This project, funded by grants from the Carnegie Corporation of New York, continues the history of Andrew Carnegie's central philanthropic organization from 1970 until the close of the twentieth century. In more than 270 hours of interviews including 63 hours shot on high definition video, Carnegie Corporation staff, trustees, and grant recipients discuss the institution's contributions to regional, national and global welfare. Major thematic areas discussed in Part II of the Corporation's history include its national work in childhood development, research, education and media (including Sesame Street); and the Corporation's international work in nuclear disarmament, and legal and educational reform. A central focus of the Part II interviews with grantees is the impact of the Corporation's work in South Africa, where the Corporation funded economic research into black poverty as well as legal reform during the decades of apartheid. Also discussed are the Corporation's public programs such as educational exchange, conflict prevention, adolescent and family development, and support of pro-democracy and economic development work. In addition, the interviews document Carnegie's changes in leadership, organizational structure, board and staff, and the evolving role of women in the Corporation during the last quarter century. Interviewees also reflect on philanthropy's role in American culture, and the global impact of American philanthropy in societies transitioning to democracy. The Carnegie Corporation grant for this project included a commitment to explore the contribution of video to the scholarly and public practice of oral history. A selection of video and audio interviews, along with transcripts, can be accessed through the Oral History Research Office website. The website features a documentary made based on the Corporation's century-long presence in South Africa, "Voices of South Africa."
