R. Wensell Grabarek papers, 1963-2013

Using These Materials Teaser

Using These Materials Links:

Using These Materials

Restrictions:
Original audiovisual materials are closed to use. Use of these materials may require production of listening or viewing copies. Please contact Research Services before coming to use this...
More about accessing and using these materials...

Summary

Creator:
Grabarek, R. Wense
Abstract:
Collection consists of 11 DVDs, 9 mini-dv videocassettes, one hard drive, and 12 video files primarily associated with interviews of former Durham, North Carolina mayor R. Wensell Grabarek, from 2004 to 2013, in which Grabarek details his career and participation in desegregating Durham in the early 1960s.
Extent:
0.5 Linear Feet (1 box containing mini-dv tapes, DVDs, and a hard drive.)
Language:
Materials in English
Collection ID:
RL.10014

Background

Scope and content:

The collection consists of DVDs and video files primarily associated with interviews of former Durham, North Carolina mayor R. Wensell Grabarek (1963-1971). In 2004, Grabarek was interviewed by Steven Channing for his film, Durham: A Self-Portrait (2007); in 2011, historian and author Tim Tyson interviewed Grabarek, in a conversation initiated by Phail Wynn, Duke University's Vice President of Durham and Regional Affairs; in February 2013, Angela Hampton, the host of Heart of Carolina Perspectives on local ABC affiliate WTVD, sat down with Grabarek to discuss the events of May 1963 and their impact on the desegregation of Durham; and in July 2013, Craig Breaden and Kirston Johnson of the Rubenstein Rare Book and Manuscript Library interviewed Mr. Grabarek for an oral history to accompany the donation of his papers to the Rubenstein Library. In addition to these interviews, there is a copy of the May 24, 1963 episode of the CBS News program Eyewitness to History, profiling civil rights efforts in North Carolina and featuring a segment on Durham and Wense Grabarek.

Biographical / historical:

Born to Albert and Elizabeth Grabarek on May 21, 1919, Robert Wensell Grabarek was trained as an accountant, receiving his bachelor's and master's degree from Benjamin Franklin University in Washington, D.C. Entering the U.S. Army as a private in June, 1941, he earned three Battle Stars and a Bronze Star during World War II, and left the service at the end of the war with the rank of captain.

In the 1950s Grabarek and his family moved to Durham, where Grabarek became active in civic, education, and business organizations. From 1957 to 1961 he served on the Durham City Council. Elected to mayor of Durham in May 1963, during the height of the city's civil rights demonstrations, Grabarek is credited with bringing together Durham's white and black leadership, resolving the demonstrations through peaceful desegregation of many of the city's businesses. Grabarek served as mayor of Durham until 1971, and was involved in Urban Renewal programs, the development of the Research Triangle Park, recruitment of businesses to the area, enlarging the city's boundaries, and the construction of Durham Freeway.

Acquisition information:
The R. Wensell Grabarek Papers were received by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book Manuscript Library as a gift from Mr. Grabarek in 2012 and 2013.
Processing information:

Processed by: Craig Breaden, May 2013.

Accessions described in this finding aid: UA2012-0029.

Physical location:
For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Contents

Using These Materials

Using These Materials Links:

Using These Materials

Restrictions:

Original audiovisual materials are closed to use. Use of these materials may require production of listening or viewing copies. Please contact Research Services before coming to use this collection.

The collection may contain materials to which the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibilities and Privacy Rights form applies. Patrons must sign this form before using the collection.

All or portions of this collection may be housed off-site in Duke University's Library Service Center. The library may require up to 48-hours to retrieve these materials for research use.

Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library to use this collection.

Terms of access:

The copyright interests in this collection have not all been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.

Before you visit:
Please consult our up-to-date information for visitors page, as our services and guidelines periodically change.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], R. Wensell Grabarek papers, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.