Time Inc. Oral History Project Records
Call Number
Date
Creator
Extent
Language of Materials
Abstract
The Oral History Project Records include background preparation research, transcripts, and audiovisual material from interviews of Time Inc. staff conducted by the Time Inc. Archives between 1984 and 1994.
Arrangement Note
Organized alphabetically by last name based on the original order.
Scope and Contents Note
According to the records and oral history releases, interviews were conducted by the Time Inc. Archives between 1984 and 1994. Papers consist of background preparation research to formulate interview questions including copies of archival material and news clippings; notes of possible questions to ask; correspondence with the interview subject setting up interview and discussing their review of transcripts; and transcripts. Some paper files include audiovisual of the interviews. A large portion of audiovisual was housed separately from the papers. Not all individuals have transcripts or audiovisual material, and it is noted when these materials exist.
Individuals selected for interview are mainly editors, reporters, or photographers including members of corporate editorial such as editor-in-chief Donovan Hedley, editorial director Ralph Graves, and assistant corporate editor Dave Maness; and Time editors Tom Griffith and Robert Sherrod; chief editor of March of Time Lothar Wolff; and Life photographers David Duncan, Alfred Eisenstaedt, and Albert Fenn.
Also included are heads of departments such as corporate vice president of law Gabe Perle, vice president of corporate public affairs Donald Wilson, and vice president and personnel director Robert Steed.
The project also includes those who held special positions or were involved in notable events in Time Inc.'s history such as: corporate historian Curt Prendergast; Henry R. Luce's sister Elisabeth Moore; Time cover researcher and coordinator Rosemary Frank; Eleanor Graves, an long-time employee who held several titles including programming director for Time-Life Films and assistant managing editor of the revived Life; and Carl and Shelley Mydans, the reporter and photographer team captured during World War II as prisoners-of-war while on assignment for Life.
Since some individuals were no longer living at the time this project commenced, it isn't certain if all files were created for interviews or were just background information collected during the project.
Subjects
Access Restrictions
Open to qualified researchers with some restrictions. Materials created within the past 35 years also may be subject to restriction on a case-by-case basis.
Unreformatted audiovisual material in the collection is not accessible. Boxes 1812 and 4151 contain solely audiovisual material.
Materials are stored offsite and advance notice is required for use.
Use Restrictions
This collection is owned by the New-York Historical Society. Although the N-YHS owns this collection as physical property, the donor specifically retains all copyright and all other proprietary rights which may exist. The copyright law of the United States governs the making of photocopies and protects unpublished materials as well as published materials. Unpublished materials created before January 1, 1978 cannot be quoted in publication without permission of the copyright holder.
Preferred Citation Note
This collection should be cited as Time Inc. Oral History Project Records, MS 3009-RG 33, New-York Historical Society.
Location of Materials
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Time Inc. in 2015.
Accruals Note
Additional separated audiovisual material will be added if found during further processing of the Time Inc. Records.
About this Guide
Processing Information Note
The Oral History Project Records were processed by Holly Deakyne in 2018. The original folders were retained although some documents were transferred to archival containers in instances of overcrowding. Audiovisual material housed with papers remains in place. Audiovisual material found separate was rearranged alphabetically by last name. Deakyne created the inventory and other descriptive notes to produce this finding aid.
Deakyne added videotapes for Carl Mydans and Roy Rowan in 2021.
Sponsor Note
Repository
View Inventory
Donovan, Hedley: Papers, 1989, inclusive
Donovan, Hedley: Audio [RESTRICTED], 1989, inclusive
Scope and Contents Note
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Donovan, Hedley - Oral History 2/16/89."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Donovan, Hedley - Oral History 5/17/89 Tape I."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Donovan, Hedley - Oral History 5/17/89 Tape II."
Duncan, David Douglas: Papers, undated
Eisenstaedt, Alfred: Papers, 1992, inclusive
Eisenstaedt, Alfred: Audio [RESTRICTED], 1992, inclusive
Scope and Contents Note
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Eisenstaedt, Alfred - Oral History Tape 1 A&B 3/20/92."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Eisenstaedt, Alfred - Oral History Tape 2 3/20/92."
Fenn, Albert: Audio [RESTRICTED], 1991, inclusive
Scope and Contents Note
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Fenn, Albert Oral History 4/21/91 Life Photographer tape IIA."
Ford, Enfield "Flicky": Audio [RESTRICTED], 1994, inclusive
Scope and Contents Note
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Ford, Enfield - Oral History 1/14/94."
Frank, Rosemary: Papers, 1985, inclusive
Frank, Rosemary: Audio [RESTRICTED], 1985, inclusive
Scope and Contents Note
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On label: "Rosemary Frank 6/11/85 I."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On label: "Rosemary Frank II 6/11/85."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On label: "Rosemary Frank (dup) I 6/11/85."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On label: "Rosemary Frank (dup) II 6/11/85."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On label: "Rosemary Frank III (dup) 6/19/85."
Graves, Eleanor: Papers and Audio [RESTRICTED], 1987, inclusive
Scope and Contents Note
Includes transcripts and audiovisual material.
1 audiotape reel : analog; 7 in., 1/4 in. tape. Label on container: "Graves, Eleanor - Reminiscences 12/8/87 -see also - vcr collection - oral history."
Graves, Ralph: Papers, 1987, inclusive
Scope and Contents Note
Includes transcripts.
Graves, Ralph: Audio [RESTRICTED], 1987, inclusive
Scope and Contents Note
1 audiotape reel : analog; 7 in., 1/4 in. tape. On container: "Graves, Ralph - Oral History 4/28/87 Tape I see also - Video Tape."
1 audiotape reel : analog; 7 in., 1/4 in. tape. On container: "Graves, Ralph - Oral History 5/5/87 Tape II see also - Video Tape."
1 audiotape reel : analog; 7 in., 1/4 in. tape. On container: "Graves, Ralph - Oral History 5/5/87 Tape III see also - Video Tape."
Griffith, Tom: Audio [RESTRICTED], 1993, inclusive
Scope and Contents Note
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Griffith, Thomas - Oral History (2) (1951-1960 #2 2/17/93."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Griffith, Thomas - Oral History III 3/4/93 tape 1-A&B."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Griffith, Thomas - Oral History III 3/4/93 tape 2 A."
Griffith, Tom: Videocassette [RESTRICTED], undated
Scope and Contents Note
1 videocassette (VHS) : 1/2 in. On label: "Tom Griffith."
Heiskell, Andrew: Audio [RESTRICTED], undated
Scope and Contents Note
1 audiotape reel : analog; 7 in., 1/4 in. tape. On container: "Heiskell (dup)."
Hood, Alex: Audio [RESTRICTED], 1991, inclusive
Scope and Contents Note
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "OH Alex Hood 3/29/91 A&B."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "OH Alex Hood 3/29/91 side C."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Hood, Alex 10/30/91 II2 A&B."
Kessel, Dmitri: Audio [RESTRICTED], 1992, inclusive
Scope and Contents Note
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Kessel, Dmitir - Oral history 9/30/92 Life photographer."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Kessel, Dmitir - Oral history 10/1/92 Life photographer II."
Lloyd-Smith, Parker: Papers, undated
Loengard, John: Audio [RESTRICTED], 1992, inclusive
Scope and Contents Note
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Loengard, John - Oral history 3/4/92 Part I."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Loengard, John - Oral history 3/4/92 Part II."
Low, Frances Levison: Audio [RESTRICTED], 1990, inclusive
Scope and Contents Note
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Low, Frances Lovison - Life Oral History Tape I (A&B) 6/14/90."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Low, Frances Lovison - Life Oral History Tape II (A) 6/14/90."
Maness, Dave: Papers, 1985-1986, inclusive
Scope and Contents Note
Includes transcripts.
Maness, Dave: Audio [RESTRICTED], 1985, inclusive
Scope and Contents Note
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Maness, Dave Oral History 10/18/85."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Maness, Dave dup 10/18/85."
Moore, Elisabeth Luce: Audio [RESTRICTED], 1991, inclusive
Scope and Contents Note
2 audiocassettes : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Moore, Elisabeth Luce - Oral history 4/17/91."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Moore, Elisabeth Luce - Oral history 6/12/91 A&B (1)."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Moore, Elisabeth Luce - Oral history 6/12/91 A&B (2)."
Munro, J. Richard: Audio [RESTRICTED], 1990-1992, inclusive
Scope and Contents Note
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Munro, J. Richard Oral history Tape 1 & 2 11/12/90."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Munro, J. Richard Tape 3 (Oral History) 11/12/90."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Munro, J. Richard - Oral history II 2/10/92."
Mydans, Carl: Audio [RESTRICTED], 1992-1993, inclusive
Scope and Contents Note
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Mydans, Carl - Oral History (I) A&B 2/4/92."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Mydans, Carl - Oral History (II) A&B 2/4/92."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Mydans, Carl - Oral History 2/14/92 Tape II."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On label: "Carl Maydans III (1) 5/5/93."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On label: "Carl Maydans III (2) 5/5/93."
Mydans, Carl: Video [RESTRICTED], 1991-1994, inclusive
Scope and Contents
1 videocassette (U-matic): sound; 3/4 in. On container: "Mydans, Carl - Interview NYC 12-16-91. #V0435A."
1 videocassette (U-matic): sound; 3/4 in. On container: "Mydans, Carl - Interview NYC 12-16-91. #435 B."
1 videocassette (VHS) : 3/4 in. On container: "Mydans, Carl Circle Gallery Exhib 10/94." This tape was found with the interview tapes and therefore kept with them.
Mydans, Shelley: Papers, 1986, inclusive
Scope and Contents Note
Includes transcripts.
Mydans, Shelley: Audio [RESTRICTED], 1986, inclusive
Scope and Contents Note
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Mydans, Shelley - Oral history 8/1/86 Life (1 of 2)."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Mydans, Shelley - Oral history 8/6/86 Life (2 of 2)."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Mydans, Shelley 8/1/86."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Mydans, Shelley (dup) Tape II A&B 8/5/86."
Perle, E. Gabriel: Papers and Audio [RESTRICTED], 1984, inclusive
Scope and Contents Note
Includes transcripts and audiovisual material.
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On label: "Gabe Perle - 11/12/84 (E. Felsher)."
Perle, E. Gabriel: Audio [RESTRICTED], 1984, inclusive
Scope and Contents Note
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Perle, E. Gabriel - Oral history 11/15/84 (Tape 2. See folder for restricted tape 1.)"
Prendergast, Curt: Audio [RESTRICTED], 1986, inclusive
Scope and Contents
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Prendergast, Curt-Oral Hist. 6/26/86. TLAS (with Cal Whipple."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Prendergast Curt (dup) - TLAS - 6/26/86. Oral History - Elaine Felsher with Cal Whipple."
Prideaux, Tom: Papers, undated
Pitt, James: Audio [RESTRICTED], 1990, inclusive
Scope and Contents Note
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Pitt, James E. - Oral history 5/17/90 #1 & #2 (Dir. of Publicity)."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Pitt, James E. - Oral history 5/17/90 #3 (Dir. of Publicity)."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Pitt, James E. 7/18/90 Oral history (Corp Pub/ Aff. '47-'70)."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Pitt, James E. 7/18/90 Oral history Tape II (1) (Corp Pub/ Aff. '47-'70)."
Rauch, Rudolph: Papers, 1987, inclusive
Rauch, Rudolph: Audio [RESTRICTED], 1987?
Scope and Contents Note
1 audiotape reel : analog; 7 in., 1/4 in. tape. On container: "Rudolph Rauch."
Rowan, Roy: Papers, 1987, inclusive
Rowan, Roy: Audio [RESTRICTED], 1987?
Scope and Contents Note
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On label side A: "Rowan, Roy - Reel 1 side 1 Tape 1."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On label side A: "Rowan, Roy - Reel 1 side 3 #2."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On label side A: " Tape __ Side I Roy Rowan #3."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On label side A: " Tape __ Side __ Roy Rowan #4."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On label side A: " Tape 5 Side __ Roy Rowan."
Rowan, Roy: Video [RESTRICTED], 1986-1987, inclusive
Scope and Contents
1 videocassette (VHS) : 3/4 in. On label: "I. Rowan, Roy - Oral History 12/3/86. Bio - 1920-1950; Life - '48. China, Rome Korea."
1 videocassette (VHS) : 3/4 in. On label: "II. Rowan, Roy - Oral History 1/7/87. Life - Bonn, N.Y., Chicago, Kennedy Assas."
Sherrod, Robert: Papers, 1985, inclusive
Sherrod, Robert: Audio [RESTRICTED], 1985, inclusive
Scope and Contents Note
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Sherrod, Robert - Oral Hist. 3/19/85."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On label: "(Dup) Oral History Bob Sherrod 3/19/85."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Sherrod, Robert - Oral Hist. 3/27/85."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On label: "Sherrod 3/27 dup end of tape."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On label: "Robert Sherrod II (dup) 3/27/85."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Sherrod, Robert - Oral Hist. 3/28/85 4/6/85 (Side B partially restricted)."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On label: "Bob Sherrod (dup) 3/28/85."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On label: "______ side not to be transcribed per Sherrod 3/28/85 (dup) This side OK to transcribe."
Steed, Robert: Papers, 1985, inclusive
Steed, Robert: Audio [RESTRICTED], 1985, inclusive
Scope and Contents Note
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Steed, Robert-Oral Hist. 2/21/85 Personnel Director."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Steed, Robert 2/21/85 Personnel."
Steinbauer, Mary: Audio [RESTRICTED], 1994, inclusive
Scope and Contents Note
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Steinbauer, Mary - Oral history 4/22/94 Time Life Books 8mm."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Steinbauer, Mary - Oral history 4/22/94 Time Life Book) I (A&B)."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Steinbauer, Mary - Oral history 4/22/94 Time Life Books II."
Stout, Elizabeth Davis: Audio [RESTRICTED], 1986, inclusive
Scope and Contents Note
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container label: "Elizabeth Stout Davis Fortune Researcher '29-'31 5/19/86."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "(Davis) Elizabeth Stout Fortune - 1/29/11/31 Oral Hist. 5/19/86."
Whipple, A. B. C.: Audio [RESTRICTED], 1986, inclusive
Scope and Contents Note
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Whipple, A. B. C. - Oral hist. 6/26/86."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On label: "Whipple, A. B. C. 6/26/86 (dup) F 6/26/86."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On label: "6/26/86 Whipple, A. B. C. (dup)."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Whipple, A. B. C. - Oral hist. 7/9/86."
2 audiocassettes : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On label: "7/9/86 Whipple, A. B. C. (dup)."
White, Frank: Papers, 1986, inclusive
White, Frank: Audio [RESTRICTED], 1986, inclusive
Scope and Contents Note
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "White, Frank - Oral history 10/14/86 (Dup from VCR) part I."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "White, Frank - Oral history 10/14/86 (Dup from VCR) part II."
Wilson, Donald: Papers, 1989, inclusive
Scope and Contents Note
Includes transcripts.
Wilson, Donald: Audio [RESTRICTED], 1989, inclusive
Scope and Contents Note
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Wilson Donm. - oral history 9/25/89 A & B I (1 & 2)."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Wilson Don M - oral history 9/25/89 tape I (3)."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Wilson Don M - oral history 10/13/89 Tape II (1 & 2)."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Wilson Don M - oral history 10/13/89 Tape II (3)."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Wilson Don M - oral history 10/18/89 Tape III (1&2)."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Wilson Don M - oral history 10/18/89 Tape III (3)."
Wolff, Lothar: Papers, 1985, inclusive
Wolff, Lothar: Audio [RESTRICTED], 1985, inclusive
Scope and Contents Note
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Wolff, Lothar M.O.T. 6/3/85."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On label: "Lothar Wolff 6/3/85 (dup)."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On container: "Wolff, Lothar II 7/10/85."
1 audiocassette : analog ; 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape. On label: "Lothar Wolff II 7/10/85 dup."