Last Updated on August 8, 2022
Today in History–September 2–the Library of Congress features George Gershwin, who completed the orchestral score of the opera—Porgy and Bess—based on the DuBose Heyward novel on this date in 1935. The opera, like the novel, depicted the African-American Gullah culture of South Carolina. Learn more about this remarkable man and his collaborators on the internationally known opera by visiting the Today in History section and clicking the links below.
Porgy and Bess: American Treasure online exhibition item
Porgy and Bess condensed score
Porgy, a play curator video note
George Gershwin: A Sketch for Porgy and Bess (.pdf)
Scene from “Porgy and Bess,” 1935-1936 Theater Guild production
Porgy and Bess historical newspaper coverage
Leontyne Price of Porgy and Bess portraits
George Gershwin historical newspaper coverage
Gershwin: Prelude – E flat minor
Gullah/Geechee History and Culture research guide
Gullah/Geechee Collections at the American Folklife Center
The Black Border; Gullah Stories of the Carolina Coast 1922
A map of South Carolina and a part of Georgia. Containing the whole sea-coast
Gullah historical newspaper coverage
Gullah stories & personal narratives
Bill Tatnall, sitting with guitar, Frederica, Georgia
McIntosh County Shouters: Gullah-Geechee Ring Shout from Georgia event recording
Growing Up Gullah event recording
Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Act H.R.4683, 2003-2004
Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Act H.R.694, 2005-2006
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