Audio-visual Collection

Experience the moving image and audio history of Kansas through the audio-visual collection at the Center for Historical Research.

The AV collection in the Library and Archives Division is in one word "diverse". Formats include over 1 million feet of motion picture film, over five hundred reel-to-reel and cassette audiotapes, over five hundred videotapes and less than fifty disc recordings. The binding characteristic of all of these formats is that they are all machine dependent; a piece of equipment or machine is necessary to view or listen to the content of each item in the collection. We have reformatted some of our holdings to more user friendly mediums. A listing of motion picture titles transferred to VHS videocassettes is available at this site. These videotapes promote the use of the collection, while protecting/preserving the original film. Many reel-to-reel tapes and disc recordings have been transferred to audio compact cassette tapes for the same reason. Duplicate tapes are available for loan at no charge through our Inter-Library Loan program. The collection spans the years from 1890 to the present. The bulk of our holdings is in the 1950 through 1979 period. The most significant collections include the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe film archives, John R. Brinkley films and audio recordings, KSNT newsfilm collection and WIBW newsfilm collection. The Society's collection contains large holdings of audio/visual media relating to agriculture, railroads, and public health and hygiene.

Access to the majority of AV materials is limited to on-site use. Due to the size of the collection and cost of reformatting much of the collection is only available in original format. Finding aids and a card catalog by title and subject are available in the Research Room. Patrons wanting to use the AV collections are encouraged to make prior arrangements.

Reformatting of AV materials is provided on a demand basis. Please refer to the audio visual services page for further information concerning the procedures for ordering AV materials.

The photograph and audio visual collections are strengthened and expanded through donations, loans, and transfers. The majority of acquisitions are received through donations and loans from private individuals, please see our donating materials to KSHS page for details. Since the Society has limited funds to purchase materials, we are dependent on the generosity of our donors.