Grandson Aims to Restore Ozzie and Harriet Legacy

Even though Sam Nelson‘s Kickstarter campaign for The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet went live just a few days ago, he’s already halfway towards his goal of $10,000. That’s partly because for a pledge of $130 or more, he is cleverly allowing backers to sponsor their favorite episode of the 1952-1966 ABC-TV sitcom.

The LA native and Boston College graduate is looking to transfer and digitize all 435 episodes of the program in support of an eventual celebratory documentary. On his page, he explains the spark for this unique family heirloom project:

About six months ago, after the passing of my uncle David Nelson, I was granted access to the family archives which haven’t been opened for 45 years. Since then, I have accumulated hundreds of hours of film from the vaults and from individuals including actors, musicians, producers, and others closely involved with the show.

These interviews and footage give an important never before seen historic snapshot of the iconography of Ozzie and Harriet, and its cultural impact on American society as it defined an era.

Nelson has worked in artist development at MCA and EMI Capitol Records, collaborating with the likes of Lenny Kravitz, Megadeth and N.E.R.D. He was also instrumental in helping bring about a Hollywood Walk of Fame star for LA radio DJ Rodney Bingenheimer. Nelson is hoping to complete the digitization in time for the show’s upcoming induction into the Smithsonian.

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