Origins of NPBA

The National Public Broadcasting Archives began as a cooperative effort among several broadcasting organizations and educational institutions. CPB, PBS and NPR along with the Academy for Educational Development joined forces with the University of Maryland to preserve the history of public broadcasting in America.

NPBA was initiated by educator and former PBS board member Donald R McNeil. Dr. McNeil brought his concern that the history of public broadcasting was at risk to industry representatives and made a case for establishing an archives at the University of Maryland. On June 1, 1990, the Archives was officially dedicated. In February 1993, a curator was hired to manage its day-to-day operations. The National Public Broadcasting Archives is a major component of the Archives and Manuscripts Department of the University of Maryland Libraries.