Description
Records mainly consist of photographs
created or collected by Peoples Temple members in order to support the Temple's public
relations efforts, including the publication of the
Peoples
Forum
newspaper. The collection includes approximately 53,500 black-and-white 35mm
negative images; 3,500 color slides; 30,000 individual contact prints; and hundreds of
photographic prints, representing over 56,000 unique images of Peoples Temple. Images
extensively document Peoples Temple's activism, particularly during the critical years of
1976 to 1978. The collection contains a wealth of imagery depicting the demonstrations,
rallies, and events organized by Peoples Temple in support of prominent public officials,
activists, and organizations in California, as well as images of Jonestown, Guyana. In
addition to photographs, the collections includes 43 film and video recordings of Peoples
Temple in California and Guyana; 49 audio recordings of sermons and interviews given by Jim
Jones; and publications, ephemera, and manuscript material, including the "Conspiracy Book,"
compiled by the Publications Department to document alleged media and government
conspiracies against Peoples Temple, and mailers illustrating Peoples Temple's religious
outreach to the African American community.
Background
The Peoples Temple Publications Department was responsible for publicizing the Temple's
activities, publishing the Peoples Forum newspaper (which was
distributed by members on the street), releasing newsletters and calls for donations,
keeping up contact with members and visitors, and maintaining a large photographic library.
Extent
28.25 linear feet
(29 o-ring preservation box albums, 9 legal document boxes, four
albums with slipcases, 2 record storage cartons, 1 oversize flat print box Q, 1 shallow
lid cabinet card box, 1 flip top cabinet card box, 1 oversize print box B, 1 oversize
legal document box, 1 large capacity CD box)
Restrictions
The California Historical Society (CHS) is the lawful owner of Peoples Temple documents and
photographs, by orders of the California Superior Court and of the Guyana High Court. CHS is
unaware of any other copyrights or other rights associated with this material. Reproduction
or publication of materials in this collection beyond that allowed by fair use requires the
written permission of CHS. Please contact rights@calhist.org.
Availability
Some materials in this collection are restricted to protect the privacy of living people.
Medically sensitive materials have been restricted for 75 years after their last possible
date of creation; others have been restricted for the lifetimes of their subjects.