Verda Louise Williams papers
Scope and Content
This collection documents the making of the hour-long PBS program "Black Des Moines: Voices Seldom Heard," by Verda Williams. Series 1 - Biographical Information (1998) contains Williams' resume. Series 2 - Publicity (1985-1991) contains brochures, newspaper advertisements, and posters of Verda Williams' productions "Black Des Moines: Voices Seldom Heard" and "A Rose Is A Rose" both before and after broadcast in 1985. Series 3 - Correspondence (1985) contains congratulatory letters on the outcome of the show, audience response letters to the program, and general correspondence pertaining to "Black Des Moines: Voices Seldom Heard." Series 4 - Script, Tape Descriptions, and Scene Descriptions (1985) contains the script for "Black Des Moines: Voices Seldom Heard", including written scene descriptions of the program and detailed videotape descriptions of the videos contained in series 5. Series 5 - Videotapes (1981-1986) contains Verda Williams videotapes, including the master of the program "Black Des Moines: Voices Seldom Heard," research tapes for the program, interviews, stills, historic events, and footage used to compile the program. Series 6 - Photos, Slides (undated) contains Slides and Photographs received by Verda Williams. Series 7 - Other Papers (1973-1986) contains other papers and articles related to Verda William's work.
Dates
- 1958-2004, undated
Language of Materials
English
Access Restrictions
Open for research. This collection is stored offsite. Please contact the department at least 3 working days in advance.
Use/Re-use Restrictions
Consult Special Collections and University Archives
Biography/Profile
Verda Louise Williams was born October 13, 1944 in Des Moines, Iowa. Williams was employed as a Communication Specialist in Iowa State University's Extension Communication Services (1981-1997). A filmmaker and producer, Williams wrote and produced in conjunction with WOI Television the 1985 documentary, "Black Des Moines: Voices Seldom Heard."
She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Radio and Television from Drake University (1969) and a Master of Arts degree in General Graduate Studies from Iowa State University (1987).
Extent
23.15 Linear Feet (1 document box, 3 half-document boxes, and 17 records center cartons)
Arrangement
The collection is arranged in 5 series: Series 1 - Biographical Information, Series 2 - Publicity, Series 3 - Correspondence, Series 4 - Script, Tape Descriptions, and Scene Descriptions, Series 5 - Videotapes, Series 6 - Slides, Photos, Series 7 - Other Papers. Series 1 and Series 2 are arranged in chronological order. Series 3 is arranged in original order as received by Williams. Series 4 is arranged alphabetically and numerically by videotape in series four. Series 5 is arranged alphabetically and numerically by videotape.
Physical Location
This collection is stored offsite. Please contact the Special Collections and University Archives at least 3 working days in advance.
Processing Information
Released on 2018-11-01.
- Title
- RS 5/2/51. Verda Louise Williams papers, 1958-2004, undated RS 5/2/51
- Date
- July 1, 2020
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Language of description note
- English
Repository Details
Part of the IASTATE Repository Repository