Robert Joseph Flaherty papers, 1884-1970

Summary Information

At a Glance

Arrangement

• Series I General correspondence
• Series II: Canadian Explorations
• Series III: Films
• Series IV: General writings by R.J.. Flaherty
• Series V: Other materials, before 1952
• Series VI: General writings by F.H. Flaherty:
• Series VII: Paul Rotha's biography of R.J. Flaherty
• Series VIII: The Robert Flaherty Foundation (later absorbed by International Film Seminars, Inc.)
• Series IX: Additions to the Collection

Description

Summary

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.

• Series I General correspondence

• Series II: Canadian Explorations

  On microfilm reel MN#1910

• Series III: Films

• Series IV: General writings by R.J.. Flaherty

• Series V: Other materials, before 1952

• Series VI: General writings by F.H. Flaherty:

• Series VII: Paul Rotha's biography of R.J. Flaherty

• Series VIII: The Robert Flaherty Foundation (later absorbed by International Film Seminars, Inc.)

• Series IX: Additions to the Collection

Using the Collection

Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Restrictions on Access

The following boxes are located off-site: CMI Boxes 81-96. 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.

Terms Governing Use and Reproduction

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.

Alternate Form Available

Microfilm available.

Ownership and 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.

About the Finding Aid / Processing Information

Columbia University Libraries, Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Processing Information

Cataloged Christina Hilton Fenn 06/--/1989.

Revision Description

2009-06-26 File created.

2019-02-07 XML document revised created by Catherine C. Ricciardi. Revised library's statement on the required use of microfilm copies. Removed outdated restriction statements regarding Boxes 11-14.

2019-05-20 EAD was imported spring 2019 as part of the ArchivesSpace Phase II migration.

Subject Headings

The subject headings listed below are found in this collection. Links below allow searches at Columbia University through the Archival Collections Portal and through CLIO, the catalog for Columbia University Libraries, as well as ArchiveGRID, a catalog that allows users to search the holdings of multiple research libraries and archives.

All links open new windows.

Genre/Form

Subject

History / Biographical Note

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.