- Scope and Contents
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The collection consists of scripts and a small number of photographs documenting television programs featuring African American actors, entertainers, and topics from the 1950s through the 1990s. While some material from an earlier period of television broadcasting is present, including Amos and Andy (1952), Buelah (1950-1953), and The Jack Benny Show (1964), scripts for shows that aired in the 1970s and 1980s predominate. Sanford and Son (1974-1976), The Jeffersons (1975-1978), Good Times (1974-1976), Diff'rent Strokes (1978-1986), Webster (1983-1989), and The Cosby Show (1984-1991), situation comedies depicting African American familes in varying social conditions, are particularly well represented. In addition to long-running programs, the collection includes scripts for variety specials, miniseries, and pilots such as Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1975) and Skin Game (1974). The collection also includes additional production materials, including call sheets, correspondence, ratings, and research materials, as well as a file documenting the Association of Black Motion Picture and Television Producers, including meeting minutes and copies of outgoing correspondence.
- Conditions Governing Access
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This collection is open for research.
- Conditions Governing Use
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The African American Television Scripts is the physical property of the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University. Literary rights, including copyright, belong to the authors or their legal heirs and assigns. For further information, consult the appropriate curator.
- Immediate Source of Acquisition
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Purchased from George Robert Minkoff Inc. on the Adele Gutman Nathan Theatrical Collection Fund, 1999.
July 2015 acquisition: Purchased from Walter Reuben, Inc. on the Edwin J. Beinecke Book Fund, 2015.
June 2017 acquisition [1 of 2]: Purchased from Walter Reuben, Inc. on the the Edwin J. Beinecke Book Fund, 2017.
June 2017 acquisition [2 of 2]: Purchased from Royal Books on the Edwin J. Beinecke Book Fund, 2017.
June 2021 acquisition: Purchased from Royal Books on the James Weldon Johnson Memorial Collection of Arts & Letters Fund, 2021. - Arrangement
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Organized into five groupings: October 1999 acquisition; July 2015 acquisition; June 2017 acquisition [1 of 2]; June 2017 acquisition [2 of 2]; June 2021 acquisition.
- Dates
- circa 1950-1998
- Extent
- 40.14 Linear Feet (91 boxes)
- Language of Materials
- English