The David Sarnoff Library documents the life of David Sarnoff, the innovative spirit and greatest technological visionary of the 20th Century; the history of radio, television, electronics and communications; and the history of the Radio Corporation of America (RCA).  Built in 1967 by RCA, the David Sarnoff Library contains a museum, an archives and a library.  It is a 501(c)(3) corporation and is located in Princeton, New Jersey.

Challenge:  For the past several years, the Library has presented a live re-enactment of the 1938 radio broadcast of The War of the Worlds by Orson Welles' Mercury Theater to raise funds for the Library's programs.  The Library's proximity to Grover's Mill, where the Martians were believed to have landed on that October day, adds to the mystique of the event.

Now one of the most famous events in the history of mass media in the United States, the original broadcast created panic as radio listeners believed that martians had actually landed and were on a path of destruction.  Residents began to flee their homes, taking to the streets with their weapons.

More than 20 talented actors from the Hunterdon Radio Theater used authentic 1930's microphones and radios to add an eerily authentic touch to the darkened theater.  The equipment, provided by the New Jersey Antique Radio Club, was placed around the room so that attendees had the opportunity to see what was used in Welles' time.

Building Blocks: Hawkins + Company was retained for both the 2006 and 2007 productions to provide event management and promotion services with a goal of increasing audience attendance and raising awareness of the David Sarnoff Library through media outreach.  A succession of news releases and advisories were sent to key media with personal contact to increase placement of feature stories and information.  In addition, a dedicated microsite was created for the event to provide online registration and information for potential ticket purchasers.

Results:  All of the productions - and the David Sarnoff Library- have been spotlighted and received extensive coverage in the media, with several feature stories.  In addition, audience attendance met all event goals.  The production was a clear success with those in attendance.