The Scherer Library of Musical Theatre at Goodspeed is one of the most extensive musical theatre research facilities in the United States. Dedicated to preserving the rich legacy of the art form, the library carefully maintains a comprehensive collection of scores, sheet music, scripts, original cast recordings, programs, photographs, and theatre memorabilia in a facility located in East Haddam, Connecticut.
Established in the 1970s to provide historical research for Goodspeed productions, the library has evolved into a valuable resource for theatres across the country, as well as students, scholars and the public.
Managed by a full-time librarian, the library’s non-circulating collection is fully accessible with viewing and listening equipment available on site. The materials in the Library of Musical Theatre are available to the public for reference and research by appointment only, which may be made Monday through Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., or by special arrangement.
The Scherer Library of Musical Theatre at Goodspeed relies solely on contributions for the growth of its collection. During the past two decades, the library has benefited from the generosity of many musical theatre professionals, collectors and enthusiasts, who have donated thousands of rare and important performance materials.
Donations
Goodspeed welcomes the donation of materials relating to musical theatre or financial gifts to the Library. For more information, please contact the Librarian at (860) 873-8664, ext. 373 or library@goodspeed.org.
The Collection Includes:
Recordings: Sound recordings from the turn of the century to the present in all formats, highlighted by original musical cast recordings, operettas, and film musical soundtracks.
Printed Music: Sheet music, scores and song books from the 1850s to the present.
Books and Scripts: Reference books, biographies, periodicals, and music librettos.
Videos: A film musicals collection, funded in part by Xerox Foundation, Inc., and archival videos of Goodspeed productions.
Theatre Programs: Programs and souvenir books from Broadway and around the world.
Photographs: Production and personality photographs from a variety of shows and recordings.
Memorabilia: Theatre ephemera, news clippings, scrapbooks, and posters.
The Library’s Special Collections
The National Broadcasting Company (NBC) Sheet Music Library: The Department of Music Services donated its extensive collection of sheet music, which contains more than 30,000 titles dating back to the turn of the century, used in the heyday of radio and the early days of live television.
The Carol & Frank Tuit Record Collection: An extensive collection of music by George Gershwin on tape, vinyl and acetate, including rare recordings.
The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization Librettos & Scores: A complete collection of librettos from musicals licensed by The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization.
Music Theatre International Librettos and Scores: A complete collection of librettos and scores from musicals licensed by Music Theatre International.
Goodspeed Opera House Archives: Historical information on the Goodspeed Opera House, as well as librettos, scores, videos, orchestrations, and memorabilia from productions.
The Josef Weinberger Collection: An extensive collection of librettos and scores donated by Josef Weinberger, London.
The Judge David I. Harfeld Collection: an extensive collection of vinyl recordings, cds, memorabilia, photographs, news clippings, reviews, and videos.
The Stephen Crowley Collection: Memorabilia and audio and video recordings covering a wide range of 20th and 21st Century musical theatre. With special thanks to Alex Membreno and Josh Stoll.