Once you arrive at the site, you can learn about the history of instruments, choose to listen to the “Cylinder of the day“, find thematic selections by browsing the playlists, or use the search engine at the top of the page to find selections by keyword, author, title, subject, year, or UCSB call number. Available recordings include those first recorded on tinfoil in 1877 as well as the last celluloid recordings in 1929. Types of recordings include:
- Popular songs of the day
- Vaudeville acts
- Classical music
- Opera
- Comedy
- Audio Theater
- Historical speeches
- Foreign and ethnic recordings
Visitors are also able to download the files in an MP3 format to listen to while on the go.
Click the “About” link in the upper right page to learn about the project or use the footer menu to find the Help/FAQs.
Not only are these recordings fun and nostalgic, but they also present a listening journey into the past.
***Please be aware that the nature of some of the recordings may contain objectionable material due to the stereotyping of the day. As always, parental supervision is advised.***
