Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Law School Library

The Rutgers-Newark Institute of Jazz Studies will use funds to improve the physical condition �" including conservation, re-housing, and the installation of storage fixtures �" of the William “Count” and Catherine Basie papers. This is the only collection with provenance tracing directly to the Basie family that thoroughly documents his life and career, and includes all of their extant personal and professional papers and photographs, moving image and audio recordings with unique and previously unreleased content, souvenirs and ephemera, library, artwork, select home furnishings, as well as Count Basie's wardrobe and accessories, awards, and honors. William “Count” Basie (1904-1984) is widely recognized as one of the pioneers of jazz who helped to define big band styles in the 1920s and 1930s. He is also credited with helping to lay the foundation for rock-n-roll and American popular music in the post-WWII years. The project will preserve the collection and ensure that its contents are restored to exhibition quality and suitable for public use. It will be matched by $446,890 in non-federal share.