Norfolk Forum A Guide to the Norfolk Forum Papers MG 77

A Guide to the Norfolk Forum Papers MG 77


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ODU Community Collections

3000 Perry Library
4427 Hampton Blvd.
Norfolk, VA 23529
Business Number: 757-683-5350
libspecialcollections@odu.edu
URL: https://www.odu.edu/library/special-collections

Mel Frizzell

Repository
ODU Community Collections
Identification
MG 77
Title
Norfolk Forum Collection circa 1930-2009, undated Date acquired: 10/09/2000
URL:
Archon Finding Aid location
Quantity
14.20 Linear Feet
Quantity
17 Hollinger document cases, 11 photograph boxes, 2 audiovisual boxes boxes
Creator
Norfolk Forum (Norfolk, Va.)
Language
English .
Abstract
Established in 1932, the Norfolk Forum is believed to be the oldest nonprofit, public lecture series in the U.S. The collection includes Forum business, history, events and event programs, speaker bios, promotional materials, photographs, oral histories, and video tapes of some of the speakers.

Administrative Information

Conditions Governing Use

Before publishing quotations or excerpts from any materials, permission must be obtained from Special Collections and University Archives, and the holder of the copyright, if not Old Dominion University Libraries.

Conditions Governing Access

Open to researchers without restrictions.

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], Box [insert number], Folder [insert number and title], Norfolk Forum Collection, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.

Source of Acquisition

Norfolk Forum

Method of Acquisition

Loan. Accession #A2000-9

Processing Information

The collections was processed by Mel Frizzell, Special Collections Assistant, between 2011 and 2012.

Accruals and Additions

Additional accessions made in September 2004 and June 2010.


Biographical or Historical Information

The Norfolk Forum is believed to be the oldest nonprofit, public lecture series in the U.S. Established in 1932 during the Great Depression by Dr. Vincent H. Ober and a handful of other Norfolk citizens, the Norfolk Forum held its first series of lectures during the 1933-34 season. Originally, the Forum was named the "Norfolk Portsmouth Forum of Public Affairs," but it changed its name to the "Norfolk Forum" during its first season. This name and a stellar reputation have stuck with the Norfolk Forum for over 70 years. The Forum incorporated on June 2, 1941.

The Norfolk Forum's first membership drive began the summer before the 1933-34 season, consisting of a booth in the lobby of the Smith and Welton department store as well as requests taken by J.E. Capps, the Forum's president at the time. Approximately, 1,150 persons joined the Norfolk Forum during its first year, exceeding an initial goal of 1,100 people. The cost of a ticket for the first season was only $1. To this day, seasons typically begin in the fall and end in the spring, and usually consist of three to four speakers. The Norfolk Forum only sells season memberships, not tickets to individual speakers.

The Norfolk Forum originally hosted speakers at the 1000 seat auditorium at Blair Junior High School. During the 1936-37 season, two out of the scheduled five speakers were hosted at the City Auditorium, which could seat double this number. The Norfolk Forum used the City Auditorium all of the 1937-38 season, and then returned to Blair Auditorium for the 1938-39 season. They continued using this space until the 1943-44 season. At that time they moved to the new 1,300 seat USO Auditorium, but the Norfolk Forum and the USO could not come to a mutual agreement of terms so the Forum moved back to Blair at the end of that season. Lectures continued at Blair Auditorium until the Fall of 1947. After that time, the Forum moved to the larger Center Theater. In 1972 the Norfolk Forum moved to the 2,481 seat Chrysler Hall and has sponsored speakers in this venue ever since.

The Forum's speakers have included presidents, prime ministers, princes and queens, diplomats, politicians, comedians, writers, journalists, playwrights, poets, correspondents, Pulitzer Prize winners, spies, scientists, adventurers, comedians, musicians, actors and actresses, judges, and many professions too varied to list. Traditionally, male speakers are expected to appear in black tie, as their lecture, often accompanied by a reception, is considered a formal affair.

A board of directors made up of local citizens governs the Norfolk Forum. The Forum is supported entirely by income from ticket sales and a grant from the Bruce Shafer World Peace Fund, which supports one speaker yearly on the topic of world peace.

Note written by Mel Frizzell

Scope and Contents

The collection contains information about the business of the Norfolk Forum lecture series, its history, and the numerous speakers sponsored by the Forum. Included are information on the Forum's membership, board of directors, correspondence, committees, policies, season programs, brochures, news clippings, and speaker biographies. Also included are audiotapes and videotapes of Forum oral history interviews and select speakers, and numerous photos of various speakers and receptions.

Arrangement Note

The collection is organized into eight series: Series I: Business; Series II: Events; Series III: History; Series IV: Publicity; Series V: Speakers; Series VI: Other Organizations; Series VII: Multimedia; and Series VIII: Photographs.

Subjects and Indexing Terms


Significant Places Associated With the Collection

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Container List

Series I
Series I: Business
circa 1930-2004, undated
Scope and Contents

This series contains administrative records of the Norfolk Forum. Some of the records found in the series include agendas and meeting minutes, bylaws, finanical information, committee records, as well as policies and procedures.

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Series II
Series II: Events
1950-2005, undated
Scope and Contents

This series contains correspondence, calendars, invitations, programs, and reception material related to events hosted or sponsored by the Norfolk Forum.

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Series III
Series III: History
1990-2000, undated
Scope and Contents

This series contains material related to the Norfolk Forum's history. Included are biographies of various members, information and correspondence related to early members in the Norfolk Forum's history, a Norfolk Forum history project and oral histories conducted in the late 1990s, and the drafts and final copies of The Best Ticket in Town: A History of the Norfolk Forum. Materials are arranged alphabetically by topic.

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Series IV
Series IV: Publicity
1930-2000, undated
Scope and Contents

This series contains brochures, media announcements, and news clippings related to advertising and media coverage of the Norfolk Forum.

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Series V
Series V: Speakers
1942-2005, undated
Scope and Contents

This series contains material related to obtaining speakers for the Norfolk Forum. Included are both speakers and prospective speakers, as well as correspondence with various agencies representing the speakers.

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Series VI
Series VI: Other Organizations
1935-1998, undated
Scope and Contents

This series contains material related to other organizations affiliated with or have done business with the Norfolk Forum. Some of the organizatoins found in the series include the Richmond Forum, Portsmouth Forum, the Bruce Shafer World Peace Trust, and the World Affairs Council of Greater Hampton Roads.

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Series VII
Series VII: Multimedia
1997-2001
Scope and Contents

This series contains audiotapes and videotapes of Norfolk Forum Oral Histories and selected speaker appearances.

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Series VIII
Series VIII: Photographs
1997-2009, undated
Scope and Contents

his series contains photographs of various Norfolk Forum speakers and events. Photos are arranged chronologically by the date of the event.

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