Milk (Harvey) ā€˜In Case’ Tape Collection, 1977, 2021

Collection context

Summary

Title:
Harvey Milk 'In Case' Tape collection
Dates:
1977, 2021
Creators:
Milk, Harvey Nicoletta, Daniel, 1954-
Abstract:
Extent:
0.1 linear feet (1 folder)
Language:
Preferred citation:

Harvey Milk 'In Case' Tape collection. GLBT Historical Society

Background

Scope and content:

Harvey Milk recorded three audio tapes on November 18, 1977, 10 days after his election to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. On tape #2, the one held in this collection, Milk explained, ā€œKnowing that I could be assassinated at any moment or any time, I feel it’s important that some people know my thoughts. Uh, and so the following is my thoughts, my wishes, my desires, whatever.ā€ Milk labeled the tapes ā€œin caseā€ and gave one each to John Wahl (#1), Walter Caplan (#2), and Frank Robinson (#3). This collection documents the history of Caplan’s tape. In addition to the tape itself, two CD-RWs contain several digital versions of the recording, including the raw recording, remastered versions by Jim Lively, and a four minute version edited by Larry-Bob Roberts that was played at the unveiling of Harvey Milk’s sculpture at San Francisco City Hall. A book by the photographer Daniel Nicoletta records his research on the tape and its history. Also included is a copy of the book printed on archival paper, and a DVD-R with the book’s digital files.

Acquisition information:
Gift of Daniel Nicoletta, September 2021.

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid created by GLBT Historical Society staff.
Date Prepared:
1977, 2021
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:54 p.m.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

All requests for reproductions and/or permission to publish or quote from material must be submitted in writing to the GLBT Historical Society Archivist. Permission for reproductions and/or permission to publish or quote from material is given on behalf of the GLBT Historical Society as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by copyright beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.

Preferred citation:

Harvey Milk 'In Case' Tape collection. GLBT Historical Society

Location of this collection:
989 Market Street, Lower Level
San Francisco, CA 94103, US
Contact:
(415) 777-5455