Scope and Content Note
The Howard Ashman Papers span the period 1973-2010, with the majority of the materials dating from 1982-1991. Materials include scripts, piano-conductor scores, correspondence, business papers, photographs, scrapbooks, posters, clippings, notes, research materials, programs, promotional materials, writings, drawings, sketches, storyboards, biographical materials, address and date books, and memorial tributes.
The Project Files include materials for stage and film works and are arranged alphabetically by project name. When known, the original production information has been provided. In the case of Little Shop of Horrors where the musical was subsequently filmed, the materials for the film have been included with the stage materials. Project files consist of scripts and script fragments arranged chronologically, scores, notes, research materials, business papers, correspondence, programs, and clippings.
Biographical Materials include early writings and school project materials, address and date books, and memorial tributes. The correspondence consists chiefly of personal letters received by Ashman throughout his career, get-well wishes during his illness, and condolence letters to his sister Sarah after Ashman's death.
The Miscellany series contains general clippings, writings by others, and a few uncategorized items. The writings by others primarily contain plays or musicals in draft form, some of which are annotated. A list of unannotated published scripts that were not retained is kept in the collections file in the Library of Congress Music Division.