The Great American Songbook Foundation is opening its doors, virtually and in person, for special opportunities to experience the treasures of the Songbook Library & Archives.
Recently featured on CBS Sunday Morning in a segment on Founder Michael Feinstein, the Songbook Library & Archives preserves more than 500,000 historical items from the foundational era of American popular music.
Normally closed to the public, this world-class collection will soon be accessible through exciting upcoming events both online and in person. Whether you’re near the Songbook Foundation headquarters in Carmel or joining us from afar, you’ll have the chance to experience the Songbook Library & Archives and explore some of the historic treasures we preserve.
Virtual Archives visit
Take a special behind-the-scenes look inside the Songbook Library & Archives during the Virtual Archives Visit at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16.
Guided by the Director of Library & Archives, this exclusive virtual visit will:
- Showcase rare and fascinating artifacts from the collection
- Share how the Songbook Foundation preserves and protects these cultural treasures
- Feature a live Q&A with an archivist
The event will be presented in a live webinar format, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions in real time. Attendance is free, but registration is required.
Please Note: No physical tickets are needed for this virtual program. You’ll receive the official link to join the session within 24 hours of the event—be sure to check your inbox (and your spam or promotions folder, just in case).
Click here to register.
In-person tours
You can take an exclusive behind-the-scenes in-person tour of the Songbook Library & Archives meant for first-time visitors to the Foundation’s preservation headquarters.
The Library & Archives preserves more than 500,000 historical items from the foundational era of American popular music. The collection includes recordings, arrangements, images, memorabilia, personal papers, and other artifacts from the lives and careers of legendary performers, composers, lyricists, and other influential figures.
The Carmel facility also features a reference library and study space for researchers who travel from around the world to access these materials.
Please choose the date that works best for you and register at this link to secure your spot. These seated tour opportunities are limited to 20 visitors per tour.
- Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 5 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 25 at 10 a.m.
- Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 6 p.m.
- Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 11 a.m.
- Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 6 p.m.
After registering, you will receive the facility address and additional details via email.
What to expect during an Archives visit
During both the Virtual Visit and in-person tour you may have the chance to see such artifacts as:
- A near-EGOT collection, including a GRAMMY, Emmy, and multiple Oscars
- Stage costumes worn by Ella Fitzgerald and Eydie Gormé
- Original scripts for classic Broadway shows such as The Music Man
- Musical arrangements written for iconic artists including Sammy Davis Jr., Andy Williams, Rosemary Clooney, Natalie Cole, and Frank Sinatra
- Historical materials representing prominent figures such as Leonard Bernstein, Mamie Eisenhower, Ginger Rogers, Walt Disney, and Doris Day
- … and much more!
Click here to learn more.
Support for the Songbook Library & Archives
Designated support for the Songbook Library & Archives is made possible by its Preservation Partners, whose generosity sustains the work of the Songbook Foundation’s efforts to preserve, share, and celebrate the Great American Songbook.
This important work is made possible by Diane and John Abrams, Maureen Charles, Michael Charles, and Dr. Larry Weeda Jr. Thank you.