The collection consists of audio recordings, video recordings, and photographs of the people and events involved with the Getty Research Institute's Scholar Program, 1987-2002, 2007. The collection includes recordings and photographs of lectures, panel discussions, conferences, and other events hosted by the Getty Research Institute and given by Getty Scholars, staff, and invited speakers. The collection also includes portraits of the program scholars.

The concept of the Scholar Program originated with Harold William's appointment as the first President and CEO of the J. Paul Getty Trust in 1981. Harold Williams and his team of advisors made several proposals to the Board of Trustees for potential programs that would further the Getty’s mission of "the diffusion of artistic and general knowledge." The establishment of an arts library had already been proposed as early as 1977 by then Museum Director Stephen Garrett, when in February 1982 Williams’ chief deputy Nancy Englander outlined a proposed “Center for Advanced Study.” This proposed center would include a residence program for scholars, a major expansion of the library, a limited publications program, and an art photo archive. The center would focus on the preservation of historic art history materials and the development of new art history reference tools using state-of-the-art information technology. The plan was approved and the Getty Center for the History of Art and the Humanities (GCHAH) opened in temporary quarters in the First Federal Building at 401 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, in July 1983.

47.9 linear feet (56 boxes, 1 oversize box)

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