Life Story Center archive

Collection

Identifier: Coll. 4102

Staff Only

Scope and Content note

Papers, recordings (cassettes, VHS, DVDs, film, Beta), photographs, and oral history-related content of approximately 150 "life stories."

Dates

Creation: 1988 - 2009

Creator

Atkinson, Robert (Robert Gary), 1945- (Donor, Person)

Access

Unrestricted

Copyright

Access to collections at Maine Historical Society is not an authorization to publish. Rights and reproduction requests may be submitted in writing to the MHS Image Services Coordinator or Research & Administrative Librarian, subject to format.

Biographical note

Bob Atkinson, a Human Development and Counselor & Education professor at the University of Southern Maine, facilitated the story collecting. Contains life stories of people in Maine, including those who came to Maine in the early 20th century. The interviews were conducted by students, who interviewed people (often relatives) whom they knew. Also includes materials about Helen Nearing (Series 3), who was a Maine author, advocate of simple living, and lifelong vegetarian.

Extent

13 Linear Feet (42 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement

1. Transcripts and waivers
2. Audio and video recordings
3. Helen Nearing papers and recordings

Provenance

Gift of Robert (Bob) Atkinson, Scarborough, Maine, February 21, 2019 (acc. no. 2019.058).

Container list

Boxes 1-17: Numbered transcripts beginning with "A," 1988-2007. The number after the "A" indicates the year.
Box 18-20: Unnumbered transcripts, organized by year, 1979-2009
Box 21: Unnumbered, no year, organized alphabetical; short interviews, mostly undated
Box 22: Numbered transcripts beginning with "AI," no audio, 1992-1996
Box 23: Assorted materials, including unmatched waiver forms and materials not necessarily connected to Life Story project, including slides, newspaper articles, grant proposals; and Helen Nearing material
Box 24-32: Audio, numbered with transcripts
Box 33: Audio, numbered mini cassettes with transcripts
Box 34: VHS tapes, numbered with transcripts
Box 35: Various audio, some not directly related to this collection
Box 36-39: Unnumbered audio
Box 40-42: Helen Nearing AV (pending transfer to Northeast Historic Film)

Processing note

All transcripts were rehoused in acid-free folders with signed waivers. Transcripts without waivers were so indicated. Like media formats were housed together in acid-free boxes. There are three cartons of Helen Nearing mixed audio/video (Box 40-42) which came with the collection but may not stay with the collection.