The History of An Era is part of a more expansive project that is John Hemmer Archive. The seed of the archive is the story of singer/performer, John Hemmer, his community and collection of memorabilia. He and his cohort entertained during the midcentury nightclub era in New York City and beyond. The project centers around a documentary, John Hemmer & the Showgirls and additional documentation of performer experiences. These recollections are captured in the film, oral history videos, the digitizing and cataloging of personal materials and written articles. These histories are also expressed through live panel discussions taking place at libraries, museums and festivals. The John Hemmer Archive seeks to become part of a formal institutional collection. Its mission is to make available to future generations, the opportunity to learn and celebrate mid-20th century live entertainment and the performers who delighted thousands of patrons before popular culture changed the nightlife society landscape forever.