Preserve, Educate, Celebrate

PRESERVATION

THE COMEDY HALL OF FAME ARCHIVES

About the Archives

The Archive in its essence is an oral history consisting of a series of filmed interviews with individual artists and industry professionals that define comedy in the twentieth century.

History has no single author but is written by those whose stories it tells. We are a culture engrossed with history, encumbered by its weight and yet infinitely interested in its impact. We build monuments to commemorate the past and mausoleums to memorialize our forbearers. The history of comedy is defined by its artists; very much like the fine arts of painting and sculpture. Through the archives, the public will meet the people behind the brilliant personas, characters and comedic work that they have created.

History told in the first person offers a greater and more compelling understanding of comedy for today and for future generations. History is at its best when told by those who create it, those who define the art.