Preserving the Soundtrack of a Community
Uncovering a Hidden Gem
The WEVD collection, which includes cantorial music, Hasidic melodies, Yiddish theater, klezmer, and opera, was rescued from the brink of oblivion by a retired cantor, David Shiff, who recognized the significance of these musical treasures. For four decades, Shiff carefully preserved the documents in his basement, safeguarding a vital piece of Jewish cultural history.The collection's journey to the NYPL's Dorot Jewish Division was facilitated by Hankus Netsky, a Boston-based klezmer band leader and educator, who learned of its existence in 2019. Netsky's efforts to bring the collection to the attention of institutions like the Yiddish Book Center and the Milken Archive of Jewish Music were initially met with disinterest, but his persistence paid off when he alerted the NYPL's Dorot Jewish Division.
Lyudmila Sholokhova, the curator of the Dorot Jewish Division, immediately recognized the scope and historical significance of the WEVD collection. In October 2022, the NYPL decided to acquire the trove, which is expected to be a costly endeavor to process and catalog.
The Sounds of Jewish New York
The WEVD collection represents a unique window into the musical landscape of the Jewish community in the United States. The radio station, which billed itself as "the station that speaks your language," was owned by The Forward Association and was known for its diverse programming, featuring the works of renowned Yiddish theater composers and arrangers, such as Abraham Ellstein, Alexander Olshanetsky, Joseph Rumshinsky, and Sholom Secunda.The collection's significance extends beyond its musical content, as it also serves as a historical record of the Jewish experience in the United States. Sholokhova, the NYPL curator, aptly described WEVD as "a history of Jewish music and the Jewish people in the United States," reflecting the station's role as a hub for the community's cultural expression.
The collection's diversity is a testament to the breadth of Jewish musical traditions represented on WEVD. From cantorial music and Hasidic melodies to Yiddish theater and klezmer, the station's programming catered to a wide range of tastes and generations within the Jewish community.
Preserving a Sonic Legacy
The acquisition of the WEVD collection by the NYPL's Dorot Jewish Division ensures that this invaluable musical heritage will be preserved and made accessible to scholars, musicians, and the public. Sholokhova and her team estimate that the cataloging process will take approximately two years, as they navigate the complexities of copyright issues and the sheer volume of the material.While the collection will not be digitized due to these copyright concerns, the NYPL's commitment to preserving and providing access to the documents underscores the importance of safeguarding the sonic legacy of the Jewish community in the United States. The collection's significance extends beyond its musical value, as it serves as a testament to the resilience and cultural richness of a community that has long been an integral part of the fabric of New York City.
The NYPL's acquisition of the WEVD collection is a momentous event, not only for the institution but for the broader Jewish community. It represents the recognition of a vital cultural heritage that has been hidden from view for far too long, and the opportunity to share its richness with the world. As the NYPL celebrates the 125th anniversary of its Dorot Jewish Division, the WEVD collection stands as a testament to the enduring power of music to preserve and transmit the stories of a people.