Donna Caplan collection on Star Trek, 1987-2004, undated, bulk 1994-1995

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Summary

Creators:
Caplan, Donna
Abstract:
This collection consists of action figures, toys, and other material primarily related to Star Trek The Next Generation, Star Trek Deep Space Nine, and Star Trek Generations.
Extent:
13.75 linear feet (11 boxes)
Language:
The collection is in English .
Preferred citation:

[identification of item], [date if possible]. Donna Caplan collection on Star Trek (MS 327). Special Collections & University Archives, University of California, Riverside.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of action figures, toysets, and memorabilia primarily related to Star Trek The Next Generation, Star Trek Deep Space Nine, and Star Trek Generations. The collection includes collectible action figures, playsets, as well as informational cards that reference the beloved show, these cards include collectible chips and information guides that reference each character and their contribution to the show. The dates included reference the manufacturing date of the item.

Biographical / historical:

Premiering in 1966 Star Trek became a beacon for Science-Fiction dramas. Many of the conflicts and political dimensions of Star Trek represent allegories of contemporary cultural realities. Star Trek: The Original Series addressed issues of the 1960s,just as later spin-offs have reflected issues of their respective decades. Issues depicted in the various series include war and peace, the value of personal loyalty, authoritarianism, imperialism, class warfare, economics, racism, religion, human rights, sexism, feminism, and the role of technology.

The first series, now referred to as The Original Series, debuted in 1966 and ran for three seasons on NBC. It followed the interstellar adventures of James T. Kirk and the crew of the starship Enterprise, an exploration vessel of a 23rd-century interstellar "United Federation of Planets". These adventures continued in the short-lived Star Trek: The Animated Series and six feature films. Four spin-off television series were eventually produced: Star Trek: The Next Generation followed the crew of a new starship Enterprise set a century after the original series; Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Star Trek: Voyager, set contemporaneously with The Next Generation; and Star Trek: Enterprise. Four additional The Next Generation feature films were produced. The franchise has gained a cult-like following that allowed for individuals everywhere to gather memorabilia, cosplay their favorite characters, and even gain interest in astronomical studies. The shows title phrase is also memorable, as it sets the premise of every adventure the characters embark on.

"Space: the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its five-year mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before."

Acquisition information:
Gift of Donna Caplan, 2009.
Processing information:

Processed by Aleia McDaniel, Student Processing Assistant, 2016.

Processing of the Donna Caplan collection on Star Trek was completed by undergraduate students from the University of California, Riverside as part of the Special Collections & University Archives Backlog Processing Project started in 2015. This project was funded by the UCR Library and administered by Bergis Jules, University and Political Papers Archivist, and Eric Milenkiewicz, Manuscripts Curator.

Arrangement:

This collection is organized into three series as follows:

  • Series 1. The Next Generation, 1987-1994
  • Series 2. Deep Space 9, 1993-1999
  • Series 3. Voyager, 1995-2001
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Please contact Special Collections & Archives in advance to request access.

Terms of access:

Copyright has not been assigned to the University of California, Riverside Libraries, Special Collections & University Archives. Distribution or reproduction of materials protected by copyright beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. To the extent other restrictions apply, permission for distribution or reproduction from the applicable rights holder is also required. Responsibility for obtaining permissions, and for any use rests exclusively with the user.

Preferred citation:

[identification of item], [date if possible]. Donna Caplan collection on Star Trek (MS 327). Special Collections & University Archives, University of California, Riverside.

Location of this collection:
University of California, Riverside - Special Collections and University Archives
P.O. Box 5900
Riverside, CA 92517-5900, US
Contact:
(951) 827-3233
specialcollections@ucr.edu
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