GroundSpark Records, 1978-2013

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Summary

Creators:
Groundspark (Firm) and Chasnoff, Debra, 1957-2017
Abstract:
The collection contains the organizational records of and film and video elements created by GroundSpark, a documentary film company established by Debra Chasnoff. GroundSpark's educational films often address subjects of human rights and sexuality.
Extent:
33 Cubic Feet (33 cartons of records, 1 oversized envelope, 1 oversized folder), and approximately 1,259 film and video elements.
Language:
Collection materials are in English .
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], GroundSpark Records (GLC 156), LGBTQIA Center, San Francisco Public Library.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection contains organizational records, documents (contracts, releases, etc.), digital files, working files, moving image materials (screening prints, as well as additional footage such as outtakes), and printed materials (pre-production and production notes, photographs, publicity materials, articles and releases, posters, fliers, catalogs, etc.). In addition there are business records of GroundSpark. There is also collected research on the Sharon Kowalski and Karen Thompson case, and for a television project called "Digital Divide" / Wired4What.

Biographical / historical:

Debra Chasnoff (1957-2017) was an Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker and producer whose educational films promoted greater tolerance for gays and lesbians. She was president of GroundSpark, a nonprofit company whose Respect For All Project distributes films and companion educational guides for classroom discussion. GroundSpark was preceded by Women's Educational Media (WEM) and an association with New Day productions.

Chasnoff's first film was Choosing Children (1984) and was co-produced with Kim Klausner, her partner at the time. The film profiled six same-sex couples who were raising children. Chasnoff's documentary short Deadly Deception: General Electric, Nuclear Weapons and Our Environment won an Academy Award in 1992. She is probably best known for the films It's Elementary: Talking About Gay Issues in School (1996) and That's A Family (2000). Other films produced and/or directed by Chasnoff include: Straightlaced: How Gender's Got Us All Tied Up (2009), Let's Get Real (2003) about bullying, One Wedding and a Revolution (2004) about the legalization of same-sex marriage, and Celebrating the Life of Del Martin (2011) about lesbian activist Del Martin.

Acquisition information:
Donated by Debra Chasnoff, November 22, 2016. Additions received, August 29, 2018. And, in November 2021, Mimi Kim Klausner donated 3 cartons (boxes 31-33) of files and audio-visual materials related to the film Choosing Children which she made with Chasnoff.
Arrangement:

UNPROCESSED COLLECTION. Box inventory available.

Physical location:
Open for research. The collection is offsite and advance notice is required for retrieval. Material must be requested at least 4 business days in advance of visit.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open for research and available for use during San Francisco History Center hours. Photographs are available during Photo Desk hours. This collection must be requested at least 4 business days in advance of visit.

The paper records are stored offsite and should be requested 48 hours in advance. The film and video materials are stored offsite; please contact Hormel Center archivist for access. UNPROCESSED COLLECTION. Box inventory available. Contact Hormel LGBTQIA Center archivist for access.

Terms of access:

Copyright retained by GroundSpark.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], GroundSpark Records (GLC 156), LGBTQIA Center, San Francisco Public Library.

Location of this collection:
San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102, US
Contact:
(415) 557-4567
sfhistory@sfpl.org
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