Main content

WHYY MOVE Commission Hearing Videotapes

Notifications

Held at: Temple University Libraries: Special Collections Research Center [Contact Us]

This is a finding aid. It is a description of archival material held at the Temple University Libraries: Special Collections Research Center. Unless otherwise noted, the materials described below are physically available in their reading room, and not digitally available through the web.

Overview and metadata sections

Call Number:
SCRC 619
Repository:
Temple University Libraries: Special Collections Research Center
Extent:
10 linear feet (61 videotapes)
Language:
English
Preferred Citation:
[Description and date of item], [Reel number], WHYY Philadelphia Special Investigation Commission (MOVE) Hearing Videotapes, , SCRC 619, Special Collections Research Center, Temple University Libraries, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Date:
1985-1986 (inclusive)
Creator:
WHYY, Inc.
Form:
1-inch and video recordings (physical artifacts)
Abstract:

WHYY-TV, Channel 12, is a Philadelphia-based Public Broadcasting Station (PBS) member station in operation since 1957. The Philadelphia Special Investigation Commission (PSIC) was appointed by Philadelphia Mayor W. Wilson Goode to investigate the May 13, 1985 conflict between the City of Philadelphia and the MOVE organization. The eleven-member PSIC headed by William Brown III, included individuals with backgrounds in local government and law. PSIC's work was supplemented by investigators, attorneys, law students, support personnel and experts in explosives, fires and forensic pathology.

PSIC held its hearings in the WHYY-TV auditorium; they were open to the press and general public and also broadcast live on WHYY-TV. Additionally, the public hearings were simulcast on the radio through WHYY-FM (90.9) and sometimes on other local television networks. The hearings were held on eighteen weekdays between October 8 and November 6, 1985, from 10:00 am until early evening and included testimony from eighty-eight witnesses. An estimated one in every five television sets in the region were tuned to the hearing broadcasts. Louis J. Massiah produced WHYY's filming of the hearings, with WHYY general manager David A. Othmer listed as Executive Producer.

After the November conclusion of the hearings, the PSIC deliberated for months before issuing a report on March 8, 1986. The conclusions included a denunciation of the city government's actions in the conflict and thirty-eight recommendations for improvements in city operations going forward.

The WHYY Philadelphia Special Investigation Commission (MOVE) Hearing Videotapes contain sixty-one, one-inch videotape recordings produced as part of WHYY's 1985 live broadcast of the hearings. The majority of the tapes feature testimony of persons connected to the conflict between the City of Philadelphia and the MOVE organization. Recordings of some testimony are incomplete, and there are some people whose recordings are not included in the tapes in this collection. Additionally, there are recordings of a 1986 Philadelphia Special Investigation Commission press conference on the conclusions and findings of the commission and a 1986 broadcast featuring excerpts and commentary from the 1985 hearings. For a list of the people who testified and the dates of their testimony, please see Philadelphia Special Investigation Commission (MOVE) Records, 1978-1986, SCRC 605, Series 6, Boxes 19 - 24.

The videotapes in this collection are arranged chronologically.

Transferred to Temple University Libraries' custody by WHYY, May 2011.

All videotapes from the collection have been digitized and are available to view on an SCRC reading room computer desktop. The original tapes are closed to research use.

Original audiovisual materials, as well as preservation and duplicating masters, may not be played. Researchers must consult digitized copies. Please contact the Special Collections Research Center for more information.

Collection processed and finding aid prepared in January 2022 by John Pettit, Assistant Archivist.

American Friends Service Committee MOVE Records, SCRC 620, Special Collections Research Center, Temple University Libraries, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Philadelphia Special Investigation Commission (MOVE) Records, 1978-1986, SCRC 605, Special Collections Research Center, Temple University Libraries, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

MOVE Correspondence, Press Releases and Legal Documents, 1978-1985, Special Collections Research Center, Temple University Libraries, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

MOVE Newspaper Clippings Collection, 1985-1986, Special Collections Research Center, Temple University Libraries, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

MOVE Negative Collection, 1978-1985, Special Collections Research Center, Temple University Libraries, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

People
Organization
Subject
Place

Publisher
Temple University Libraries: Special Collections Research Center
Finding Aid Author
John Pettit, Archivist
Finding Aid Date
December 2021
Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research. Original tapes are closed to researchers, who must use digitized versions available in the SCRC reading room.

Use Restrictions

WHYY transferred the PSIC (MOVE) Hearing Videotapes to the custody of the Special Collections Research Center, Temple University Libraries. The City of Philadelphia agreed that WHYY may license the content to others in perpetuity, and WHYY has authorized Temple to make the content accessible to users under Temple's standard access and use policies. Any additional uses require prior written consent from WHYY. Other creators' intellectual property rights, including copyright, belong to them or their legal heirs and assigns. Researchers are responsible for obtaining their permission for publication and for other purposes where stated.

Collection Inventory

October 8 Hearings, 10:00 A.M.-11:30 A.M., October 8, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3034
Scope and Contents

Neil Shanahan, Commission Staff; John Cresse, Police Officer; Gregore Draper, Police Officer; Joseph O'Neil, Former Police Commissioner, Retired (partial deposition)

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:32:55

October 8 Hearings, 2:00 P.M.-3:30 P.M., October 8, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3036
Scope and Contents

John Cresse, Police Officer (partial deposition); Gregore Draper, Police Officer (partial deposition)

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:34:23

October 8 Hearings, 3:30 P.M.-5:00 P.M., October 8, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3037
Scope and Contents

John Cresse, Police Officer; Gregore Draper, Police Officer; Inez Nichols, Neighbor; Nathan Foskey, Neighbor; Carrie Foskey, Neighbor

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:29:46

October 9 Hearings, 10:00 A.M.-11:30 A.M., October 9, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3038
Scope and Contents

Betty Mapp, Neighbor (partial deposition); Cassandra Carter, Neighbor (partial deposition)

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:32:45

October 9 Hearings, 2:00 P.M.-3:45 P.M., October 9, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3040
Scope and Contents

Bennie J. Swans Jr., Crisis Intervention Network (partial deposition); Gloria Sutton, Commission on Human Relations; Louise James, Ex-MOVE Member; Lavarne Sims, Ex-MOVE Member

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:32:40

October 9 Hearings, 3:45 P.M.-5:00 P.M., October 9, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3041
Scope and Contents

Louise James, Ex-MOVE Member; Lavarne Sims, Ex-MOVE Member

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:01:16

October 10 Hearings, 3:30 P.M.-6:00 P.M., October 10, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3045
Scope and Contents

Clarence Mosley, Assistant Managing Director (partial deposition); Yvonne B. Haskins, Director of Human Relations; William Marrazzo, Water Commissioner; Thomas Walton, Deputy Water Commissioner; Bruce Aptowicz, Manager of Water Operations; Thomas Palmer, West Philadelphia Consortium; Stuart Shapiro, Health Commissioner; Richard Surles, Mental Health

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:33:39

October 10 Hearings, 6:00 P.M.-7:30 P.M., October 10, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3046
Scope and Contents

Stuart Shapiro, Health Commissioner; Thomas Palmer, West Philadelphia Consortium; Irene Pernsley, Commissioner of Human Services; Richard Gold, City Solicitor Office; Raymond Tate, Retired Commissioner Licenses and Inspections

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:33:18

October 11 Hearings, 11:20 A.M.-2:10 P.M., October 11, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3048
Scope and Contents

Rudolph Paliaga, Jr., Licenses and Inspections (partial deposition); James S. White, Commissioner of Licenses and Inspections; Herbert Kirk, Retired Police Sergeant

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:31:49

October 11 Hearings, 3:30 P.M.-5:00 P.M., October 11, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3050
Scope and Contents

W. Wilson Goode, Mayor

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:18:27

October 15 Hearings, 11:35 A.M.-2:25 P.M., October 15, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3052
Scope and Contents

W. Wilson Goode, Mayor (partial deposition)

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:34:52

October 15 Hearings, 2:20 P.M.-4:10 P.M., October 15, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3053
Scope and Contents

W. Wilson Goode, Mayor

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:34:49

October 15 Hearings, 4:05 P.M.-5:30 P.M., October 15, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3054
Scope and Contents

W. Wilson Goode, Mayor

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:28:16

October 16 Hearings, 10:00 A.M.-11:40 A.M., October 16, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3055
Scope and Contents

Leo A. Brooks, Former Managing Director

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:34:42

October 16 Hearings, 11:35 A.M-2:25 P.M., October 16, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3056
Scope and Contents

Leo A. Brooks, Former Managing Director

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:34:33

October 16 Hearings, 2:20 P.M.-4:10 P.M., October 16, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3057
Scope and Contents

Leo A. Brooks, Former Managing Director

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:34:45

October 16 Hearings, 4:05 P.M.-5:40 P.M., October 16, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3058
Scope and Contents

Leo A. Brooks, Former Managing Director

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:34:48

October 16 Hearings, 5:35 P.M.-6:35 P.M., October 16, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3059
Scope and Contents

Leo A. Brooks, Former Managing Director

Physical Description

1 Videotapes0:55:17

October 17 Hearings, 10:00 A.M.-11:45 A.M., October 17, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3060
Scope and Contents

Gregore J. Sambor, Former Police Commissioner

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:34:50

October 17 Hearings, 2:40 P.M.-4:20 P.M., October 17, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3062
Scope and Contents

Gregore J. Sambor, Former Police Commissioner (partial deposition)

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:34:43

October 17 Hearings, 4:15 P.M.-5:00 P.M., October 17, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3063
Scope and Contents

Gregore J. Sambor, Former Police Commissioner

Physical Description

1 Videotapes0:45:59

October 18 Hearings, 10:05 A.M.-11:25 A.M., October 18, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3064
Scope and Contents

Gregore J. Sambor, Former Police Commissioner

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:19:49

October 18 Hearings, 11:30 A.M.-2:20 P.M., October 18, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3065
Scope and Contents

Gregore J. Sambor, Former Police Commissioner

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:35:00

October 18 Hearings, 2:15 P.M.-4:05 P.M., October 18, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3066
Scope and Contents

Gregore J. Sambor, Former Police Commissioner

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:35:08

October 18 Hearings, 4:00 P.M.-5:40 P.M., October 18, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3067
Scope and Contents

Gregore J. Sambor, Former Police Commissioner

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:34:57

October 18 Hearings, 5:30 P.M.-6:35 P.M., October 18, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3068
Scope and Contents

Gregore J. Sambor, Former Police Commissioner

Physical Description

1 Videotapes0:59:30

October 22 Hearings, 9:45 A.M.-11:35 A.M., October 22, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3069
Scope and Contents

Edward G. Rendell, District Attorney; Eric B. Henson, Assistant District Attorney; Bernard Siegel, Assistant District Attorney

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:35:04

October 22 Hearings, 11:35 A.M.-2:25 P.M., October 22, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3070
Scope and Contents

Edward G. Rendell, District Attorney; Eric B. Henson, Assistant District Attorney; Bernard Siegel, Assistant District Attorney; Novella Williams, Negotiator; Charles Burrus, Negotiator; Judge Robert Williams, Negotiator

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:35:02

October 22 Hearings, 2:25 P.M.-4:10 P.M., October 22, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3071
Scope and Contents

Novella Williams, Negotiator; Charles Burrus, Negotiator; Judge Robert Williams, Negotiator; Joseph Coleman, City Council President; Lucien Blackwell, Council Member

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:34:25

October 22 Hearings, 4:10 P.M.-5:45 P.M., October 22, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3072
Scope and Contents

Lucien Blackwell, Council Member; Joseph Coleman, City Council President; Barbara Mather, City Solicitor; Ralph Teti, Deputy City Solicitor

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:34:56

October 22 Hearings, 5:45 P.M.-6:10 P.M.; October 23 Hearings, 10:00 A.M.-11:35 A.M., October 22, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3073
Scope and Contents

Barbara Mather, City Solicitor; Ralph Teti, Deputy City Solicitor; John Tiers, Police Inspector; John Craig, Police Chief Inspector; James Shanahan, Police Captain; Edward McLaughlin, Police Captain

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:34:55

October 23 Hearings, 11:15 A.M.-2:05 P.M., October 23, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3074
Scope and Contents

John Tiers, Inspector (partial deposition); John Craig, Chief Inspector (partial deposition); James Shanahan, Captain (partial deposition); Edward McLaughlin, Captain (partial deposition)

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:33:16

October 23 Hearings, 3:45 P.M.-5:00 P.M., October 23, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3076
Scope and Contents

Albert Revel, Police Sergeant; Michael Tursi, Police Officer

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:09:48

October 24 Hearings, 10:05 A.M.-11:35 A.M., October 24, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3077
Scope and Contents

Albert Revel, Police Sergeant; Michael Tursi, Police Officer

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:34:34

October 24 Hearings, 11:30 A.M.-2:40 P.M., October 24, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3078
Scope and Contents

Albert Revel, Police Sergeant; Michael Tursi, Police Officer

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:33:54

October 24 Hearings, 2:35 P.M.-4:25 P.M., October 24, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3079
Scope and Contents

Albert Revel, Police Sergeant; Michael Tursi, Police Officer; Richard Geppert, Crane Owner

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:33:31

October 25 Hearings, 10:05 A.M.-11:40 A.M., October 25, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3081
Scope and Contents

Graham McDonald, Commission Member presents model of Osage Avenue; Richard F. Kirchner, Police Captain; Dominick Marandola, Police Lieutenant

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:35:09

October 25 Hearings, 11:35 A.M.-2:35 P.M., October 25, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3082
Scope and Contents

Richard F. Kirchner, Police Captain; Dominick Marandola, Police Lieutenant; Edward Connor, Police Sergeant (partial deposition)

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:34:53

October 25 Hearings, 4:10 P.M.-4:55 P.M., October 25, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3084
Scope and Contents

Edward Connor, Police Sergeant

Physical Description

1 Videotapes0:43:12

October 29 Hearings,10:00 A.M.-11:35 A.M., October 29, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3085
Scope and Contents

Lawrence D'Ulisse, Police Officer (partial deposition); John Reiber, Police Officer (partial deposition)

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:31:45

October 29 Hearings, 4:00 P.M.-5:00 P.M., October 29, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3088
Scope and Contents

William C. Richmond, Fire Commissioner; Frank Scipione, Deputy Fire Commissioner

Physical Description

1 Videotapes0:59:29

October 30 Hearings, 10:00 A.M.-11:35 A.M., October 30, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3089
Scope and Contents

William C. Richmond, Fire Commissioner (partial deposition); Frank J. Scipione, Deputy Fire Commissioner (partial deposition)

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:30:10

October 30 Hearings, 11:35 A.M.-2:15 P.M., October 30, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3090
Scope and Contents

William C. Richmond, Fire Commissioner; Frank J. Scipione, Deputy Fire Commissioner

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:31:18

October 30 Hearings, 3:45 P.M.-4:45 P.M., October 30, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3092
Scope and Contents

William C. Richmond, Fire Commissioner; Frank J. Scipione, Deputy Fire Commissioner; Thomas L. Mower, Commission Investigator; James J. Creaturo, Commission Investigator

Physical Description

1 Videotapes0:58:11

October 31 Hearings, 10:00 A.M.-11:30 A.M., October 31, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3093
Scope and Contents

Joseph M. Murray, Jr., Firefighter; John Vaccarelli, Fire Lieutenant

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:30:13

October 31 Hearings, 11:30 A.M.-2:10 P.M., October 31, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3094
Scope and Contents

William Stewart, Police Officer; Frank J. Ecclos, Commission Investigator; Terrence Mulvihill, Police Officer; Lawrence D'Ulisse, Police Officer

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:30:29

October 31 Hearings, 2:10 P.M.-3:45 P.M., October 31, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3095
Scope and Contents

Terrence Mulvihill, Police Officer; Lawrence D'Ulisse, Police Officer; William Stephenson, Police Detective

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:30:27

October 31 Hearings, 3:45 P.M.-5:15 P.M., October 31, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3096
Scope and Contents

William Stephenson, Police Detective; John Skarbek, Batallion Chief; Donald Griffiths, Police Sergeant; William Trudel, Police Officer; Marcus Bariana, Police Officer

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:31:06

Recorded October 15 Hearings, Broadcast October 31 Hearings, October 15, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3098
Scope and Contents

Recorded deposition: Michael Moses Ward 'Birdie Africa'

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:07:36

November 1 Hearings, 10:00 A.M.-11:40 A.M., November 1, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3099
Scope and Contents

Louis Mount, Police Officer; Walter E. Washington, Police Officer; James J. Berghaier, Police Officer; Michael Tursi, Police Officer; Albert Revel, Police Sergeant; Charles T. Mellor, Police Officer

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:33:06

November 1 Hearings, 11:30 A.M.-2:25 P.M., November 1, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3100
Scope and Contents

James J. Berghaier, Police Officer; Michael Tursi, Police Officer; Albert Revel, Police Sergeant; Charles T. Mellor, Police Officer; James R. Phelan, Explosives Expert

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:34:39

November 1 Hearings, 2:20 P.M.-4:05 P.M., November 1, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3377
Scope and Contents

James R. Phelan, Explosives Expert (partial deposition)

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:33:04

November 5 Hearings, 11:15 A.M.-12:45 P.M., November 5, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3378
Scope and Contents

Charles G. King, Fire Expert (partial deposition)

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:33:11

November 5 Hearings, 2:00 P.M.-3:30 P.M., November 5, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3379
Scope and Contents

Ali Z. Hameli, Forensic Pathologist (partial deposition); Ellis R. Kerley, Anthropologist; Lowell J. Levine, Odontologist (Credited as Forensic Dentist)

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:25:56

November 5 Heaings, 5:10 P.M.-6:40 P.M., November 5, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3381
Scope and Contents

Ali Z. Hameli, Forensic Pathologist

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:29:42

November 6 Hearings, 11:30 A.M.-2:20 P.M., November 6, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3383
Scope and Contents

W. Wilson Goode, Mayor (partial deposition); Leo A. Brooks, Former Managing Director (partial deposition); Gregore J. Sambor, Former Police Commissioner (partial deposition); William C. Richmond, Fire Commissioner (partial deposition)

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:33:13

November 6 Hearings, 2:15 P.M.-4:05 P.M., November 6, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3384
Scope and Contents

W. Wilson Goode, Mayor; Leo A. Brooks, Former Managing Director; Gregore J. Sambor, Former Police Commissioner; William C. Richmond, Fire Commissioner

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:34:02

November 6 Hearings, 4:00 P.M.-5:35 P.M., November 6, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3385
Scope and Contents

W. Wilson Goode, Mayor; Leo A. Brooks, Former Managing Director; Gregore J. Sambor, Former Police Commissioner; William C. Richmond, Fire Commissioner

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:32:47

MOVE Commission Excerpt Tape, January 2, 1986, October 8, 1985-November 6, 1985. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3476
Scope and Contents

"Original Broadcast Dates October 8, 1985 to November 6, 1985. Edit date Jan. 2, 1986." Introductions, recaps, analysis from reporters Sam Ringgold, Dave Davies and John Barth. Anaysis by Claude Lewis of Philadelphia Inquirer. Interview with William H. Brown III, Chairman of the MOVE Commission. Excerpts of depositions W. Wilson Goode, MOVE neighbors Lloyd Wilson and Lucretia Wilson, former MOVE member Louise James, Philadelphia Police Department Sergeant Albert Revel and officers Louis Mount and Walter Washington, Commissioner Attorney Henry W. Ruth."

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:01:11

Press Conference: The MOVE Commission Report, March 6, 1986, March 6, 1986. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3690
Scope and Contents

Press conference with commission members regarding the findings, reccomendations and conclusion of the Philadelphia Special Investigation Commission. Recorded camera feeds. No host or graphics.

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:11:57

Press Conference: The MOVE Commission Report, March 6, 1986, March 6, 1986. 1 Videotapes.
Videotape 1-3695
Scope and Contents

Press conference regarding the findings, recommendations and conclusion of the Philadelphia Special Investigation Commission. Recorded broadcast including intro with host voiceover and WHYY, Channel 12 graphics.

Physical Description

1 Videotapes1:11:03

Print, Suggest