New York State Special Commission on Attica Motion Picture Film and Videotapes of Attica Correctional Facility Riot

This series consists of motion picture film depicting events associated with the Attica Correctional Facility uprising in September of 1971. Footage includes views of inmates holding prison yard; the State Police control center; hostages and locations where hostages were held; arrival of observers and Black Panther party chairman Bobby Seale; deployment of tear gas and arrival of armed law enforcement officers; retaking of facility; aerial footage following retaking of facility; locations damaged during the uprising; and law enforcement officers tagging weapons used in the uprising as evidence.

The series also includes video recordings of the first day of hearings of the Special Commission on Attica (McKay Commission) in April of 1972. These recordings feature opening remarks by committee chairman Robert McKay; expert testimony by David Addison regarding prison population and life of inmates incarcerated therein; testimony of former inmate William E. Jackson (incarcerated at time of uprising) regarding daily life in the facility; and testimony of then current inmate Robert Matthews.

Original motion picture film and videotape formats in this series have been digitized. Access can be obtained by contacting the State Archives.

Series 15855 New York State Special Commission on Attica Investigation and Interview Files

Series B1341 New York State Special Commission on Attica Audio Tapes and Transcripts of Commission Hearings

Item list is available at the repository.

Original motion picture film was transferred to videotape by State Archives staff in August of 1991. Dubmaster was sent to the State Records Center for secure storage in March 1998 (TL 98-02).

Film content is disclosable. Original motion picture film and videotape formats are restricted. Digital copies are available by request from the State Archives.