Finding Aid: Alsup-Smith Family Collection

Holiday celebrations, specifically Christmas, are a common theme in the collection. Family members gather at the homes of relatives to exchange gifts, enjoy meals together, and celebrate with multiple generations while children happily open presents and show off their new toys. These films capture the warmth of family traditions through joyful moments shared with loved ones.

Concerts are featured in multiple films throughout the collection which capture the Alsup-Smith family's experiences at music events in Chicago. The family attends performances at ChicagoFest, where they are shown enjoying the lively atmosphere, dancing with the crowd, and watching musicians perform on stage, including singer Gloria Gaynor. These films document not only the performances themselves but also the family's enjoyment of Chicago's music and festival culture during the late 1970s.

Family recreation appears throughout the collection as the Alsup-Smith family spends time together enjoying leisure activities and outings. The films show family members horseback riding, attending events, and spending time with extended family and friends. These scenes document how everyday recreational activities became meaningful parts of the family's home movie archive.

Children appear frequently throughout the collection, capturing moments from both everyday life and special occasions. The films show children playing outside, celebrating birthdays, attending events, and interacting with family members in multiple settings. These scenes document childhood experiences while also highlighting the important role children play in the family's home movie archive.