Jeff Roth and the New York Times Archive
In the depths of the old International Herald Tribune building lies a vast repository of journalistic history. This collection, known colloquially as "the morgue," serves as the central clipping and photo archive for the New York Times. At the center of this operation is Jeff Roth, the archivist responsible for maintaining this critical historical resource.
The Guardian of "The Morgue"
Jeff Roth joined the New York Times archive in 1993, transitioning to the role after previously working at an airport. Over the years, the newspaper gradually reduced its filing staff, eventually leaving Roth as the sole individual tasked with the care and management of the archive.
Located in the sub-sub basement of the building, the archive is more than just a storage facility; it is an active tool for current journalism. Roth has noted that the archive remains essential for the creation of obituaries, providing the historical data and records necessary to document a subject's life accurately.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Role: Archivist in charge of the New York Times clipping and photo archive.
- Start Date: Joined the archive in 1993.
- Location: The archive is situated in the sub-sub basement of the old International Herald Tribune building.
- Function: The archive is actively used to research and write obituaries.
- Staffing: Roth became the sole caretaker of the archive after a gradual reduction in filing staff.
Personal Connections and Legal Context
Beyond his professional life, Jeff Roth is a cousin of Ghislaine Maxwell, a British convicted sex offender. Roth's connection to Maxwell has appeared in legal proceedings, including his attendance at her 2021 trial where she was convicted of child sex trafficking.
In June 2022, a letter filed in Manhattan Federal Court by Maxwell's attorneys included a description from Roth, in which he referred to Maxwell as a "friend and confidant."
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Professional Title | Archivist, New York Times |
| Archive Nickname | The Morgue |
| Tenure Start | 1993 |
| Archive Location | Sub-sub basement, International Herald Tribune building |
| Notable Relation | Cousin of Ghislaine Maxwell |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is "the morgue" in the context of the New York Times?
"The morgue" is the colloquial term used for the New York Times clipping and photo archive, where historical records and photographs are stored.
Where is the New York Times archive located?
The archive is located in the sub-sub basement of the old International Herald Tribune building.
How is the archive used in modern journalism?
The archive is still utilized by the newspaper to gather information and records for writing obituaries.
When did Jeff Roth begin working at the archive?
Jeff Roth joined the New York Times archive in 1993.
What is Jeff Roth's relationship to Ghislaine Maxwell?
Jeff Roth is a cousin of Ghislaine Maxwell and has described her as a "friend and confidant" in court filings.