Minstrel show performance collection
Abstract
Descriptive Summary
- Title
- Minstrel show performance collection
- Date
- undated
- Extent
- 0.02 Cubic feet
- Subjects
- African American history
- Minstrel shows
- Minstrels
- Preferred Citation
- 2013ms0867 : [identification of item], Minstrel Show Collection, undated, University of Kentucky Special Collections.
- Repository
- University of Kentucky
Collection Overview
- Biography / History
- Minstrelsy was an American form of theatrical entertainment stretching from the 1830s through the 1950s and 1960s that sought to characterize African Americans as unintelligent and buffoonish. Minstrel companies varied in size and toured the country performing on small stages and in large opera houses. Consisting of comedy, dancing, and music, performances were known by their unique use of white actors in blackface. The performances pre-dated Vaudeville shows by parodying traditional theater, but often included a final scene in which actors reminisced on plantation life and other aspects of slavery. After the Civil War, theater minstrelsy was on the decline, which lead to the formation of new troupes that featured African-American men in blackface and all-women groups. Minstrel shows also made their way to radio, and later, television and film, notably with such shows as "Amos 'n Andy." Minstrel shows were notable for creating stock characters that later stereotyped African Americans, such as the "Mammy" or "Jezebel." These stereotypes found their way into more popular and mainstream forms of entertainment throughout the 20th century.
- "Minstrelsy, American." Oxford Music Online, 2010. Thomas L. Riis, Minstrelsy and Theatrical Miscegenation in The Oxford Handbook of The American Musical, ed. Raymond Knapp et al. (Oxford: Oxford Universiy Press, 201), 65-80.
- Scope and Content
- The Minstrel Show Collection (undated; 0.02 cubic feet; 5 items) comprises three paper-format and two image-format items primarily documenting the minstrel performer Grovner (Gov.) H. Bowen, as well as two minstrel companies: Al G. Field's Minstrels productions (postcard, glass slide, and program) and the J.A. Coburn Minstrel Company (poster). The composite photograph shows Gov. Bowen in blackface and normal dress (OS-11, folder 1). The poster describes Gov. Bowen as "The Kentucky Whirlwind." Although the items in this collection are undated, it is likely they date from after the Civil War.
Restrictions on Access and Use
- Conditions Governing Access
- Collection is open to researchers by appointment.
- Use Restrictions
- Property rights reside with the University of Kentucky. The University of Kentucky holds the copyright for materials created in the course of business by University of Kentucky employees. Copyright for all other materials has not been assigned to the University of Kentucky. For information about permission to reproduce or publish, please contact Special Collections.
Contents of the Collection
Glass slide from Al G. Field's Minstrels show, undated
Program for Al G. Field's Minstrels show, undated
Postcard from Al G. Field's Minstrels show, undated
Photograph, undated
Poster advertisement for the J. A. Coburn Minstrel Company, undated
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Questions? Contact SCRC via our Contact Form.
Table of Contents
You may come across language in UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center collections and online resources that you find harmful or offensive. SCRC collects materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. These materials document the time period when they were created and the view of their creator. As a result, some may demonstrate racist and offensive views that do not reflect the values of UK Libraries.
If you find description with problematic language that you think SCRC should review, please contact us at SCRC@uky.edu.
UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center is open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. Appointments are encouraged but not required. Schedule an appointment here.
Researchers must have an SCRC Researcher Account to request materials. View account set-up and use instructions here.
Questions? Contact SCRC via our Contact Form.
Requests
No items have been requested.
You may come across language in UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center collections and online resources that you find harmful or offensive. SCRC collects materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. These materials document the time period when they were created and the view of their creator. As a result, some may demonstrate racist and offensive views that do not reflect the values of UK Libraries.
If you find description with problematic language that you think SCRC should review, please contact us at SCRC@uky.edu.
