New York State American Revolution Bicentennial Commission Publications and Motion Picture Files

Arranged roughly by type of record.

This series consists of material related to the production of publications, television programs, and motion picture films by the New York American Revolution Bicentennial Commission. Records include subject and correspondence files of Dr. William A. Polf, director of publications, and Thomas E. Felt, director of film production. Also included are draft film scripts and comments; ca. 750 photographs and an equal number of negatives; ca. 150 slides; budgetary material; draft articles and publication manuscripts; ca. 16 motion picture films; 3 audio tapes; copies of publications produced by the commission; annual reports; and other material related to the production of publications and motion pictures.

Supported by funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the commission produced the following films: "And Take Me By The Hand" (30 minutes; written, directed, and produced by Andre de la Varre, narrated by Howard Da Silva, 1973); "Don't Tread on Me: Voices from the American Revolution," (directed by Jack Ofield, Bowling Green Films, 1976); and "The Other Side of Victory" (directed by William C. Jersey, Quest productions Inc., 1977). There are copies of these films in the series. The later two films were shown on PBS television. All films were available for distribution to schools, libraries, and local bicentennial organizations.

The commission also produced or sponsored many scholarly publications. Copies of 15 titles are found in the series, along with scattered copies of "The Correspondent," the commission's newsletter, published roughly quarterly from 1970 to 1978.

B1633-11: This accretion consists of five reels of 16mm motion picture film: "Don't Tread on Me," "World Turned Upside Down," "And Take Me By the Hand," and two copies of a short documentary demonstrating the use of the musket. The documentary was probably created to be shown during public tours of the New York Festival Barge (the "Bicentennial Barge").

Container lists are available at the repository.

A list of commission-sponsored or produced publications that are present in the series is available at the repository.

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the material.