John Hemmer Archive

Metropolitan Archivist | Community Testimony: Gathering Veteran Performer Histories During a Pandemic; City Reliquary Museum | The Latin Quarter Revue: Behind the Curtain | April 2023 - February 2024

History of an Era, is part of the more expansive project that is the 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's mission is to make available to future generations, mid-20th century live entertainment history through first-hand accounts. Furthermore, it strives to celebrate the performers who delighted thousands of patrons before popular culture changed the nightlife society landscape forever.

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