Robert Joseph Flaherty papers, 1884-1970

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Creator:

Flaherty, Robert Joseph, 1884-1951

Extent:

50 linear feet 81 boxes 16 volumes

Language:

English .

Scope and content:

Professional and personal papers of Robert J. Flaherty and of his associates Frances Hubbard Flaherty and David Flaherty, concerning his career as an explorer in the Hudson Bay area, and as a film-maker from 1913 until 1951. The collection includes correspondence, diaries, financial records, scripts, publicity materials, his books, short stories, and articles and stills from his films including NANOOK OF THE NORTH (1922), MOANA (1925), MAN OF ARAN (1934), ELEPHANT BOY (1937), THE LAND (1941), and LOUISIANA STORY (1948). Also, files of the Robert Flaherty Foundation, including the later personal papers of Flaherty's wife, Frances Hubbard Flaherty.

Biographical / historical:

Film producer and director, pioneer in the documentary film. Robert Joseph Flaherty was married to Frances Hubbard Flaherty. His brother was the documentary film-maker David Flaherty.

The Robert Flaherty Foundation, later absorbed by International Film Seminars, Inc., was established after Flaherty's death to encourage study of "the Flaherty method" of film-making, to advise young directors, and to ensure the continued availability of the Flaherty films.

Acquisition information:

Source of acquisition--International Film Seminars, Inc. Method of acquisition--On permanent deposit; Date of acquisition--1966. Accession number--M-66.

Letter from Robert Flaherty to William Edwin Rudge, circa 1946-1947. Accn: 2016.2017.M084. Gift of Joanna Rudge Long.

1 box of material from Cecile Starr re. Frances Hubbard Flaherty and others [2009-2010-M058].

Custodial history:

On permanent deposit from International Film Seminars, Inc., 1966, 1979.

Photographs by Robert J. Flaherty, Frances H. Flaherty, and others are: on extended loan to the Flaherty Study Center, School of Theology, Claremont College, Claremont, CA 91711.

Processing information:

Cataloged Christina Hilton Fenn 06/--/1989.

Material formerly folded in box 16, one folder labeled "Canada Maps", was rehoused into new folders, in box 16, box 99, and mapcase 14-L-6. 2024

Due to a need for clarification on the availability of film strips, photographs and stills listed in the finding aid, particularly in light of the statement that some photographs are on extended loan at Flaherty Study Center, a review of the RBML's collection file and existing finding aid was done by Catherine C. Ricciardi in August 2021. The Flaherty Center was allowed to take all photographic material for purposes of duplication and preservation in 1972, and this material has remained with the Flaherty Study Center, School of Theology, Claremont College, Claremont, CA 91711. As this material was not at Columbia University when the collection was microfilmed, this material is not available on the microfilms made by Columbia University. All individual items and files listed in the finding aid that are currently at the Flaherty Study Center are now noted in the container list, and also listed in a separate list at the end of the document. All historical references to container information and the availability of microfilm for these items has been corrected in the finding aid.

Accruals:

Materials may have been added to the collection since this finding aid was prepared. Contact rbml@columbia.edu for more information.

Rules or conventions:

Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Other finding aids:

The original typed finding aid for the collection is available for use at the RBML, as necessary.

Alternative form available:

Microfilm available.

Access and use

Restrictions:

The following boxes are located off-site: CMI Boxes 81-96, Box 97. You will need to request this material from the Rare Book and Manuscript Library at least three business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.

This collection has no restrictions.

Unique time-based media items have been reformatted and are available onsite via links in the container list. Commercial materials are not routinely digitized.

Terms of access:

1) No original materials may be removed from the library at any time.

2) Requests for photoduplication must be made in writing to one of the officers of International Film Seminars.

Preferred citation:: Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Robert Joseph Flaherty papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Location of this collection:: Rare Book & Manuscript Library

RBML Home Page
6th Floor East Butler Library
535 West 114th Street
New York, NY 10027, USA
Before you visit:: Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.

Contact:: rbml@library.columbia.edu

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