Skip to main content

UAW Public Relations Department Photographs and Sound and Video Recordings

 Collection
Identifier: LAV001193

Scope and Content

The collection consists of audiovisual material, including photographic prints and contact sheets, videotapes, and audio recordings.

Important correspondents: Bieber, Owen; Bluestone, Irving; Bonior, David; Bunn, Elizabeth; Casstevens, Bill; Chavez, Cesar; Clinton, Hilary Rodham; Clinton, Bill; Ford, Henry; Fraser, Doug; Gettelfinger, Ron; Greathouse, Pat; Kennedy, Robert; King, Bob; King, Martin Luther, Jr.; Komer, Odessa; Lofton, Ernie; Madar, Olga; Mandela, Nelson; Reuther, Victor; Reuther, Walter P.; Shoemaker, Richard; Tucker, Jerry; Woodcock, Leonard; Yokich, Steve

Series Description: Series 1: Photographic Prints, 1929-2010 Series 2: Photographic Contact Sheets, 1960-1981 Series 3: Video and Audio Tapes, 1947-2008

Dates

  • 1929 - 2008
  • Majority of material found within 1985 - 1995

Creator

Language of Materials

Material entirely in English.

Access

To view boxes in Series III, patrons must make an appointment with the AV Department prior to visiting.

Use

Refer to the Walter P. Reuther Library Rules for Use of Archival Materials. For image reproduction, contact the AV Department.

Extent

111 Linear Feet (111 SB)

Additional Description

Abstract

Since the United Automobile Workers of America (UAW) was established as an affiliate of the American Federation of Labor (AFL) in August 1935, the union has maintained an office to deal with public relations. At that time, a "Committee on Publication" was formed, which became the "Publication Committee" in April 1936. The Committee subsequently became the "Publicity Department" in August 1936, when the UAW became an independent union affiliated with the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO). This became the UAW's Public Relations Department some years later. The primary purpose of the original Committees and Department was the production of the union's national newspaper, the United Automobile Worker, which became Solidarity in 1957. Over the years, as the UAW grew into a large, powerful union, the P.R. department played an increasingly important role in writing speeches and producing various publications. It also generated large numbers of photographic images, created television advertisements, and issued press releases, delivering the union’s official stance on nearly all issues. In recent years, the P.R. Department has also been responsible for maintaining the union’s social media presence.

Arrangement

Arranged in 3 series – Series 1 (Boxes 1-52), Series 2 (Boxes 53-59), and Series 3 (Boxes 60-111). Folders are arranged by format.

Series 3 is further divided into 21 subseries by subject.

Acquisition

The UAW Public Relations Department Photographs and Sound and Video Recordings were first deposited at the Reuther Library in December 1994. Additional materials arrived in April and November 1996, September 2009, and April 2011.

Related Materials

UAW collections

Processing History

Processed and finding aid written by Bart Bealmear on November 12, 2013.

Subjects

Related Names

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Title
Guide to the UAW Public Relations Department Photographs and Sound and Video Recordings
Status
Completed
Author
Processed by Bart Bealmear.
Date
2013-11-12
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Repository Details

Part of the Walter P. Reuther Library Repository

https://reuther.wayne.edu
Contact:
5401 Cass Avenue
Detroit MI 48202 USA

Staff Login | v2.8.1