Local History Through The Camera Lens Exhibit

Explore the history of Raleigh's Century Film Studios (1950s-1980s) through this exhibit researched by NCSU students and faculty. Century was founded in Raleigh in the mid-1950s by O.B. Garris (formerly of WNAO and WRAL), a prolific cameraman, photographer, and filmmaker. The studio produced campaign films and public service announcements for various prominent North Carolina political figures including Governors Terry Sanford, Jim Hunt, Bob Scott, and others; and short sponsored films for the likes of the North Carolina State Fair, NCSU, the North Carolina Police Information Network, the Boy Scouts, the Record Bar, and Mt. Olive Pickles.

Graduate students and advanced undergraduates in Dr. Devin Orgeron's Seminar in Nonfiction Media (ENG 585 / Fall 2015) were assigned films from the collection, which they then researched, establishing a context for understanding Garris' work and the historical moment during which they were produced. The exhibit will be available to view on the iPearl Immersion Theater by selecting it from the gallery console from November 11 to December 11.

This exhibit was developed by Dr. Devin Orgeron and Melissa Dollman, with support from NCSU Libraries, NCSU Film Studies, the State Archives of NC, and A/V Geeks.