Finding Aid Info
The contents and arrangement on the collection are described in the finding aid.
Research consultation support is available by contacting our Archives & Special Collections Department.
August Wilson Archive
Explore Collection
How to Visit
The August Wilson Archive is accessible at Hillman Library on the University of Pittsburgh Oakland Campus.
Please see our website for more information on how to visit.
Explore Exhibits
New for Fall 2023!
August Wilson Archive Exhibit
Currently we are highlighting materials relating to Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean, whose Broadway casts have included Phylicia Rashad, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Anthony Chisholm and other luminaries of stage and screen. Previous exhibits showcased materials relating to Wilson’s first play to appear on Broadway, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and Seven Guitars.
This exhibit can be viewed on the third floor of Hillman Library near Archives & Special Collections during open hours.
August Wilson in Place
Digital Exhibit
In honor of the grand opening of the August Wilson Archive, Dr. Jessica Fitzpatrick designed this exhibit to highlight how we can "see" the place of August Wilson.
This digital is a work of cultural and spatial studies that connects the concept of Place with intangible memory, personal experience, and physical space. This is based on work for a living map - August Wilson in Place (arcgis.com)
This exhibit can be viewed on the third floor of Hillman Library on the Digital Wall during open hours.
August Wilson Forever® Stamp
Virtual Event
The USPS released an August Wilson commemorative forever stamp in their Black Heritage series.
Please take a look at the First Day of Issue Stamp Ceremony video released Thursday, January 28, 2021 that along with Constanza Romero Wilson and Viola Davis, features images from the University of Pittsburgh Library System's August Wilson Archive.
A Writer’s Landscape Exhibition
Permanent Exhibit
The August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC) in Downtown, Pittsburgh created a 3,600 square foot permanent exhibition that explores the people and places of Pittsburgh, where August Wilson was born and raised, and which had a profound impact on shaping his worldview and inspiring his unprecedented 10-play American Century Cycle.
Presented in three sections, or acts, A Writer’s Landscape showcases the universal themes the prolific playwright tackled and the enduring relevance of his work through artifacts from Wilson’s life and notable productions of his work; elements that invite patrons to address the issues of race, representation, family, and community; and interactive digital components that showcase each play in the cycle and where Wilson’s works are being presented around the world today.
Giving Voice
On Netflix
Executive produced by Viola Davis and John Legend, "Giving Voice" follows students in the annual August Wilson Monologue Competition inspired by the late playwright.
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
On Netflix
Chicago, 1927. A recording session. Tensions rise between Ma Rainey (Viola Davis), her ambitious horn player (Chadwick Boseman) and the white management determined to control the uncontrollable “Mother of the Blues.” Based on Pulitzer Prize winner August Wilson's play.
All images part of the August Wilson Archive,
Archives & Special Collections, University of Pittsburgh Library System.