Archives Bazaar
Researchers and history enthusiasts get the chance to consult local experts and explore the diverse collections that tell the stories of LA. In addition to a wide array of fascinating exhibitors, the event features panel discussions, educational sessions, film screenings, book signing, and more.The educational programming offers activities for professional archivists, hobbyists, and curious members of the public, including informal workshops on physical preservation, Wikipedia-edit-a-thons, and special networking events.
The first Archives Bazaar had 40 exhibitors and was held by the Huntington Library Art Museum and Botanical Gardens. Since 2008, the bazaar has been hosted by the University of Southern California first in the Davidson Conference Center, and then in the Doheny Memorial Library.
The Archives Bazaar frequently involves collaborations between LAAS and grass-roots organizations including the National History Day program, the Los Angeles Preservation Network, and Home Video Day. Since 2003, Home Movie Day had participated in the Archives Bazaar. Local archivists from Home Video Day set up a space with all the necessary inspection equipment, and invited members of the public to bring their home movie collections so they can be projected. The 14th Archives Bazaar featured representatives from over 70 archives and included the launch of Basement Tapes Day. Basement Tapes Day provides the public with access to vintage audio playback devices so they can listen to the home recordings on open-reel tape, cassettes, and micro-cassettes.
