JAMES D. HALDAMAN PHOTOGRAPHS AND PAPERS, 1980-81

This collection consists of textual and audiovisual materials related to the planning and execution of community events held in conjunction with the dedication of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in September 1981. The textual materials, which consist of press releases, schedules, correspondence, agendas, and minutes, document the work of the Gerald R. Ford Museum Dedication Committee’s Community Events Committee headed by Peter Secchia. These events celebrated the opening of the Ford Museum, and included a lecture series, fireworks, and the dedication ceremony, among others. There is also a significant amount of material in the collection related to the week-long “Celebration on the Grand” in Grand Rapids, Michigan, which took place at the same time as the dedication.

The audiovisual series consists primarily of 35mm and 70mm color negatives of photographs taken by Mr. Haldaman in his capacity as Senior Photographer for the Historical Committee for the Gerald R. Ford Museum Dedication Week. They depict the dedication of the Ford Presidential Museum as well as events held during the corresponding “Celebration on the Grand.” Events include the Grand Rapids trout and salmon contest; Gerald R. Ford Stamp Collection viewing and auction; Ford Museum Presidential Parade; Bob Hope television special; and fireworks displays.