Gallery: Guide to Photographic Collections
Preserving the Past
These series contain images documenting New York's efforts to preserve and celebrate its natural and human history. Included are images of historic sites, structures, and markers; scenes of natural features (Niagara Falls, geological formations, fossils, etc.); and images relating to observances of the anniversaries of significant individuals and events (Franklin D. Roosevelt, scientist Joseph Henry, the American Revolution, the Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation).
State Education Department.
Division of Archives and History.
A0245. Photographs of Historic Sites and Structures, 1936-1963. 7 cubic feet
Contains approximately 4,200 film negatives and photoprints of historic sites, buildings, bridges, statues, monuments, and individuals. They were gathered by the division for several projects documenting historic sites, particularly for the Historical Album of New York State. The negatives range in size from 3" x 4" to 4" x 6", while the prints vary in size from 3" x 3" to 8" x 10". Most of the images are identified by location and date taken and are arranged by county. Geographic coverage in this series is very uneven.
A3113. Files on Local Historic Sites and Monuments, 1922-1928. 2 cubic feet
Includes approximately 50 photoprints of marked and unmarked historic sites throughout New York State. The records were collected by the Division of Archives and History from local historians for a catalog of historic sites. Files are arranged by county, then by name of town, village, or city.
11890. Historic Sites Bronze Marker File, 1926-1942. 3 cubic feet
About 50 scattered b/w photoprints 8" x 10" or smaller show some of the bronze tablets placed at hundreds of historic sites during and after the 1926 celebration of the 150th anniversary of the American Revolution. Markers commemorate sites of historical significance in the colonial, revolutionary, or early statehood periods. Arranged numerically by number assigned to marker.
B0567. Photographs of Observances of the 150th Anniversary of the American Revolution, 1926- 1927. 1 cubic foot
Contains approximately 300 b/w film negatives and photoprints of observances and pageants held as part of the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the American Revolution. The photographs vary in size. They include views of anniversary observances held at Saratoga Battlefield, Knox Trail, Cherry Valley, Kingston, Crown Point, Ticonderoga, Bennington, and Elmira. They show reenactments of battles, plays, pageants, and placement of historical markers. In addition, there are approximately 20 negatives showing Charles A. Lindbergh in New York State during his tour of the country in 1927. The photographs are arranged roughly by name of community.
A0097. Photographs, ca. 1940. 0.3 cubic foot
Contains approximately 150 photoprints depicting a broad range of people and places in New York State. Included are views of natural features such as Niagara Falls, activity in various industries in the State, educational and cultural buildings, and many historic sites. These prints may have been used in a publication from the Division of Archives and History. The prints range in size from 5" x 7" to 8" x 10". They are arranged roughly by topic.
State Education Department.
New York State Museum.
B0578. Pre-Publication Texts and Illustrations for State Museum Publications, 1840-1948. 10 cubic feet
Includes approximately 100 photoprints and drawings apparently used by the State Museum to illustrate publications and reports in geology, paleontology, and other areas of natural history. These prints and drawings pertain to only a few of the many publications produced by the Museum since the mid- 19th century. They vary in size and are arranged roughly by subject.
B0577. State Paleontologist's Photographs, ca. 1900- 1960. 5.5 cubic feet
Contains approximately 400 film negatives, photoprints, and drawings depicting geologic formations, fossil specimens, restoration of specimens and habitats, enlargements of map sections, and portraits of geologists and paleontologists. The prints are both mounted and unmounted and most measure 5" x 7". Many of these were used in various State Museum publications. Unarranged.
B0579. State Museum Director's, State Geologist's, and State Paleontologist's Correspondence, Drafts of Publications, and Photographs, 1844- 1900. 2 cubic feet
Includes approximately 50 photoprints depicting fossils and geological features and formations. The prints were prepared for use in State Museum publications, particularly the Paleontology of New York.
A4213. Negatives and Photographs of Mineral Producing Facilities and Geologic Features, ca. 1890- 1954. 3 cubic feet
Contains approximately 300 film negatives and photoprints depicting mineral producing facilities, natural features showing industrial development, geologic formations, and geological exhibits. Many of the photographs were made by the Geological Survey to illustrate State Museum publications. Most of the prints range in size from 5" x 7" to 8" x 10" and are mounted on matboard. Most of the negatives are approximately 3" x 4" and are unlabelled. Unarranged.
A3279. Photographs and Printed Documents Concerning Joseph Henry Memorial, 1914-1928. 0.2 cubic foot
Includes about 26 b/w photoprints, some mounted and ranging from 4.25" x 6" to 8" x 10", showing the statue of Joseph Henry after its unveiling in Albany Academy Park in 1928, and some of the equipment he used in his experiments with electromagnetism and electric motors.
State Education Department.
New York State Library.
B0928. Plans, Photographs, and Working Files of the Planning Committee for the Shrine for the Emancipation Proclamation, 1961-1963. 3 cubic feet
About 60 b/w photoprints and contact sheets, most 8" x 10" and a few 16" x 20", show committee meetings; public ceremonies involving the Emancipation Proclamation; historians, politicians, and other dignitaries involved in observance of the centennial of the Emancipation Proclamation and the Civil War; and drawings of the proposed shrine intended for permanent exhibit of Lincoln's draft of the Emancipation Proclamation held by the New York State Library. Individuals shown in the photographs include Martin Luther King, Jr., New York Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller, and Albany Mayor Erastus Corning III.
Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
15378. Photographs of Tall Ships Celebration in New York Harbor, 1976. 2 cubic feet
About 300 color slides (about 100 images and numerous duplicates) and 17 mounted 10.5" x 15.5" b/w photoprints show tall ships from around the world sailing in New York Harbor as part of the American Revolution Bicentennial celebration in July 1976. Images also show navy ships and pleasure craft sailing among the tall ships. Many images show parts of the New York skyline in the background. A list identifies ships shown on the slides.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Centennial Commission.
Executive Director's Office.
B1002. Subject Files, 1981-1983. 4 cubic feet
Includes about 95 b/w photoprints, mostly 8" x 10" or 3" x 5" but a few 5" x 7". Most prints document the March 1983 Four Freedoms awards ceremony and luncheon, including Governor Mario Cuomo and award recipients Senator Jacob Javits, Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., former Governor W. Averell Harriman, and Coretta Scott King. Also includes shots of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Centennial Exhibit at the Empire State Plaza in Albany. Arranged by topic.
