REPOhistory Archive
Call Number
Dates
Creator
Extent
Language of Materials
Abstract
The group, REPOhistory, was founded in New York City in 1989 and included multi-ethnic visual and performance artists, writers, filmmakers, and historians. Taking its name from the concept of "repossessing history," its purpose was to bring to light absent historical narratives involving, colonialism, race, gender, and class through public installations, performances, educational activities, printed matter and other visual media. The collection includes operation records, proofs of original artworks, promotional materials, source materials, and files of several founding members.
Historical Note
REPOhistory was a multi-ethnic group of visual and performance artists, writers, filmmakers, and historians, founded in New York City in 1989. The group took its name from the concept of "repossessing history." Its purpose was to retrieve, relocate and document absent historical narratives at specific sites in New York City, through public installations, performances, educational activities, printed matter and other visual media. REPOhistory sought to question how history is constructed and insert the stories of peoples and events which have been omitted. Their work addressed historical issues of colonialism, race, gender, and class in a context relevant to current histories.
REPOhistory operated as an artist/scholar cooperative through 6 major public projects and many smaller events. Believing the arts essential to shaping a collective cultural identity and the relationship between art, culture and society to be confused, it instigated a questioning of the culture of the 1980s and the early 1990s.
Arrangement
Folders are generally arranged chronologically within each subject/author heading.
The files are grouped into eight series.
Series
- Series I: General Administration
- Series II: Projects
- Series III: Publicity and Promotion
- Series IV: Theoretical Material
- Series V: Members Files
- Series VI: Slides and Photos
- Series VII: Video, Audio and Electronic
- Series VIII: Artwork
- Series IX: Ephemera
- Accretion 2012 - Series VIII: Artwork
Scope and Content Note
The REPOhistory Archive is comprised of the correspondence, meeting minutes, proofs of original artworks, promotional materials, source materials, and files of several founding members. Also included are complete sets of signs (artworks) used for 3 of 6 REPOHistory site specific installations, Queer Spaces, The Lower Manhattan Sign Project, and Buttermilk Bottom. The archive also includes various slides and photos that document specific projects and those members involved. The REPOhistory Archive is a part of the Downtown Collection at the Fales Library, New York University. The Fales Library is the primary special collections division of the NYU libraries, housing 200,000 volumes of English and American literature from 1700 to the present. Strengths of the collection include the development of the English and American novel, with an emphasis on the Gothic and the Victorian novel. The Downtown Collection, of which the REPOhistory Archive is a part, documents through personal and organizational papers, the artistic and literary Downtown New York scene from ca. 1975 to the present. SERIES DESCRIPTION Series 1: General Administration:contains four boxes of REPO general administrative files. The order of this series is maintained in the order it was originally kept. The series includes general correspondence, financial statements, fundraising materials, and meeting minutes arranged alphabetically. Series 2: Projects, Exhibitions, and Panels:divided into subseries according to specific projects conceived by REPO, the subseries are arranged chronologically. Subseries: A The Lower Manhattan Sign Project, REPOHistory's inaugural project was inspired by the celebration surrounding the quincentennial of Columbus' "discovery" of the Americas. While the country planned to commemorate a carefully selected history of Columbus' legacy, REPOhistory created a project that presented alternative views of history.Subseries B: Choice Histories: Framing Abortion, was a 1991 gallery installation investigating the history of women's global struggle for reproductive rights.Subseries C: Queer Spaces, as part of REPOHistory's contribution to the Storefront for Art and Architecture's exhibition Queer Spaces, eight signs were placed at New York City sites where gays and lesbians gather for social and political purposes.Subseries D: Entering Buttermilk Bottom, honors the passing of a community destroyed by Urban Renewal to make room for Modern Atlanta and the "New South." This site-specific public art installation consisted of signs, street markings, and a pavilion installation that illustrated the history of the community, as well as a reunion of former residents.Subseries E: Voices of Renewal, following the 1995-96 project, Entering Buttermilk Bottom, this project represents the second phase of REPOhistory's public art/public history work in Atlanta's Old Fourth Ward. This Public Art Residency project was a collaboration by REPO artist Tom Klem and residents of the Fourth Ward's Glen Iris neighborhood. Working directly with those who lived these histories, six artist-created public history markers were created and installed permanently on the private property of those residents whose histories were unveiled and celebrated.Subseries F: Out from Under the King George Hotel, for this project REPOHistory was invited to Houston, Texas, to create a public art project. They chose to document seven layers of history on the location of an abandoned hotel, the King George Hotel, which sat across the street from a homeless shelter and one block from the site of a new baseball stadium that was the cornerstone of the city's redevelopment plans for downtown Houston. Subseries G: Civil Disturbances, was a public art project that presented two sets of 20 street signs created by teams of artists working in collaboration with legal scholars for more than a year and a half. Subseries H: Circulation , an online project explores the city as body by examining the flow of blood through the city; blood as both a physical entity and as a metaphor for identity. The project can be viewed at http://www.repohistory.org/circulation/index.php3 Subseries I:documentation of related projects. Series 3: Publicity and Promotion:contains a box of materials that relates to publicity and the promotion of REPO and their respective projects. It includes press packets and literature as well as reviews and articles of their work. Series 4: Theoretical Material:contains a box of source materials used in researching specific projects. It includes articles and readings. Series 5: Members Files:contains files of core members such as Ed Eisenberg, Greg Sholette, Tom Klem, and Jim Costanzo. Fales has maintained the integrity of the order in which these members kept their files. Series 6: Slides and photos:contains slides and photos that document projects and events of REPOhistory. These photos are contained in box 14, and slides reside in three photo boxes numbered 15, 16, and 17. Series 7: Video, Audio, and Electronic:includes videorecordings, audiorecordings and magnetic [computer] disks. The videotapes and audiotapes include interviews and some source material used in researching projects. The magnetic disks belonged to members of REPO and include templates and files that relate to specific projects. Series 8: Artwork:includes complete sets of signs produced for site-specific art installations.
Subjects
Organizations
Genres
People
Topics
Access Restrictions
Materials are open to researchers. Please contact the Fales Library and Special Collections, fales.library@nyu.edu, 212-998-2596.
Use Restrictions
Copyright (or related rights to publicity and privacy) for materials in this collection was not transferred to New York University. Permission to use materials must be secured from the copyright holder. Please contact the Fales Library and Special Collections, fales.library@nyu.edu, 212-998-2596.
Preferred Citation
Published citations should take the following form:
Identification of item, date (if known); The REPOhistory Archive; MSS 113; box number; folder number; Fales Library and Special Collections, New York University Libraries.
Provenance
The REPOhistory Archive was donated by REPOhistory in 2000. The initial organization of the collection was done by REPOhistory staff as they packed the materials for shipment. The collection was subsequently processed by members Alan Moore and Jim Costanzo. In 2012, Fales received metal sign mounts used to exhibit 5 signs from the Lower Manhattan Sign Project as part of an exhibition at 41 Cooper Gallery, Cooper Union.
Separated Material
There is no information about materials that are associated by provenance to the described materials that have been physically separated or removed.
About this Guide
Revisions to this Guide
Edition of this Guide
Repository
Series I: General Administration
List of artists, undated
Artist resumes, undated
Art Matters book project, undated
Book distribution correspondence and documents, undated
General correspondence, 1989-1990
General correspondence, 1990-1991
General correspondence, 1991-1992
1993 correspondence between MOMA and Repohistory, 1993
General correspondence, 1993
General correspondence, 1994-1995
General correspondence, 1996
General correspondence, 1997
General correspondence (email format), 1997-1999
Fundraising - general proposals, undated
Fundraising - general correspondence, undated
Fundraising - budgeting/planning, undated
Drafts for grant applications/fundraising letters, undated
Fundraising information, undated
Lannan Foundation visual arts grant, undated
Grant applications and correspondence - Art Matters, undated
Grant applications - Artist Space, undated
Grant from Cultural Council Foundations, 1990
Grant application - Arts Forward Fund, undated
Grant application and correspondence - Manhattan Borough President, undated
Documents and correspondence - Materials for the Arts, undated
Grant application - Hudson River Middle School, undated
Grant application - Metropolitan Life Foundation, undated
Grant application - New York Council for the Humanities, undated
Grant application - NYC Dept. of Cultural Affairs, undated
Grant application - National Endowment for the Arts, undated
Grant application - New York State Council for the Arts, undated
Grant application - North Star, undated
Grant application - Public Art Fund, undated
Grant application - Puffin Foundation, undated
Grant application - Seattle Arts Commission, undated
Grant application - Andy Warhol Foundation, undated
New York Foundation for the Arts - community assists, 1998
Fundraising and financial reports, 1990-1995
Fundraising and financial report, 1998
Grant applications for REPO book - List and Kaplan Foundations, undated
Internal Revenue Service application for tax-exempt status, undated
Fundraising - NYFA Panel, undated
Fundraising - Lower Manhattan Sign Project, undated
Fundraising - LMSP grant guidelines, undated
Fundraising - East Harlem, undated
Fundraising - Queer Spaces, undated
Fundraising - Circulations, undated
Fundraising - Entering Buttermilk Bottom, undated
Fundraising - Voices of Renewal, undated
Fundraising - Foundation Contact Information, undated
Fundraising - research, undated
Fundraising - Neill Bogan folder, undated
Fundraising - other organizations' proposals, undated
Fundraising - individual foundations' literature and brochures, undated
Fundraising - individual foundations' literature and brochures, undated
Fundraising - individual foundations' literature and brochures, undated
Fundraising - individual foundations' literature and brochures, undated
Fundraising - loan agreements, undated
Fundraising - mailing lists, undated
Fundraising - letters of support, undated
Fundraising - letters of fiscal sponsorship, undated
Fundraising - pamphlets from libraries and museums, undated
Fundraising - private donors, undated
Letterhead, 1992
Minutes of meetings, 1989
Minutes of meetings, 1990
Minutes of meetings, 1991
Minutes of meetings, 1992
Minutes from structural meetings, 1992
Minutes of meetings, 1993
Minutes of meetings, 1994
Minutes of meetings, 1995
Minutes of meetings, 1996
Minutes of meetings of Repo Steering Committee, 1997
Minutes of meetings of Repo Steering Committee (Neill Bogan), 1997
Minutes of meetings, 1998
Office leases and subleases, undated
Receipts for expenses, undated
Stationery designs, undated
Repohistory logo, undated
Expenses for Circulations, undated
Receipts for Urban Encounters, undated
Receipts and billings from Civil Disturbances, undated
General receipts, undated
Receipts for general operations and unidentified projects, undated
Misc. general administration correspondence, undated
Misc. general administration, undated
Bank statements A, undated
Bank statements B, undated
Bank statements C`, undated
Financial statements, undated
Corrections of mailing addresses, undated
New York state tax exempt papers, undated
New York state charities registration documents, undated
Treasurer's files - History Project, 1989
Treasurer's files - Repohistory, 1990
Treasurer's files - Repohistory, 1991
Treasurer's files - Repohistory, 1992
Treasurer's files - Repohistory, 1993
Treasurer's files - Repohistory, 1994-1995
Treasurer's files - ledger and bank statements, 1990-1994
Treasurer's files - financial records, 1990-1993
Treasurer's files - accounting report to fiscal sponsor, 1993
Treasurer's files - reimbursed receipts, 1992
Treasurer's files - federal tax returns and related documents, undated
Lisa Knauer's files, undated
Greg Sholette's files - minutes of meetings and narratives, undated
Greg Sholette's files - History Project proposals, undated
Greg Sholette's files - structure, 1997
Greg Sholette's files - minutes of Circulation project meetings, undated
Greg Sholette's files - minutes of NY Lawyers in Public Interest meetings, undated
Greg Sholette's files - Lower Manhattan Project Sign Project texts, undated
Series II: Projects
Subseries A: Projects - Lower Manhattan Sign Project (LMSP)
Correspondence between Tom Klem and Jenny Dixon, undated
Lisa Knauer's papers and correspondence, undated
Lisa Knauer's administrative correspondence, undated
Correspondence - legal matters, undated
Correspondence - invitations, undated
Correspondence - general, undated
Original letters of support and city permissions, undated
Planning for the opening performance, undated
Edited texts for the signs and the map, undated
Sherill Wilson - advisor on signs, undated
Artist call for proposals, undated
Budgeting/planning, undated
Project outlines, undated
Project proposal drafts, undated
Sketches and designs of drafts, undated
Preliminary drafts for signs, undated
Jim Costanzo's notes and research materials, undated
Greg Sholette's notes and research materials, undated
Sign supplies, undated
Original proposal for signs, undated
Sign catalog copy, undated
List of sites for signs, undated
List of historical signs before LMSP, undated
Notebook/planner, undated
Proofs (master set), undated
Proofs - sign art/texts, undated
Proofs - sign art/texts, undated
Flyer layout and proofs, undated
Research - historical society landmark, undated
Research - general, undated
Maps, undated
Snug harbor, undated
Educator towns - teacher handouts, undated
Contact information, undated
Umbrella organizations for larger public art project, undated
Sign project tea information notebook, undated
Parade/performance of opening, undated
Parade, undated
Parade - Neill Bogan file, undated
Cloth to cover signs for day without art, undated
Announcements of related events, undated
Subseries B: Projects - Choice Histories
Proposals, undated
Artist space exhibition - correspondence and official documents, undated
General information, undated
Articles and legal briefs, undated
Women's health information, undated
Gallery handouts and catalogue photocopy, undated
Race and class committee materials and readings, undated
Readings on abortion, undated
'Sexuality' receipts, undated
'Race/Class' receipts, undated
'Medicine' receipts, undated
'Law/Morality' receipts, undated
'Book/Chronology' receipts, undated
General receipts and financial statements, undated
General receipts and video receipts, undated
Subseries C: Projects - Queer Spaces
Correspondence, undated
Correspondence - legal matters, undated
Project outlines, undated
Research, undated
Contact information, undated
Meeting minutes, undated
Queers in Space, undated
Proofs, undated
Printer's proofs [OVERSIZE], undated
Subseries D: Projects - Entering Buttermilk Bottom
Correspondence, undated
Correspondence concerning specifications, undated
Correspondence between Tom Klem and James Malone, undated
Project outlines, undated
Budgeting/planning, undated
Meeting minutes, undated
Contact information, undated
Disk printouts of Donna Kessinger, undated
Maps, undated
Maps - Sanborn Mosaics, 1911
Maps - Sanborn Mosaics - Civic Center east, 1911
Maps - Sanborn Mosaic - Dickanny Alley, undated
Maps - Sanborn Mosaics, 1932-1951
Maps - Sanborn Mosaics - Civic Center east, undated
Maps - 'Misc. other maps', undated
Maps - unspecified, undated
Research - official city documents, undated
Research - white pages, undated
Research - articles A, undated
Research - articles B, undated
Research - interviews, undated
Research - 'Neill Bogan', undated
Research - 'U-Rescue articles', undated
Research - binder, 1995
Research - Atlanta Historical Society photo collection, undated
Research - bibliography, undated
Arts Festival of Atlanta -, 1995-1996
Arts Festival of Atlanta - site works, undated
Original artwork, undated
Proofs for artwork, undated
Artwork [OVERSIZE], undated
Labels, undated
Misc., undated
Subseries E: Voices of Renewal
Correspondence, undated
Project outlines, undated
Budgeting/planning, undated
Contact information, undated
Research, undated
Resumes, undated
Proofs, undated
Maps, undated
Arts Festival Atlanta, undated
Subseries F: Out From Under the King George Hotel
Correspondence, undated
Budgeting/planning, undated
Jim Costanzo's notes and correspondence A., undated
Jim Costanzo's notes and correspondence B., undated
Contact information, undated
Research - Deeds and city/county documents, undated
Research - articles, undated
Research - photocopies of photo documentation of renovations, undated
Research - handwritten notes, undated
Research - Neill Bogan, undated
Research - NY Public Library call slips, undated
Research - bibliography, undated
Proofs of artwork, undated
Subseries G: Civil Disturbances
Correspondence, undated
Correspondence - legal matters, undated
'Lisa Knauer folder', undated
Research, undated
Mayor Giuliani and artist Lederman, undated
Research - legal briefs, undated
New York Lawyers for Public Interest (NYLPI), undated
Receipts, undated
Proofs for artwork, undated
Printer's proofs, undated
Misc., undated
Meeting minutes, undated
Community board meetings, undated
Budgeting/planning, undated
Project outlines, undated
Contact information, undated
Proposals, undated
Research, undated
Subseries H: Circulations
Correspondence, undated
Legal documents, undated
REPO resume, undated
List of proposals and contributors, undated
Budgeting/planning, undated
Project outlines, undated
Timelines, undated
Bio of members and artists, undated
Contact information, undated
Research - "People Notes", undated
Research A., undated
Research B., undated
Research C., undated
'Map Site Info', undated
Drafts of drawings and texts, undated
Original art, undated
Web information, undated
Maps, undated
'Education/outreach ideas', undated
Slide list, undated
Related announcements, undated
Catalogues, undated
Misc., undated
Subseries I: Related Projects
African American Burying Ground procession, undated
Anti-racism conference, undated
Artists and writers out loud, 1990
Banff center library exhibition catalogue, undated
'Building Histories' at Apex Art, 1999
East Harlem project, undated
History Happened Here conference, 1996
Hudson River Middle School residency, undated
Hudson River Middle School - original art, undated
Hudson River Middle School - ephemera [see also Series IX: Ephemera], undated
Labor History Happened Here, 1999
Whitney Museum downtown "City of Power" exhibition, undated
Museum of the City of New York - meetings and proposals, undated
Museum of Natural History, undated
New Museum education project, undated
Parasite at the Drawing Center, undated
DIA proposals for NYC Customs House, undated
REPOHistory website proposals, undated
Ruins in Reverse - CEPA gallery, undated
Sprawl exhibition - Atlanta, GA, undated
Urban Encounters - correspondence, undated
Urban Renewal - correspondence (legal), undated
Urban Renewal - grant proposals, undated
Urban Renewal - project outlines, undated
Urban Renewal - planning, undated
Urban Renewal - budgeting, undated
Urban Encounters - budget book, undated
Urban Encounters - Research, undated
Urban Encounters - PAD/D, undated
Urban Encounters - New Museum, undated
Urban Renewal - Proofs, undated
Urban Encounters - Misc., undated
Veiled Histories conference, undated
Whittier sign project, undated
Conferences and panel discussions about REPO, undated
Exhibitions which include REPO, undated
Exhibitions of members and friends of REPO, undated
Series III: Publicity and Promotion
Promotional packet - general, undated
Press about the collective, undated
Articles - Lower Manhattan Sign Project (LMSP), undated
Press release - LMSP, undated
Walking tours - LMSP, undated
Promotional - Lower Manhattan Sign Project
Unpublished articles/reviews - LMSP, undated
Press release - Choice Histories, undated
Articles/reviews - Choice Histories, undated
Press release - Queer Spaces, undated
Reviews - Queer Spaces, undated
Press release - Entering Buttermilk Bottom, undated
Articles/reviews - Entering Buttermilk Bottom, undated
Public review/comments - Entering Buttermilk Bottom, undated
Reviews - Voices of Renewal, undated
Promotion - Out From Under King George, undated
Press release - Civil Disturbances, undated
Articles - Civil Disturbances, undated
Press release - Urban Encounters, undated
Reviews - Urban Encounters, undated
Press release - Circulations, undated
Articles/reviews - Circulations, undated
Series IV: Theoretical material
Greg Sholette's files - "Theory": narratives, talks, articles, undated
Labor history images, undated
1989-92 research, 1989-1992
Conferences, undated
Art work, undated
Alternative/radical histories, 1990-1992
Readings in race and class, undated
Readings for East Harlem project, undated
Readings for Museum City of New York project, undated
Readings in office file, undated
Linking American for the Arts, 1997
Series V: Members Files
Subseries A: Members Files - Ed Eisenberg
Correspondence, undated
Meeting minutes A, undated
Meeting minutes B, undated
Project outlines, undated
Budgeting/planning information, undated
Atlanta installation receipts, undated
Groundworks receipts, undated
Notes on Mac computer, undated
Contact information, undated
Funding/grant proposal, undated
Art show announcements, 1981
Art show announcements, 1982
Art show announcements, 1983
Art show announcements, 1984
Art show announcements, 1985
Art show announcements, 1986
Art show announcements, 1987
Art show announcements, 1988
Art show announcements, 1989
Art show announcements, 1990
Art show announcements, 1991
Art show announcements, 1992
Art show announcements, 1993
Art show announcements, 1994
Art show announcements, 1995
Art show announcements, 1996
Art show announcements (n. d.), undated
Review of art shows, undated
Artists and Writers Out Loud (AWOL), undated
Coalition for nuclear-free harbor A., undated
Coalition for nuclear-free harbor B., undated
Coalition for nuclear-free harbor C., undated
Coalition for nuclear-free harbor D., undated
Coalition for nuclear-free harbor E., undated
Coalition for nuclear-free harbor F., undated
Source material - AIDS, undated
Source material - nuclear weapon accidents, undated
'Ed's source material' A., undated
'Ed's source material' B., undated
'Ed's source material' C., undated
'Ed's source material' D., undated
'Ed's source material' E., undated
Readings A., undated
Readings B., undated
Readings C., undated
Readings D., undated
Readings E., undated
Readings F., undated
Readings G., undated
Memorial projects, undated
Village voice ad, undated
Groundworks, 1989
Groundworks, undated
Ephemera, undated
PADD (Policital Art Documentation/Distribution)- Correspondence, undated
PAD/D - Research, undated
PAD/D - photos and artwork, undated
PAD/D - bank statements, undated
Stencil [OVERSIZE], undated
Subseries B: Members files - Greg Sholette
History Project - original proposal, 1989
Planning documents and narratives, undated
Waking Up drafts, undated
Articles and artwork by Greg Sholette, undated
Announcement of Greg's works, undated
Articles/reviews of Greg and Janet's work, undated
Literature on foundations and programs, undated
Syllabi on courses taught by Greg, undated
Resume, undated
Subseries C: Members files - Tom Klem
Correspondence A., undated
Correspondence B., undated
Drafts of text, undated
Announcements/promo, undated
Catalogues, undated
'Tom's outreach folder', undated
Budgeting/planning, undated
Whittier Community Dialogue Sign Project, undated
Art commission of the city of New York, undated
Insurance certificates, undated
Source material and research, undated
Slide list, undated
Maps, undated
Office supply catalogue, undated
Research, undated
Project outlines, undated
Contact information, undated
Community board meetings, undated
Department of Transportation - New York City, undated
Meeting minutes, undated
Site proposals, undated
Resumes, undated
Notebook/planner, undated
Proofs, undated
Photos, undated
Sholette's art folder, undated
Mailing list, undated
REPO contracts folder, undated
REPO/NYLPI folder, undated
Temporary files folder, undated
Reviews of Tom's work, undated
Misc., undated
Subseries D: Members files - Jim Costanzo
Correspondence - email and written, undated
Grant applications and notes, undated
Abstracts and drafts of articles, undated
Photos of meeting - 12/17/90, undated
Photos of meeting - 7/29/91, undated
Michael Richards - REPO member who died 9/11/01 in WTC, undated
Documents from the website by Jim Costanzo, undated
Series VI: Slides and Photos
Lower Manhattan Sign Project, undated
Choice Histories, undated
Out From Under the King George Hotel, undated
Circulations, undated
Entering Buttermilk Bottom - Research - Photos of Atlanta, undated
Entering Buttermilk Bottom - by Jim Costanzo, undated
Entering Buttermilk Bottom - Cardboard mounted photos, undated
Voices of Renewal, undated
Civil Disturbances, undated
Circulations, undated
Ed Eisenberg, undated
PAD/D, undated
Not for Sale - show by Tom Klem, undated
Black photo box; Photos and negatives of parades and openings of REPO projects; Slides of photos used in grant applications., undated
Black photo box; Slides of photos of REPO members working and installing., undated
Black photo box; Ed Eisenberg - Groundworks., undated
Series VII: Video, Audio, and Electronic.
Conditions Governing Access
Access copies for some materials are available by appointment for reading room viewing and listening only. Please contact fales.library@nyu.edu, 212-998-2596.
Lower Manhattan Sign Project (VHS videocassette and audio tape), undated
General
DVD Access Copy available.
Choice Histories - "In Defense of Roe" by ACLU (VHS videocassette) -, 1991
Entering Buttermilk Bottom (VHS videocassette), undated
General
DVD Access Copy available.
Atlanta - "Atlanta Tape 1 and 2" (VHS videocassette), undated
Atlanta interviews - Mrs. Brayboy, Mrs. Humphery, and Mrs. Sutton (VHS videocassette), undated
Atlanta interviews - Thad Olive, Ron Grier, Mrs. Sheats, and A. B. Cooper (VHS videocassette), undated
Atlanta interviews - Malone (VHS videocassette), undated
Tom Klem - "Tracey Takes on. . . Age", "Game Plans", and "Ooh La La" (VHS videocassette), undated
PAD/D - "PAD/D Presents. . ." (VHS videocassette), undated
Magnetic disks - REPO general, undated
Magnetic disks - Atlanta (Lisa Knauer), undated
Magnetic disks - Atlanta, undated
Magnetic disks - Bogan/Neville signs, undated
Magnetic disks - LMSP Sign templates, undated
Magnetic disks - Entering Buttermilk Bottom, undated
Magnetic disks - Bogan/Ledwith, undated
Magnetic disks - Lisa Knauer, undated
Magnetic disks - (zipdisks) from Greg Sholette, undated
Series VIII: Artwork
Scope and Contents note
For the purposes of description, each sign is identified by the first sentence of text on the front of each sign.
Subseries A: Queer Spaces
Scope and Contents note
All signs are pink triangles featuring the words Queer Spacesacross the top and the words Places of Struggle Places of Strengthrunning left to right on the other two edges of the triangle. On each sign the text ends with the REPOhistory logo and the sign number at the apex of the triangle.
Sign 1: The first gay rights demonstration in New York City occurred on September 19, 1964 in front of the Whitehall Street Induction Center., undated
Sign 2: On March 24, 1987, The AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP) held its first demonstration at this corner., undated
Sign 3: New York City's Gay and Lesbian Civil Rights Bill was introduced in the City Council on January 6, 1971., undated
Sign 4: The Gay Activists Alliance occupied the former Firehouse at 99 Wooster Street from May 1971 until October 1974, when it was destroyed by arson., undated
Sign 5: The Daughters of Bilitis, one of the earliest lesbian political organizations, had offices at 30 Charlton Street for several years, beginning in 1963., undated
Sign 6: Bonnie and Clyde's, a lesbian bar, stood at 82 West 3rd Street from the early seventies through the mid-eighties., undated
Sign 7: Marsha P. Johnson 1945-1992 born Malcolm Michaels Stonewall Veteran, performer, panhandler, prostitute, Warhol Model, on July 6, 1992, the body of this legendary drag queen was found floating in the river near this site., undated
Sign 8: In 1966, the State Liquor Authority imposed a 30-day suspension on Julius', the landmark bar located at 159 West Tenth St., after an undercover policeman had reported that the bar permitted gay men to "consort themselves in an offensive and indecent manner contrary to good morals.", undated
Sign 9: In 1888, financier James Everard converted an old church at 28 W. 28th Street into a Turkish bathhouse., undated
Subseries B: Lower Manhattan Sign Project
Scope and Contents note
All signs are printed on the front and back. In cases in which text appears on both sides it is noted in the transcription, otherwise the text appears only on the back. All signs end with one or two boxed questions in the lower left corner on the back with the sign number and the REPOhistory logo in the lower right corner. Note: For this project, the archive does not have a copy of sign number 35.
Introduction: The Lower Manhattan Sign Project, 1992
Extent
Physical Facet
Subjects
Genres
Sign 1: What is all-inclusive history? (2 copies), 1992
Extent
Physical Facet
Subjects
Genres
Sign 2: Spirits of America (2 copies), 1992
Extent
Physical Facet
Subjects
Genres
Sign 3A: "They Died Very Stubbornly" wrote justice Daniel Horsmanden of those executed during the New York Conspiracy or "Great Negro Plot" of 1741, 1992
Extent
Physical Facet
Subjects
Genres
Sign 3B: The New York Conspiracy of 1741, 1992
Extent
Physical Facet
Subjects
Genres
Sign 3C: Rumors of revolt…fueled the inquest into the "Great Negro Plot" of 1741, 1992
Extent
Physical Facet
Subjects
Genres
Sign 4: Leisler's Rebellion (3 copies), 1992
Extent
Physical Facet
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Genres
Sign 5: These are the remains of the gilded King George III equestrian statue after patriots pulled it from its pedestal here on July 9, 1775. (2 copies), 1992
Extent
Physical Facet
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Sign 6: On the fourth day of the month of March in the year nineteen ninety-one, three homeless Americans passed a very cold and bitter night on this spot in lower manhattan. (3 copies), 1992
Extent
Physical Facet
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Genres
Sign 7: Then, accidentally, due to a mistake in the filing system, the married father of three children was drafted, he lived a long time, maybe three months and killed several guerrillas, two by strangulation, two by being a crack shot, and one in self-defense. (3 copies), 1992
Extent
Physical Facet
Subjects
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Sign 8: The shoreline of Nieuw Amsterdam began at Pearl Street. (2 copies), 1992
Extent
Physical Facet
Subjects
Genres
Sign 9: Summer 1990-Nelson Mandela visits New York (3 copies), 1992
Extent
Physical Facet
Subjects
Genres
Sign 10: "Esta gente viven endios" C.C. 1492 (3 copies), 1992
Extent
Physical Facet
Subjects
Genres
Sign 11: Manhattan before the Dutch exchanged it to the English in 1667 for Surinam, South America, after having only leased it from the Delaware Indians. (3 copies), 1992
Extent
Physical Facet
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Genres
Sign 12: Where is the fabulous wealth of India, the spices, silks and gems which Columbus sought? (3 copies), 1992
Extent
Physical Facet
Subjects
Genres
Sign 13: Exchange Place (2 copies), 1992
Extent
Physical Facet
Subjects
Genres
Sign 14: Advantages of an Unregulated Free Market Economy (3 copies), 1992
Extent
Physical Facet
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Genres
Sign 15: False Democracy (3 copies), 1992
Extent
Physical Facet
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Genres
Sign 16: How do things get explained away so easily (2 copies), 1992
Extent
Physical Facet
Subjects
Genres
Sign 17: Who owns your life? (3 copies), 1992
Extent
Physical Facet
Subjects
Genres
Sign 18: The Meal and Slave Market, 1992
Extent
Physical Facet
Subjects
Genres
Sign 19: Women's Trade Union League (3 copies), 1992
Extent
Physical Facet
Subjects
Genres
Sign 20: The Earliest Chinese Community in New York, 1992
Extent
Physical Facet
Subjects
Genres
Sign 21: Our blankets for your beaver (2 copies), 1992
Extent
Physical Facet
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Genres
Sign 22: You are standing on landfill (2 copies), 1992
Extent
Physical Facet
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Sign 23A: "The evilest woman in New York!," screamed the headlines when Ann Lohman, alias Madame Restell, was arrested in 1878. (3 copies), 1992
Extent
Physical Facet
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Genres
Sign 23B: Anthony J. Comstock (1844-1915), the nemesis of Madame Restell (see nearby sign), devoted most of his adult life to a crusade against obscenity which he defined to include birth control and abortion (2 copies), 1992
Extent
Physical Facet
Subjects
Genres
Sign 24: Office workers eat their lunch (3 copies), 1992
Extent
Physical Facet
Subjects
Genres
Sign 25: Sticks and stones may break her bones but names…? (2 copies), 1992
Extent
Physical Facet
Subjects
Genres
Sign 26: Welcome to Gotham City (3 copies), 1992
Extent
Physical Facet
Subjects
Genres
Sign 27: Public School Cholera Hospital (2 copies), 1992
Extent
Physical Facet
Subjects
Genres
Sign 28: Frances Wright (3 copies), 1992
Extent
Physical Facet
Subjects
Genres
Sign 29: Vito Marcantonio: The People's Congressman, 1992
Extent
Physical Facet
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Genres
Sign 30: Nonviolent Protests Against Civil Defense Drills in NYC (3 copies), 1992
Extent
Physical Facet
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Sign 31: Fight Tonight, 1992
Extent
Physical Facet
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Sign 32: Forlorn house (3 copies), 1992
Extent
Physical Facet
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Sign 33: No Where to Go, 1992
Extent
Physical Facet
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Sign 34: "It was a desolate, unappropriated spot…" (2 copies), 1992
Extent
Physical Facet
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Sign 36: United Tailoresses' Society of New York, 1992
Extent
Physical Facet
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Subseries C: Buttermilk Bottom
Scope and Contents note
All signs are printed on the front and back. In cases in which text appears on both sides it is noted in the transcription, otherwise the text appears only on the back. Each sign features the following text on the bottom of the back side with the REPOhistory logo and the Arts Festival of Atlanta logo on the left and right, respectively, of the first line: Entering Buttermilk Bottom. Despite harsh conditions imposed by segregation, Buttermilk Bottom was a vibrant community with African-American-run schools, churches and businesses. Its bulldozing under "urban renewal" during the 1960's damaged community structures throughout Atlanta.
Sign 1: Entering Buttermilk Bottom (2 copies), 1995-1996, inclusive
Extent
Physical Facet
Subjects
Genres
Sign 2: Urban Renewal, 1995-1996, inclusive
Extent
Physical Facet
Subjects
Genres
Sign 3: Welcome to the Double Shotguns, 1995-1996, inclusive
Extent
Physical Facet
Subjects
Genres
Sign 4: What is the effect of urban renewal on crime? (2 copies), 1995-1996, inclusive
Extent
Physical Facet
Subjects
Genres
Sign 5: Most hard-working men and women of that day usually sang... [Woodman / Coldman](2 copies), 1995-1996, inclusive
Extent
Physical Facet
Subjects
Genres
Sign 6: Wash Lady, Scrub Lady, 1995-1996, inclusive
Extent
Physical Facet
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Genres
Sign 7: House on Fire, 1995-1996, inclusive
Extent
Physical Facet
Subjects
Genres
Sign 8: Mrs. Sara Lena Echols Malone raised her family on 267 Pine Place Apt. #3 in the early thirties., 1995-1996, inclusive
Extent
Physical Facet
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Genres
Sign 9: …I sing because I'm happy (3 copies), 1995-1996, inclusive
Extent
Physical Facet
Subjects
Genres
Sign 10: War is Hell, 1995-1996, inclusive
Extent
Physical Facet
Subjects
Genres
Sign 11: Nearly every corner in Buttermilk Bottom boasted a beauty salon, shoe repair shop or restaurant, many owned by African-Americans, 1995-1996, inclusive
Extent
Physical Facet
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Genres
Sign 12: Renewal (2 copies), 1995-1996, inclusive
Extent
Physical Facet
Subjects
Genres
Sign 13: "…we have caught the sunshine in the bricks and mortar of our homes and have builded therein not one ignoble prejudice or memory." (2 copies), 1995-1996, inclusive
Extent
Physical Facet
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Genres
Sign 14: Do you know where your neighborhood is?, 1995-1996, inclusive
Extent
Physical Facet
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Sign 15: Alleyway on Felton, 1995-1996, inclusive
Extent
Physical Facet
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Genres
Sign 16: Remember in this valley there was a neighborhood torn down, 1995-1996, inclusive
Extent
Physical Facet
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Genres
Sign 17: Segregation on the map (2 copies), 1995-1996, inclusive
Extent
Physical Facet
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Genres
Sign 18: Welcome to Buttermilk Bottom (2 copies), 1995-1996, inclusive
Extent
Physical Facet
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Sign 19: Penny Candy (2 copies), 1995-1996, inclusive
Extent
Physical Facet
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Sign 20: [Untitled], 1995-1996, inclusive
Extent
Physical Facet
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Genres
Sign: Entering Buttermilk Bottom, large, Undated, inclusive
Extent
Physical Facet
Subjects
Genres
Subseries D: Civil Disturbances
[Bruno v. Codd - 1978 Legal victory for battered women] Civil Disturbances Sign #1, 1998-1999, inclusive
Extent
Physical Facet
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Subseries E: Circulations, Undated, inclusive
St. Cloud State University sign [Racism interrupts], Undated, inclusive
Extent
Physical Facet
Subjects
Genres
Series IX: Ephemera
T-shirts - Hudson Valley Middle School
General
[removed from Series II, Subseries I, Box 9, Folder 10]
Plaster casts of pills
General
[removed from Series II, Subseries I, Box 9, Folder 10]
Vinyl strips with red dots
General
[removed from Series II, Subseries I, Box 9, Folder 10]
Accretion 2012 - Series VIII: Artwork
Metal mounts for signs from the Lower Manhattan Sign Project, undated
Provenance
These mounts were acquired in 2012 from Cooper Union, who exhibited 5 signs in the exhibition, "Ruptures: Forms of Public Address" (9/4/12 - 10/13/12) at 41 Cooper Gallery.