The Civil Rights History Project: Survey of Collections and Repositories

Woman alive!

Repository: Harvard University. Radcliffe Institute. Schlesinger Library

Collection Description (Extant): Videotapes and program books of 'Woman Alive!,' a collaboration between Ms. Magazine and public television . . . . The television show 'Woman Alive!' was the result of a collaboration between Ms. Magazine and public television. The project began as a one-hour special, produced by KERA-TV Dallas/Fort Worth and broadcast in 1974. Later, two series were produced by WNET/13 New York: ten half-hour programs broadcast in 1975 and five one-hour programs in 1977. All the shows were made possible by a grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Produced by and for women, 'Woman Alive!' was intended to show 'the changing mood of women in America,' and 'the new possibilities, alternatives, and choices open to them and their families.' In a magazine format, it presents works by women filmmakers, music by women composers and singers, remarks by specialists on various women's issues, and individual women's stories of struggle and success in their jobs, personal lives, and families.

The executive producer of the pilot show was Joan Shigekawa, the writer/associate producer Susan Lester, the field producer Joan Fiore, and the associate producer Candida Harper. For the subsequent ten shows, the executive producer was Ronnie Eldridge, the producer Joan Shigekawa, the coordinating producer Jacqueline Donnet, and the associate producer Janis Klein. For the last 5 shows, the producer and executive producer was Joan Shigekawa, the coordinating producer Jacqueline Donnet, and the associate producer Janis Klein.

SCOPE AND CONTENT

This collection consists of the pilot show of 'Woman Alive!,' the ten half-hour shows, the five one-hour shows, and a program book for each show. Unless otherwise indicated, each program book consists of a transcript and brief description of the show as well as news releases, black and white photographs of participants, and a program format log.

Date(s): 1974-1977

Digital Status: No

Extent: 2 cartons, 1 file box

Finding Aid URL: http://oasis.lib.harvard.edu/oasis/deliver/deepLink?_collection=oasis&uniqueId=sch00977

Language: English

Interviewees: Eleanor Holmes Norton

Rights (CRHP): Contact the repository which holds the collection for information on rights

Subjects:

African American women--Political activity
Feminism
National Black Feminist Organization (U.S.)
Welfare rights movement
Women's rights

Genres:

Interviews
Manuscripts
Photographs
Transcripts
Videorecordings