In honor of American Archives Month, the Great American Songbook Foundation is opening its archives to the public this October.
The Great American Songbook Foundation is opening the doors of its Songbook Library & Archives in Carmel to offer free tours on Oct. 16 and Oct. 23. The Songbook Library & Archives, which is usually closed to the public, houses and preserves more than 500,000 historical pieces — such as recordings, arrangements, images, memorabilia and personal papers — from the foundational era of American popular music.
Founded by Michael Feinstein in 2007, the Songbook Library & Archive exists to both inspire and educate the public by celebrating the lives and careers of musicians, composers and lyricists from the foundational era of American popular music through artifact preservation.
American Archives Month, which is celebrated each October, aims to raise awareness about the value of archives and archivists. The National Archives and Records Administration and the Council of State Archivists support the Society of American Archivists in the observance.
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The Great American Songbook Library & Archives also includes a reference library and study space for researchers — many of whom come from around the world.
During the tour, guests will be able to see stage costumes worn by Ella Fitzgerald, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gormé; original scripts from Broadway shows such as The Music Man; musical arrangements written for iconic artists — including Sammy Davis Jr., Andy Williams, Rosemary Clooney, Natalie Cole and Frank Sinatra — and historical materials representing prominent figures like Leonard Bernstein, Mamie Eisenhower, Ginger Rogers, Walt Disney and Doris Day.
The Archive & Library staff will also share special content on the Foundation’s social media and website throughout the month in honor of American Archives Month.
The Great American Songbook Archives & Library is housed at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, 1 Carter Green. Free tours will be offered on four occasions, including 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 16 and Oct. 23. Tours are limited to 20 visitors and may be scheduled at TheSongbook.org/ArchivesTour24. For more information, call 317-844-2251 or email at info@TheSongbook.org.
Contact Art & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on x @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe graduated with a degree in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and her previous work includes freelancing for Indy Maven, Assistant Arts & Life Editor for The Lantern, and editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Chloe enjoys covering all things arts and culture — from local music, visual art, dance, theater and film, as well as minority-owned businesses. In her free time, Chloe enjoys reading, cooking and keeping her plants alive.
