an adult, where she met Arthur at a bar on Carroll Street. At the time of the interview, she was a lawyer. Before the death of her husband, Mulcahy had been active in the response to AIDS. After his death, Mulcahy was taking time to take care of herself.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original and duplicate cassette tapes are not available for research use. Access to the interview is available digitally onsite at Center for Brooklyn History's Othmer Library and online on the Oral History Portal.
Two original audio cassettes. Two duplicate audio cassettes.
Three preservation .WAV files. One access .mp3 file.
Externally hosted content
https://oralhistory.brooklynhistory.org/interviews/mulcahy-donna-19920627/
N., A., 1992 May 4, inclusive
Scope and Contents
In the interview, A.N. discusses the life of a single Black woman living with HIV/AIDS in Brooklyn. The narrator speaks about her health challenges, weaving together her time in California and her time in Brooklyn. She speaks about the Brooklyn neighborhood of Crown Heights in relation to people's ideas of who has HIV, and who doesn't. She also speaks about sexuality, race, and HIV. Towards the end of the recording, an unidentified second interviewer comes in. Interview conducted by Robert Rosenberg.
Biographical / Historical
A.N., a woman living with HIV/AIDS, was 43 years old at the time of the interview in 1992. Originally from Grenada, she moved with her family to Brooklyn when she was ten months old. After a break-up with her partner of seventeen years, she moved to California where, within a few years, she found out she was living with what she called "full-blown AIDS." The interview took place in the house she grew up in, where she lives with her family who help care for her.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original and duplicate cassette tapes are not available for research use. Access to the interview is available digitally onsite at Center for Brooklyn History's Othmer Library and online on the Oral History Portal.
One original audio cassette. One duplicate audio cassette.
Two preservation .WAV files. One access .mp3 file.
Externally hosted content
https://oralhistory.brooklynhistory.org/interviews/n-a-19920504/
Norris, Barbara, 1992 August 19, inclusive
Scope and Contents
In the interview, Barbara Norris speaks about her experience as a nurse from the 1970s to the early 1990s in Brooklyn, whose work was deeply impacted by HIV. She speaks about the virus' impact on the people of Brooklyn who she saw coming into the hospital. During the interview she mentions differences she has seen between the AIDS epidemic in Brooklyn and Manhattan. Due to the narrator's long-standing perspective as a nurse with various managerial positions, she shared ideas on the role of the hospital within the epidemic and what ought to be happening. Norris also shares insights into the emotional toll the epidemic has on nurses. Interview conducted by Robert Rosenberg.
Biographical / Historical
Barbara Norris was a nurse working at Woodhull Hospital in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn where she worked at the AIDS clinic. Norris was born in Harlem, New York, moved to Brooklyn when she was married, and had three sons and two grandchildren. At the time of the interview in 1992, she identified as Christian whose experience with people living with HIV at the hospital helped shape her view on gay people, people who use drugs, and other members of the community.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original and duplicate cassette tapes are not available for research use. Access to the interview is available digitally onsite at Center for Brooklyn History's Othmer Library and online on the Oral History Portal.
Two original audio cassettes. Two duplicate audio cassettes.
Four preservation .WAV files. One access .mp3 file.
Externally hosted content
https://oralhistory.brooklynhistory.org/interviews/norris-barbara-19920819/
Palazzo, Maria, 1992 July 30, inclusive
Scope and Contents
In the interview, Maria Palazzo describes volunteering with a large AIDS organization in a major city in the United States in the 1990s. She speaks about her motivations for volunteering, her interactions with fellow volunteers, and the reactions she received from the general public, her workmates, friends, and family related to her volunteering. The narrator also considers differences in attitudes and available resources between Manhattan and the Bronx. Interview conducted by Robert Sember.
Biographical / Historical
Maria Palazzo is a white Italian woman from the Sunset Park neighborhood of Brooklyn who was a volunteer at Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) at the time of this interview. Palazzo worked as an accountant in Manhattan. She began volunteering for the AIDS Walk and other fundraisers, and eventually became part of the GMHC Buddy Program. Palazzo went on to do more outreach-based work.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original and duplicate cassette tapes are not available for research use. Access to the interview is available digitally onsite at Center for Brooklyn History's Othmer Library and online on the Oral History Portal.
One original audio cassette. One duplicate audio cassette.
Two preservation .WAV files. One access .mp3 file.
Externally hosted content
https://oralhistory.brooklynhistory.org/interviews/palazzo-maria-19920730/
Pearson, Mildred, 1992 July 11, inclusive
Scope and Contents
In the interview, Mildred Pearson discusses being a mother of a person with AIDS (PWA) and working as a care provider. Pearson talks about discovering that her son Bruce Williams was sick, his treatment, and the home care that had a positive effect on his health. In the wake of Williams' death, she recalls getting help from a volunteer who had befriended Williams. She discusses reaching out to tell her story in support of the Brooklyn AIDS Task Force (BATF). She talks about forming the Mother's Love group when she was searching for a support group for mothers that felt more inclusive and diverse. Pearson describes her development into an activist. Pearson's interview covers topics of health care, social services, and the emotions generated by illness and loss. Pearson also discusses her faith, homelessness and addiction, and other deaths in her family. Interview conducted by Robert Sember.
Biographical / Historical
Mildred Pearson was an African American woman from the Boerum Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn. She was 61 years old and living in Williamsburg at the time of the interview. Pearson lived at Cooper Park public housing where she and her husband Rutledge raised 14 children. Her experience as a mother of a gay son who died of AIDS prompted her to join the Brooklyn AIDS Task Force (BATF). Pearson left BATF to establish a support group for mothers of people with AIDS (Mother's Love) when she realized more needed to be done to meet the emotional stress experienced by people with AIDS and their families. Mother's Love had weekly meetings for its members/mothers who also did outreach work in Brooklyn and the other boroughs. Mildred Pearson died in April 1994.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original and duplicate cassette tapes are not available for research use. Access to the interview is available onsite at the Center for Brooklyn History's Othmer Library and online on the Oral History Portal.
Two original audio cassettes. Two duplicate audio cassettes.
Three preservation .WAV files. One access .mp3 file.
Externally hosted content
https://oralhistory.brooklynhistory.org/interviews/pearson-mildred-19920711/
Post, Kenny and Wagner, Cheryl, 1992 September 25, inclusive
Scope and Contents
In the interview, Kenny Post and Cheryl Wagner discuss issues specific to HIV-positive people with addiction and the programs established for this population. Wagner provides examples of discrimination faced by women with AIDS. They both discuss the healthcare and welfare system in New York City and the inadequate and unequal distribution of resources across the boroughs. They also discuss their relationship as two people with AIDS and the emotional impact of the AIDS crisis. Interview conducted by Robert Sember.
Biographical / Historical
Cheryl Wagner and Kenny Post, both white and from Brooklyn, had married four years before this 1992 interview. They met at a Narcotics Anonymous social shortly after they had begun rehabilitation programs for IV drug users. When they met, Post already knew he was HIV positive. Wagner was tested a year or two later and discovered that she too was positive. They had both experienced AIDS-related illnesses. Post worked as a cab driver, identified as an activist, and attended AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP) meetings. Wagner participated in a variety of AIDS support/activist groups. They were both using Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) resources. Wagner's 15 year old son was living with the couple in the Sheepshead Bay neighborhood of Brooklyn in 1992.
Subjects
Organizations
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original and duplicate cassette tapes are not available for research use. Access to the interview is available digitally onsite at Center for Brooklyn History's Othmer Library and online on the Oral History Portal.
Two original audio cassettes. Two duplicate audio cassettes.
Four preservation .WAV files. One access .mp3 file.
Externally hosted content
https://oralhistory.brooklynhistory.org/interviews/post-kenny-and-cheryl-wagner-19920926/
Rivera, Dolores, 1992 September 11, inclusive
Scope and Contents
In the interview, Dolores Rivera talks about her childhood in an abusive home and how that affected her adulthood. She describes her IV drug use and time when she was homeless. She discusses how her life changed after her diagnosis. Rivera shares her awareness of AIDS issues, how AIDS has impacted various Brooklyn communities, and ideas about what should be done to better manage the crisis. The interview is paused several times for Rivera to take care of her granddaughter. Interview conducted by Robert Sember.
Biographical / Historical
Dolores Rivera, a 51 year old Irish and African American woman, was diagnosed with AIDS after having pneumocystis pneumonia in 1986. Rivera was raised in the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn. Aside from briefly living in Staten Island, Rivera only lived in Brooklyn. Rivera began using drugs when she was 36 years old after her children were all young adults and was homeless for a period of time. She believed she was infected with HIV through IV drug use, although she knew that her last sexual encounter was with a man who had the virus. After her diagnosis, she went into rehab and began outreach work within the Brooklyn IV drug-using community. When this interview took place in 1992, she had an apartment in the Bensonhurst neighborhood of Brooklyn. Rivera was babysitting her granddaughter while this interview was recorded. After this interview, Rivera served on the Board of Directors at Iris House. She died in 2004.
Subjects
Organizations
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original and duplicate cassette tapes are not available for research use. Access to the interview is available digitally onsite at Center for Brooklyn History's Othmer Library and online on the Oral History Portal.
One original audio cassette. One duplicate audio cassette.
Two preservation .WAV files. One access .mp3 file.
Externally hosted content
https://oralhistory.brooklynhistory.org/interviews/rivera-dolores-19920911/
Rosa, Luis Nieves, 1992 July 11, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Dr. Luis Nieves Rosa is interviewed about his young adult life as a gay man in Puerto Rico and the four years spent in Brooklyn prior to this 1992 interview. He speaks generally about the issues of Latino and gay Latino people with AIDS from his work with the Hispanic AIDS Forum. He discusses his participation in an experimental drug study, his experience as a care-partner for a friend with AIDS, and being a service provider and activist. Interview conducted by Robert Rosenberg.
Biographical / Historical
Dr. Luis Nieves Rosa was 33 years old in 1992 at the time of this interview. He is a gay man and HIV positive. Raised in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, he moved to San Juan in 1977. Nieves Rosa believes he contracted the virus through sex in 1985 or earlier. He moved to Brooklyn in 1988 and lived in the Fort Greene neighborhood when the interview took place. From 1988-1990, he was a caseworker for people with AIDS (PWAs) at Woodhull Hospital in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn. It was during this period that his roommate and good friend got sick and died of AIDS, and Nieves Rosa was a care-partner for him. Later, he worked at the Hispanic AIDS Forum, and was active with Latino Gay Men of New York. Nieves Rosa has a doctorate in social work from the University of Puerto Rico, where he also currently teaches. In 2012, he published on the subject of homophobia in universities. As of 2014, he was serving as Director of the Center for Applied Social Research in Puerto Rico.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original and duplicate cassette tapes are not available for research use. Access to the interview is available digitally onsite at Center for Brooklyn History's Othmer Library and online on the Oral History Portal.
One original audio cassette. One duplicate audio cassette.
Two preservation .WAV files. One access .mp3 file.
Externally hosted content
https://oralhistory.brooklynhistory.org/interviews/rosa-luis-nieves-19920711/
Sandoval, William with Rodriguez, Rita, 1992 June 11, inclusive
Scope and Contents
In the interview, William Sandoval speaks about the spread of the epidemic through Brooklyn neighborhoods, particularly Sunset Park. Sandoval compares Brooklyn and other parts of the city through his experience in AIDS organizations. He makes observations about the differences between Brooklyn and Manhattan physicians treating people with AIDS. Sandoval and his sister Rita Rodriguez recall their upbringing, Sandoval's drug use, and how the family has responded to his illness. They discuss how treatment can be improved and how awareness can address the stigma associated with the virus. Interview conducted by Robert Sember.
Biographical / Historical
When interviewed in 1992, William (Willie) Sandoval was a 41 year old Latino person with AIDS who was infected with the HIV virus through IV drug use. He grew up in South Brooklyn, one of nine siblings with a violent and alcoholic father. Sandoval lived in the Sunset Park neighborhood of Brooklyn as an adult. He was diagnosed in 1988 after being hospitalized for a series of illnesses and psychiatric episodes associated with AIDS. Sandoval then lived at his sister's home in the Kensington neighborhood of Brooklyn. By 1992, he was often staying in the Lutheran Medical Center's AIDS ward. Sandoval was active in a number of organizations: ACT UP, Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC), church and education groups. Sandoval had to be less involved in these groups because of his health. He died on September 26, 1992 of complications due to AIDS. His sister, Rita Rodriguez, was 43 years old at the time of the interview, and moved out of Brooklyn in 1993.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original and duplicate cassette tapes are not available for research use. Access to the interview is available digitally onsite at Center for Brooklyn History's Othmer Library and online on the Oral History Portal.
Two original audio cassettes. Two duplicate audio cassettes.
Four preservation .WAV files. One access .mp3 file.
Externally hosted content
https://oralhistory.brooklynhistory.org/interviews/sandoval-william-with-rita-rodriguez-19920611/
Sepkowitz, Douglas, 1992 October 23, inclusive
Scope and Contents
In the interview, Dr. Douglas Sepkowitz discusses his experience as a doctor in Brooklyn during the AIDS crisis. He brings up issues of ethics as a medical service provider and patients' agency in making decisions around care. He also discusses what changed as the epidemic evolved, including the populations of the patients he saw and structural changes within the world of medicine. Interview conducted by Robert Sember.
Biographical / Historical
Dr. Douglas Sepkowtiz was born in Oklahoma and is an infectious disease specialist. Sepkowitz studied internal medicine in medical school and worked in Brooklyn emergency rooms and Maimonides Medical Center in the Sunset Park neighborhood of Brooklyn during the AIDS crisis. HIV impacted his work and his personal life. Sepkowitz had a colleague who was living with HIV and close family member died as a result of HIV/AIDS. Sepkowitz was an Assistant Professor of Medicine at SUNY-Downstate College of Medicine and is an infectious disease specialist affiliated with New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original and duplicate cassette tapes are not available for research use. Access to the interview is available digitally onsite at Center for Brooklyn History's Othmer Library and online on the Oral History Portal.
Two original audio cassettes. Two duplicate audio cassette.
Three preservation .WAV files. One access .mp3 file.
Externally hosted content
https://oralhistory.brooklynhistory.org/interviews/sepkowitz-douglas-19921023/
Terson, Alice, 1992 September 26, inclusive
Scope and Contents
In the interview, Alice Terson shares her experience living with HIV and providing care and services for others living with HIV. Early in the interview, she speaks about how she had to deal with the negative stereotypes associated with the various aspects of her identity: lesbian, woman, Latina, former drug user, formerly incarcerated, Spanish-speaker. Terson identifies as an advocate and activist. She discusses issues with services for people with HIV/AIDS: how doctors need to build trust with patients, how prisons need to have HIV awareness and prevention programs, and the need for more Brooklyn-based services for folks living with HIV. Interview conducted by Robert Sember.
Biographical / Historical
Alice Terson was born in 1952 and grew up in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn. Terson was HIV positive, Puerto Rican, and lesbian. At the time of the interview in 1992, she was a mother of one son and had a female partner. She was in recovery for addiction and formerly incarcerated. She worked at an AIDS service organization in Manhattan while living in Brooklyn. Alice Terson died in 2009.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original and duplicate cassette tapes are not available for research use. Access to the interview is available digitally onsite at Center for Brooklyn History's Othmer Library and online on the Oral History Portal.
Two original audio cassettes. Two duplicate audio cassettes.
Three preservation .WAV files. One access .mp3 file.
Externally hosted content
https://oralhistory.brooklynhistory.org/interviews/terson-alice-19920926/
Weinstein, Ivan Keith, 1992 April 4, inclusive
Scope and Contents
In the interview, Ivan Keith Weinstein discusses his experience as a gay man living with HIV in Brooklyn with a partner in the early 1990s. He discusses his opinion on the difference between living with HIV versus getting an AIDS diagnosis; his partner not wanting to disclose his HIV positive status; the lack of good services for people living with HIV in Brooklyn; and the impact that living with HIV has had on his personal relationships, work, sex life, and interactions with the medical profession. Towards the end of the interview, a different interviewer comes in and prompts Weinstein to discuss the first person he knew with HIV in Brooklyn and the differences in stigma and care in Manhattan versus Brooklyn. Most of the interview was conducted by Robert Rosenberg.
Biographical / Historical
Ivan Keith Weinstein was a 30 year old gay man living with HIV. Weinstein and his partner lived in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn at the time of this 1992 interview. Before he entered into what he called "forced retirement," due to his health, Weinstein was in the security industry. After his diagnosis, Weinstein worked on security consulting projects. He also worked a lot within the community, specifically as a stage manager for the AIDS Theater Project. Ivan Keith Weinstein died circa 1992.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original and duplicate cassette tapes are not available for research use. Access to the interview is available digitally onsite at Center for Brooklyn History's Othmer Library and online on the Oral History Portal.
One original audio cassette. One duplicate audio cassette.
Two preservation .WAV files. One access .mp3 file.
Externally hosted content
https://oralhistory.brooklynhistory.org/interviews/weinstein-ivan-keith-19920414/
Oral history summaries, 1993
Oral history transcript: Luis Nieves Rosa, 1992
Oral history transcript: Barbara Norris, 1992
Oral history transcript: Mildred Pearson, 1992
Oral history transcript: Dolores Rivera, 1992
Oral history transcript: William Sandoval / Rita Rodriguez, 1992
Oral history transcript: Cheryl Wagner / Kenny Post, 1992
[Photographs of interviewees], circa 1993, inclusive
Series 2: Collected materials, 1985-1994, inclusive
Scope and Contents
This series is made up of materials gathered for research and display for the AIDS/Brooklyn exhibition. The materials relate to the AIDS epidemic in Brooklyn, as well as to HIV/AIDS in the New York metropolitan area. The series includes brochures, flyers, newsletters, obituaries, and news clippings. Subjects include AIDS awareness for teens and adults, support services for people with HIV and AIDS, including healthcare, food, and legal resources, and a few flyers with discriminatory messages against people with AIDS. There is one 1988 report on "AIDS in Brooklyn" from the Office of the Brooklyn Borough President and proceedings from the National Museum of Health and Medicine workshop "What About AIDS?," which Brooklyn Historical Society Executive Director David Kahn presented at in 1994. Many of the brochures and flyers are in both English and Spanish. Also included is one piece of signage from the exhibition.
Arrangement
The series has been arranged by type of material.
Language of Materials
Materials primarily in English, with some advocacy and awareness materials in Spanish.
Spanish-language AIDS awareness + educational materials, 1988-1992, inclusive
Spanish-language AIDS support services, 1990-1992, inclusive
AIDS resource directories: Brooklyn, circa 1993, inclusive
AIDS resource guides: New York City, 1989
AIDS awareness and educational materials, 1987-1992, inclusive
AIDS counseling materials, 1988-1992, inclusive
AIDS counseling materials, 1988-1992, inclusive
HIV/AIDS healthcare programs, 1989-1991, inclusive
Support services: food distribution, circa 1992, inclusive
Discriminatory flyers, 1966-1992, inclusive
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The "A Cure for AIDS" flyer was donated by Dr. Leonard B. Berkowitz.
AIDS and hemophilia, 1989-1991, inclusive
Children and teens educational material, 1986-1992, inclusive
HIV/AIDS organization newsletters, 1992
Memorials and obituaries, 1985-1992, inclusive
The National AIDS Memorial at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, circa 1992, inclusive
AIDS in Brooklyn: Report of a Public Hearing, 1988
National Museum of Health and Medicine, "What About AIDS?" workshop proceedings, 1994
[News clippings], 1992-1993, inclusive
[AIDS/Brooklyn Exhibition signage], circa 1993, inclusive
[Paul A. Paroski, Jr. memorial service signboard], circa 1992, inclusive
[Planned Parenthood poster], circa 1992, inclusive
Series 3: Donated materials, 1945-1997, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Series 3: Donated materials, 1945-1996, includes materials donated to the Brooklyn Historical Society for the AIDS/Brooklyn exhibition. Materials include medical documentation for HIV/AIDS treatment; posters, flyers, brochures related to AIDS awareness, advocacy, and care; personal papers related to an individual's treatment, such as medication lists and notes to home health aides; materials related to an individual's childhood and career before they were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS; and photographs of people with AIDS and their families.
Some of the people who donated materials also have an oral history in Series 1: Oral histories, 1992-1993.
Arrangement
Series 3: Donated materials, 1945-1997, is arranged into 11 sub-series:
Sub-series 3.1: Douglas Sepkowitz papers
Sub-series 3.2: Barbara Norris papers, 1988-1993
Sub-series 3.3: Alan Fleishman papers, 1985-1996
Sub-series 3.4: James Frank Bruno papers, 1945-1992
Sub-series 3.5: Frank S. Hewitt papers, 1985-1991
Sub-series 3.6: Haitian Coalition on AIDS records, circa 1992
Sub-series 3.7: Melinda Broman papers, 1986-1992
Sub-series 3.8: Alan Haber papers, 1988-1993
Sub-series 3.9: Gay Men's Health Crisis records, 1986-circa 1992
Sub-series 3.10: AIDS Unity March and Rally posters, circa 1992
Sub-series 3.11: Additional Donations, 1966-1997
Language of Materials
Materials primarily in English, with Haitian Coalition on AIDS materials in Haitian Creole.
Sub-series 3.1: Douglas Sepkowitz papers, 1987-1991, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Sub-series 3.1: Douglas Sepkowitz papers, 1987-1991, includes materials donated by Dr. Douglas Sepkowitz including patient and doctor-facing drug treatment information, blank treatment reports and forms, Gay Men's Health Crisis newsletters, AIDS patient assistance program and support group brochures, and HIV/AIDS educational materials. Dr. Sepkowitz was also interviewed for the oral history project.
Arrangement
The sub-series is in the order in which is was transferred from the Museum Division.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Dr. Douglas Sepkowitz, 1992.
[VIDEX AIDS Treatment Program Physician Registration Kit], 1991
Gay Men's Health Crisis "Treatment Issues" newsletters, 1988-1991, inclusive
AIDS Drug Assistance Program, circa 1993, inclusive
Patient Assistance Programs, circa 1993, inclusive
AIDS treatment clinical trials guides, 1991-1992, inclusive
HIV/AIDS educational materials, 1987-1992, inclusive
Support groups related to HIV/AIDS, 1987-1996, inclusive
HIV testing materials, 1987-1992, inclusive
AZT treatment reports and forms, circa 1987-1992, inclusive
VIDEX ddI AIDS treatment program updates, 1989-1991, inclusive
VIDEX ddI blank physician/patient forms, 1989-1991, inclusive
VIDEX ddI individual adverse reaction reports, 1989-1991, inclusive
VIDEX ddI quarterly adverse effect reports, 1990
VIDEX ddI quarterly adverse effect reports, 1991
[Trimetrexate Salvage Therapy], 1990
[Fluconazole treatment inquiry], 1990
[Zovirax medication information], circa 1990, inclusive
[Foscavir] drug treatment information, 1990-1991, inclusive
Sub-series 3.2: Barbara Norris papers, 1988-1993, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Sub-series 3.2: Barbara Norris papers, 1988-1993, includes materials donated by Barbara Norris, such as programs and proceedings from HIV/AIDS-related benefits and conferences, HIV/AIDS awareness materials, photographs, and a certificate and news clippings from when Norris won the Nurse of Distinction award.
Arrangement
The sub-series is arranged chronologically.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Barbara Norris, 1992.
AIDS: The 2nd Annual Nursing Conference Proceedings, 1988
Benefit Concert for the American Foundation for AIDS Research program, 1988
HIV/AIDS educational materials, 1988-1993, inclusive
AIDS awareness posters, circa 1988-1993, inclusive
Nurse of Distinction [award and news clippings], 1988-1989, inclusive
[Barbara Norris photographs], circa 1990, inclusive
Event flyers related to HIV/AIDS awareness, circa 1993, inclusive
Sub-series 3.3: Alan Fleishman papers, 1985-1996, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Sub-series 3.3: Alan Fleishman papers, 1985-1996, includes news clippings and event flyers related to gay rights organizations and HIV/AIDS activism. Many of the events represented were sponsored by Gay Friends and Neighbors and Lambda Independent Democrats. There are also some programs from memorials of people who died of AIDS.
Arrangement
This sub-series is in the order in which it was transferred from the Museum Division.
Biographical Note
Alan Fleishman grew up in Canarsie in Brooklyn. He was president of the Lambda Independent Democrats of Brooklyn from 1988-1990. Fleishman was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1996 and 2000 and was elected District Leader to the 52nd Assembly District in 2002. Fleishman died in 2019 when he was 62 years old.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Alan Fleishman, circa 1992.
Most of these materials were originally donated to the Brooklyn Historical Society for the Stonewall History Project.
News clippings, 1988
Memorial programs, event flyers, 1985-1996, inclusive
Event programs, directory of resources, 1989-1992, inclusive
Event programs, news clippings, 1985-1989, inclusive
Event flyers, 1988-1990, inclusive
Event flyers, 1985-1989, inclusive
Gay Friends and Neighbors material, 1988-1989, inclusive
Lambda Independent Democrats material, circa 1993, inclusive
Sub-series 3.4: James Frank Bruno papers, 1945-1992, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Sub-series 3.4: James Frank Bruno papers, 1945-1992, includes yearbooks, certificates, programs, baby books, photographs, letters, news clippings, books, a death certificate, and a will relating to James Frank Bruno's life. Most of the materials are related to Bruno's childhood, career at Citibank, and his life in New York City. Other materials, such as instructions for a home health aide, relate to Bruno and his partner Ed Marlatt's experience with HIV/AIDS.
Arrangement
This sub-series is in the order in which it was transferred from the Museum Division.
Biographical Note
James Frank Bruno was born on February 23, 1945 in the Bay Ridge neighborhood of Brooklyn. Bruno attended P.S. 48 Mapleton, Edward B. Shallow Junior High School (J.H.S. 227), and New Utrecht High School. He worked for Citibank.
Bruno met Edward (Ed) Marlatt in 1974 in Greenwich Village. They were together until Bruno's death.
Bruno was diagnosed with AIDS in April 1989. He died in 1990.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Ed Marlatt, 1992.
["Living with AIDS: A Guide to Resources in New York City"], 1989
[Meditations book by Will Limón], 1991
["Chemotherapy and You" book], 1990
["Meditations for All of Us Living with AIDS" by Perry Tilleraas], 1988
[Edward B. Shallow Junior High School yearbooks], 1957-1958, inclusive
[New Utrecht High School yearbook], 1963
[Handwritten medication list], circa 1992, inclusive
[Invitation to "Dedication for Jim"], circa 1992, inclusive
[Celebration of Life program], 1990
[Allan Freed Easter Jubilee program], circa 1957, inclusive
[Eulogies], circa 1990, inclusive
[Citibank News, community service award], 1979
[P.S. 48 The Mapleton School service certificate], 1956
[Baby book], 1945
[Passport], 1986
[Grave inscription], 1991
[Sundance Outdoor Adventure Society card], circa 1990, inclusive
[Note found in desk], 1990
[Baby book], 1945
[List of donated items from Ed Marlatt and James Bruno], circa 1993, inclusive
[Home health aide instructions], 1992
[High school graduation invitations], 1963
[Photographs and letters], 1979
[HIV/AIDS in Key West articles], circa 1991, inclusive
[Citibank medical benefits], circa 1991, inclusive
[Death certificate], 1990
[Photographs and letters], circa 1950 - 1992, inclusive
[The Saint, The White Party ephemera], 1988
[Last will and testament], 1990
Sub-series 3.5: Frank S. Hewitt papers, 1985-1991, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Sub-series 3.5: Frank S. Hewitt papers, 1985-1991, includes a list of medications Hewitt was taking in 1989, insurance claims filed from 1985-1991, and materials from his memorial service in 1990.
Arrangement
The sub-series is arranged in chronological order.
Biographical Note
Frank S. Hewitt was born on March 5, 1941 and died May 17, 1990.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Roger Mohovich, 1992.
Insurance claims, 1985-1987, inclusive
Insurance claims, 1987-1988, inclusive
Insurance claims, 1989
Insurance claims, 1989
[List of medications], 1989
[Memorial materials], 1990
Insurance claims, 1990
Insurance claims, 1990-1991, inclusive
Sub-series 3.6: Haitian Coalition on AIDS records, circa 1992, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Sub-series 3.6: Haitian Coalition on AIDS records, circa 1992, includes posters and brochures raising awareness about HIV/AIDS and advertising services offered by the Haitian Coalition on AIDS.
Arrangement
The sub-series is in the order in which it was transferred from the Museum Division.
Historical Note
The Haitian Coalition on AIDS was founded in 1983 to support Haitian community members with HIV/AIDS, spread awareness about the disease, and advocate for people with HIV/AIDS. They had an office in downtown Brooklyn. The Haitian Coalition on AIDS was partially funded by the New York City Department of Health.
[Haitian Coalition for AIDS posters], circa 1992, inclusive
["Lan Mó Avéti Pa Touye Kokobe" cassette tape], 1991
Scope and Contents
This cassette tape was produced by the Haitian Coalition on AIDS in June 1991. It is Tape 4 of "Lan Mó Avéti Pa Touye Kokobe," "This cassette is made possible by a grant from the NYC Dept. of Health."
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original Format: compact audio cassette, Duration: unknown
Cassette tapes are not available for research use. This cassette tape is not digitized.
[Haitian Coalition on AIDS posters], circa 1992, inclusive
[Haitian Coalition on AIDS posters], circa 1992, inclusive
[Haitian Coalition on AIDS brochures], circa 1992, inclusive
Sub-series 3.7: Melinda Broman papers, 1986-1992, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Sub-series 3.7: Melinda Broman papers, 1986-1992, includes flyers and news clippings of HIV/AIDS-related events, letters she and her husband Victor Ockey wrote to elected officials, photographs of her and Ockey, and a program from Ockey's funeral in 1988. Also included are recorded radio and television programs about AIDS.
Arrangement
The sub-series is in the order in which it was transferred from the Museum Division.
[Flyers, programs, news clippings], 1988-1992, inclusive
[Letters to elected officials], 1986-1987, inclusive
[Channel 13 AIDS special], 1991
Scope and Contents
A VHS tape labelled "Channel 13 AIDS special, May 1, 1991."
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
VHS. Runtime: unknown
VHS tapes are not open for research use. This tape is not digitized.
[Photographs], 1987-1992, inclusive
[WEBE 108 radio AIDS program], 1988
Scope and Contents
This radio program (WEBE 108 Radio) begins with interviews--first with Drew, then Minna--about the loss of partners due to HIV/AIDS, and concludes with information on the most up to date medical advancements and applications, circa 1988. In their interviews, Drew and Minna discuss the death of their partners, their own physical health, family and community support they had, and their thoughts and feelings about the epidemic. The host of the program is Pamela Easton.
Biographical Note
Drew, a gay man, was 32 years old at the time of the interview in 1988 and had been living with HIV for almost two years. He was not on medication and identified himself as asymptomatic. His partner of seven years, Donald, died on their anniversary.
Minna, a straight, HIV-negative woman, was married to Victor, a person with hemophilia who had recently died of AIDS-related causes. (Within the AIDS/Brooklyn Oral History Project, Minna is known as Melinda Broman.)
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Cassette tapes are not available for research use. Access to the interview is only available digitally onsite at Center for Brooklyn History's Othmer Library.
Original Format: compact audio cassette, Duration: 01:31:25
Two preservation .WAV files. One access .mp3 file.
Sub-series 3.8: Alan Haber papers, 1988-1993, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Sub-series 3.8: Alan Haber papers, 1988-1993, includes materials related to the life of Alan J. Haber: correspondence, photographs, and an obituary. The photographs depict Haber in Israel and his name on an AIDS quilt patch sponsored by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission. The correspondence is photocopied letters from Haber to "Jackie." Also included is a VHS tape with "To Alan with love from Jackie" on the label.
Arrangement
The sub-series is in the order in which it was transferred from the Museum Division.
Biographical Note
Alan J. Haber grew up in Brooklyn and attended Hunter College. Haber worked in communications and was spokesman for the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. He was diagnosed with AIDS in 1988. He left Brooklyn to live in Jerusalem, Israel in 1988 and returned in 1989. He died in 1991.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Estelle Haber, circa 1992.
[Correspondence], 1988-1992, inclusive
[Obituary], 1991
[Photographs], 1988-1993, inclusive
["To Alan with love from Jackie" videocassette], circa 1992, inclusive
Scope and Contents
A VHS tape with "To Alan with love from Jackie" written on the label.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
VHS. Runtime: unknown.
The VHS tapes are not available for research. This tape is undigitized.
Sub-series 3.9: Gay Men's Health Crisis records, 1986-circa 1992, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Sub-series 3.9: Gay Men's Health Crisis records, 1986-circa 1992, includes a volunteer manual and flyers advertising volunteer opportunities at Gay Men's Health Crisis, as well as posters raising awareness about HIV/AIDS.
Arrangement
The sub-series is in the order in which it was transferred from the Museum Division.
Historical Note
Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) was officially established in 1982 to spread awareness about HIV/AIDS, raise money for research, and support people with AIDS. GMHC ran a hotline for information about HIV/AIDS, started a "buddy" program to help people with AIDS with day-to-day activities, and organized AIDS Walk New York. The organization is now just known as GMHC.
[Gay Men's Health Crisis Volunteer Manual], 1986
Gay Men's Health Crisis [volunteering flyers], circa 1992, inclusive
[Gay Men's Health Crisis posters], 1991
[Gay Men's Health Crisis posters], 1992
Sub-series 3.10: AIDS Unity March and Rally posters, circa 1992, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Sub-series 3.10: AIDS Unity March and Rally posters, circa 1992, includes posters created for the United for AIDS Action, AIDS Unity March and Rally.
Arrangement
The sub-series is in the order in which it was transferred from the Museum Division.
[United for AIDS Action, AIDS Unity March and Rally poster], circa 1992, inclusive
[Protest sign], circa 1992, inclusive
[Protest sign], circa 1992, inclusive
[Protest sign], circa 1992, inclusive
[Protest sign], circa 1992, inclusive
[Protest sign], circa 1992, inclusive
[Protest sign], circa 1992, inclusive
[Protest sign], circa 1992, inclusive
[Protest sign], circa 1992, inclusive
[Protest sign], circa 1992, inclusive
[Protest sign], circa 1992, inclusive
[Protest sign], circa 1992, inclusive
[Protest sign], circa 1992, inclusive
[Protest sign], circa 1992, inclusive
[Protest sign], circa 1992, inclusive
Sub-series 3.11: Additional Donations, 1966-1997, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Sub-series 3.11: Additional donations, 1966-1998, includes materials donated by individuals affected by HIV/AIDS (either themselves or family members) and organizations involved in HIV/AIDS awareness and advocacy. Items include flyers, brochures, event programs, posters, obituaries, photographs, slides, and VHS tapes.
Arrangement
The sub-series is arranged alphabetically.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
These materials were donated by the individual or organization indicated in the folder title unless otherwise noted. The provenance of some of these items is unknown, including the photographs and obituaries of children who died of AIDS.
Deborah Abraham, 1992
Absolutely Positive, circa 1991, inclusive
ACT UP, circa 1992, inclusive
AIDS Community Television, 1993
Scope and Contents
A VHS tape of "Target Bush," produced by AIDS Community Television ACT UP and AIDS activists demonstrations and protests. "This tape was originally telecast 1/19/93."
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
VHS. Runtime: 30:00
This VHS tape is not available for research. This material is not digitized.
Body Positive, circa 1993, inclusive
Brooklyn AIDS Task Force, circa 1987, inclusive
Brooklyn AIDS Task Force, circa 1992, inclusive
CAMBRA [Church Avenue Merchants Block Association] AIDS Support Group, circa 1993, inclusive
[Caribbean Women's Health Association class journal], 1992
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Marilyn John, 1992.
[Children who died of AIDS, photograph of unknown person], circa 1992, inclusive
[Children who died of AIDS, Rebecca], 1991
[Children who died of AIDS, Ronald Lou], 1989-1991, inclusive
[Children who died of AIDS, Taire Kendall], 1991
[Children who died of AIDS, Tomar], 1990-1991, inclusive
[Philip Coleman], circa 1992, inclusive
Philip Coleman, 1992-1997, inclusive
Jerome Comer, 1990-1991, inclusive
Casey Cronin, 1992
Entre Hombres Project, 1991
Scope and Contents
Video of an Entre Hombres Project social outreach event at La Escuelita, November 17, 1991. Video by Barbara Kent Productions.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
VHS. Runtime: unknown.
VHS tapes are not available for research use. This tape is undigitized.
Carney Fernandes, 1993-1997, inclusive
Carney Fernandes, circa 1993, inclusive
Michael Gallo, 1988-1992, inclusive
Roy Gonsalves, 1990
Jill Harris, 1993
[Jill Harris campaign materials], 1993
Donna Henes, 1983-1992, inclusive
[Donna Henes], 1992
[H. Keith Williams' HIV Primary Care Program official opening], 1992
H. Keith Williams' HIV Primary Care Program official opening, 1992
H. Keith Williams' HIV Primary Care Program official opening, 1992
Alfred P. Ingegno, 1993
[Ruth Joles], circa 1992, inclusive
Lesbian and Gay Community Services Center, circa 1993, inclusive
Life Force, 1992
Lutheran Medical Center, 1987-1992, inclusive
[Lutheran Medical Center], 1989
Lutheran Medical Center Infection Control Department, 1987
Mother's Love Support Network, circa 1992, inclusive
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Mildred Pearson, 1992.
[Donna Mulcahy / Arthur Palmigiano], 1985-1991, inclusive
Donna Mulcahy, 1991-1992, inclusive
[A. N. Donation], circa 1992, inclusive
New York City Department of Health, Office of AIDS Surveillance, 1997-1998, inclusive
Rhea Parham, circa 1992-1996, inclusive
People with AIDS Coalition of New York, 1993
[Project Reach Youth], 1992
Sandra Richardson, circa 1992, inclusive
[Sandra Richardson], circa 1992, inclusive
Robert Ripp, 1991-1992, inclusive
Dolores Rivera, 1992
Dolores Rivera, 1990-1997, inclusive
Dolores Rivera, circa 1992, inclusive
Luis Nieves [Rosa], 1989
Luis Nieves [Rosa], circa 1992, inclusive
[Luis Nieves Rosa], 1992
Willie Sandoval, circa 1990, inclusive
William Sandoval, 1991-1992, inclusive
The Spellman Center for HIV-Related Disease, St. Clare's Hospital and Health Center, circa 1992, inclusive
[St. Vincent's Services Positive Caring Program], 1989-1992, inclusive
[St. Vincent's Hospital], circa 1992, inclusive
Sam Taylor, 1992-1997, inclusive
Alice Terson, 1989-1992, inclusive
[Unknown donator, flyers], 1966-1993, inclusive
[Unknown donator, AIDS Forum flyer], circa 1993, inclusive
[Unknown donator, AIDS/HIV clinical trial handbook], circa 1993, inclusive
[Unknown donator, "AIDS is a Women's Issue" poster], 1993
[Unknown donator, "AIDS Unmasked" VHS tape], 1992
Scope and Contents
One VHS tape labelled "AIDS Unmasked" and Sunday Morning AIDS Theatre, 8/23/1992" with the identifier FP-92-8378.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
VHS. Runtime: unknown.
VHS tapes are not available for research use. This tape is undigitized.
[Unknown donator, AIDS Walk, AIDS History Group], 1989-1996, inclusive
[Unknown donator, Broken Heart pin brochure], 1992
[Unknown donator, Grace Jones at Shakra's Alley flyer], circa 1990, inclusive
[Unknown donator, "Homenaje A Ramon"], circa 1992, inclusive
Scope and Contents
One VHS tape with handwritten label: "Homenaje A Ramon."
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
VHS. Runtime: unknown
This VHS tape is not available for research. This material is not digitized.
[Unknown donator, Note regarding Pentamidine], circa 1993, inclusive
[Unknown donator, "People with AIDS" VHS tape], circa 1990, inclusive
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
VHS. Runtime: unknown.
VHS tapes are not available for research use. This tape is undigitized.
[Unknown donator, photograph of unknown person], circa 1992, inclusive
[Unknown donator, unlabeled VHS tape], circa 1992, inclusive
Scope and Contents
An unlabeled VHS tape of unknown provenance.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
VHS. Runtime: unknown
This VHS tape is not available for research. This material is not digitized.
[Unknown donator, "Women & AIDS," Phil Donahue Show], 1991
Scope and Contents
A VHS tape of an episode of the Phil Donahue Show produced by Multimedia Entertainment titled "Women and AIDS," show number 072292.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
VHS. Runtime: unknown
VHS tapes are not open for research use. This tape is not digitized.
