Finding Aid for the Tom R. Halfhill May 4 photographs

Repository: Kent State University. Special Collections and Archives.
Title: Tom R. Halfhill May 4 photographs
Inclusive Dates: 1974-2020
Bulk Dates: 1974-1990
Author: Finding aid prepared by Liz Campion, May 2026
Origination: Halfhill, Tom R., 1955-
Extent: .50 cubic feet (1 box = 1 half-size record storage box)
Physical Location: 12th floor (May 4 Collection, Box 47)
Abstract: This collection documents Tom R. Halfhill's role as a student, photographer, and participant of various events in response to the Kent State Shootings and their aftermath.
Language: English
Descriptive Rules: DACS 2nd Edition

Biography of Tom R. Halfhill: Thomas Ray Halfhill is a retired Silicon Valley journalist, technology analyst, and photographer whose career has spanned more than four decades in media and technology. A 1977 journalism graduate of Kent State University, Halfhill began documenting annual commemorations, candlelight vigils, and related memorial events related to the Kent State Shootings beginning in 1974 through 1990. Alongside his photography, Halfhill built a distinguished career in technology journalism.

Scope and Content: The Tom R. Halfhill May 4 photographs document Annual May 4 Commemorations, the Gym Annex Controversy, and other related events. The bulk of this collection includes photographs and photographer notes, documenting various scenes and individuals captured in the photographs.

Statement of Arrangement: The Tom R. Halfhill May 4 photographs are arranged chronologically by subject.

Preferred Citation: Tom R. Halfhill May 4 photographs. May 4 Collection. Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.

Related Material: Further information concerning the Annual May 4 Commemorations can be found in the Annual May 4 Commemoration records.

Restrictions on Use: Copyright has been retained by the donor, Tom R. Halfhill.

Acquisition Information: The materials in this collection were donated to Kent State University Special Collections and Archives by Tom R. Halfhill in 2021.

Controlled Access Headings
The following are found in this collection:

Subjects:

Box 47
Folder -- Contents

1. Photographs: Annual May 4 Commemoration Events, Kent, Ohio, May 3-4, 1974
        Scope and Content: Includes photographer notes, 84 color slides, and 2 DVDs containing digital files of the photographs. Photographs include individuals such as Julian Bond, Jane Fonda, Judy Collins, Daniel Ellsberg, Peter Davies, and Dean Kahler.
2. Photographs: Annual May 4 Commemoration Events, Kent, Ohio, May 3-4, 1975
        Scope and Content: Includes 13 color slides, 52 negatives, 4 proof sheets, and 1 DVD containing digital files of the photographs. Photographs include individuals such as Dean Kahler, Tom Grace, Chic Canfora, Alan Canfora, Peter Davies, Jerry Lewis, Arthur Krause, and Thomas Lough.
3. Photographs: Annual May 4 Commemoration Events, Kent, Ohio, May 3-4, 1976
        Scope and Content: Includes 62 negatives, 3 proof sheets, and 1 DVD containing digital files of the photographs. Photographs include individuals such as Tom Grace, Chic Canfora, Robby Stamps, Jerry Lewis, Elaine Holstein, Dean Kahler, and Barbara Child.
4. Audio Recordings: Gym Annex Controversy, Kent, Ohio, March-October 1977
        Scope and Content: Includes audio recording notes, 1 audio cassette and 2 CDs. Recordings were made by Halfhill during the Tent City protest and include May 4 Coalition member discussions, TV news reports, confrontation at Rockwell Hall, Carter Dodge speaking, and other crowd and protest sounds.
5. Photographs: Gym Annex Controversy, Kent, Ohio, March-November 1977
        Scope and Content: Includes 151 color slides, 40 negatives, 10 prints, photographer notes, and 3 DVDs containing digital files of the photographs, as well as audio files. Photographs include individuals such as William Kunstler, Alan Canfora, Chic Canfora, Bill Arthrell, and Daniel Ellsberg.
6. Annual May 4 Commemoration Events, Kent, Ohio, May 3-4, 1978
        Scope and Content: Includes 6 color slides, 47 negatives, 3 proof sheets, 1 print, photographer notes, and 2 DVDs containing digital files. Photographs include individuals such as Jerry Lewis, Louis Schroeder, Florence Schroeder, Reverend John Adams, Craig Blazinski, Bill Arthrell, and Carter Dodge.
7. Annual May 4 Commemoration Events, Kent, Ohio, May 3-4, 1979
        Scope and Content: Includes 25 negatives, 2 proof sheets, 4 prints, photographer notes, and 1 DVD containing digital files. Photographs include individuals such as John Bassette, Sanford Jay Rosen, and Anna and Albert Canfora. 
8. Annual May 4 Commemoration Events, Kent, Ohio, May 3-4, 1980
        Scope and Content: Includes 35 negatives, 4 proof sheets, photographer notes, and 1 DVD containing digital files. Photographs include individuals such as Bella Abzug, Stokely Carmichael, Dean Kahler, Ron Kovic, Marv Kropko, William Kunstler, Evie "Fatima" Morris, and Dr. George Wald.
9. Annual May 4 Commemoration Events, Kent, Ohio, May 4, 1990
        Scope and Content: Includes 90 negatives, 3 proof sheets, 5 prints, photographer notes, and 1 DVD containing digital files. Photographs include unindentified members of Vietnam Veterans Agains the War and protestors.