Discover Your Local History
Published on Nov 25, 2015
Tips and techniques for researching local burlesque history, using Albuquerque as a case study
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PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Discover Local Burlesque History
How to research and share the history of burlesque in your own community
Photo by rockcreek
Much of burlesque history is lost
- Burlesque is women's history
- Burlesque is working class history
- Burlesque is sexual history
Photo by B.S. Wise
But traces remain...
Photo by Eva the Weaver
There are many resources available
- Public library special collections
- University special collections
- Local historical societies
- State, county, and municipal archives
- Local chambers of commerce
- Tourist bureaus
- Courthouse records
- Newspaper archives
Photo by DRs Kulturarvsprojekt
Many of these resources are open to the public
Photo by CircaSassy
Research strategies
- Introduce yourself and explain project
- General indexes: start with keywords like "burlesque", "vaudeville", "theatre"
- Make photocopies of relevant material, or ask if you can take photographs
- Note source, date, box/folder #, and other identifying info
Photo by Magh
Telephone Directories
- Look in the business section under "theater" for names and addresses
- Use the addresses to locate historical sites and take photos
Photo by MargaretBee
Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps
- Many libraries have these maps, or have microfilm or digital copies
- Look at downtown sections for buildings identified as theaters
- Note year, map book number, and page number
Photo by Floyd B. Bariscale
Police/Courthouse Records
- Contact local police/sheriff office about "vice" records
- Ask if records might have been transferred to local historical society, library, or museum
- Many communities have police museums, be sure to check there!
Photo by Phil's 1stPix
University Special Collections
University of New Mexico Digital Collections
The Elks Burlesque Circus Parade
- 19 photos, dated Nov 9, 1900, shot by the Cobb Studio in Albuquerque
- Parade promoting a traveling circus, with many burlesque elements of the time
Fiji Jim
Miss Annie Oakley
Cross-dressing stunt-shooter
Public Library Collections
Albuquerque Bernalillo County (ABC) Library
Albuquerque Historical Postcard Collection
Kimo Theatre Building, 1938
Newspaper Archives
Look for ads as well as articles
Chronicling America collection at LOC, papers from 1830s to 1922
Ad for 20th Century Maids
at the Crystal Theater,
May 9, 1915
"The coming to the Crystal Theater of the Western Wheel Burlesque has caused a great deal of talk and comment around the city... as this is the first real burlesque show that has ever played this territory"
The Western Wheel, also known as the Empire Circuit, was known for it's "hot" shows.
Crystal Theatre
219 2nd St SW
Crystal Theatre
- Opened 1911, closed by 1931, demolished in 1952
- Hosted at least one Western Wheel show
Juliette Belmont joined the 20th Century Maids as a soubrette from 1917-1919
Local resources
- Center for Southwest Research and Special Collections (UNM)
- ABC Library Special Collections
- Albuquerque Museum of Art and History
- Albuquerque Historical Society
- Chief Paul A. Shaver Police Museum
Photo by a4gpa
BHoF Local History Project
- Encouraging bq fans fans to learn about and share their local burlesque histories
- Share through a website to be launched by end of 2015 (tentative)
- Articles can be sent to info@burlesquehall.com for consideration for our main website
