Sound recordings, circa 1965-1978
Scope and Contents
The audiovisual recordings series contains audio and video recordings. Much of the video consists of short amateur films promoting Jonestown, showing off its residents, equipment, and facilities; there is also video footage of several Temple meetings. The sound recordings are much more varied. Some are recordings of Jim Jones’ sermons and his amateur radio broadcasts from Jonestown. Others document commercial radio appearances by Temple members and associates, including Marceline Jones, Mark Lane, and Jim McElvane. There is a long recording of an interview with Jim Jones by Phil Tracy of New West Magazine, as well as several copies of commercial music albums. Several tapes were bulk erased at some point between creation and donation.
This series will be of interest to researchers who are curious about how the Temple represented itself both to outsiders and insiders, as well as the religious doctrines that informed members’ thinking. Though heavily mediated, they provide an in-depth look into the Temple’s internal life.
Dates
- circa 1965-1978
Conditions Governing Access
Sealed and closed until 2046:
[Peoples Temple meeting], Thanksgiving meeting, Nov. 25, 1971, Reel 1, Video Tape 04, Box 43.
[Peoples Temple meeting, Los Angeles], 11-27-71, #2, Video Tape 10, Box 43.
[Peoples Temple meeting], Reel #3, 11/27/71, L.A. meeting, Video Tape 03, Box 43.
Sealed and closed until 2050:
[Peoples Temple meeting], March 5, 1975, Wed nite, Video Tape 01, Box 43.
[Peoples Temple meeting], 3/14/1975, Video Tape 02, Box 43.
[Psychic surgery on unidentified woman's abdomen and neck], Film Reel 40, Box 44.
[Peoples Temple meeting], L.A. Saturday, Video Tape 07, Box 43
Sealed for the lifetimes of the subjects:
“Jim and Marcie respond to John Stoen suit from Jonestown,” Film Reel 01, Box 44 (Timothy Stoen and Grace Jones)
Extent
From the Series: 5 Linear Feet (2 record storage cartons, 1 oversize print box B, 1 large capacity CD box, 1 oversize legal document box)
Language of Materials
English
Repository Details
Part of the California Historical Society Repository