National Press Photographers Association records, 1920-2019

Summary

Creator:
Gordon, James R. "Jim", 1933-2015, Costa, Joseph, 1904-1988, and National Press Photographers Association (U.S.)
Date:
1920-2019
Extent:
71.5 Linear Feet 70 boxes and 3 oversize folders and 445 gigabyte(s) 42,610 files
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

National Press Photographers Association records, ms3953, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection consists of records from the offices of the National Press Photographers Association, correspondence among members, printed material produced by the NPPA and affiliates, other material including "Living History" interviews with veteran photojournalists, photographs, and awards submissions. Many boxes of slides came from individual photographers as well as group presentations such as the Pictures of the Year. The collection contains photographs and some personal papers from Joseph Costa, founder and first president of NPPA as well as executive editor of the organization's official magazine, National Press Photographer (later retitled News Photographer), from 1946 to 1966. In January of 2017, 30 boxes of material were added to the collection from the late James R. "Jim" Gordon, editor of News Photographer magazine from 1978 to 2003. These files include a broad range of subject files, photographs used in the magazine, and a number of miscellaneous files containing documents, photos, and other material. The James Gordon material has been minimally processed and described at the box level.

The Hargrett Library also holds many issues of News Photographer magazine from 1947 to 1974.

Biographical / historical:

The National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) was founded in 1946, and that same year published the first issue of National Press Photographer magazine. Early in the organization's history, its goals focused on fighting to allow cameras in courtrooms and to improve government and media relations. NPPA has changed over the years and today represents still image, video, and multimedia visual journalists. NPPA continues to be dedicated to advocating for journalists' rights as well as promoting education initiatives.

Arrangement:

The collection is divided into seven series: 1. Administrative Records, 2. Correspondence, 3. Printed Material, 4. Other Material, 5. Photographs, 6. James Gordon Subject Files, 7. Awards Submissions

Original order was preserved regarding the general office files (Series 1: Administrative Records) of the NPPA and James Gordon (Series 6), which are largely arranged alphabetically by subject.

Access and use restrictions

Preferred citation:

National Press Photographers Association records, ms3953, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.