Shared Images: Recording and Collecting a Visaul History

Other Exhibits

Audio Tour of Exhibit

Listen to an interview with curator, Sue Scott, about the exhibit.

Past Exhibition

Shared Images: Recording and Collecting a Visual History

September 20 - December 30, 2011

Shared Images: Recording and Collecting a Visual History examined our inherent need to collect a visual record and the important role it plays in preserving and knowing history. The exhibit included a wide range of photographs, maps, graphics and artwork that date from mid 1800s to the 1980s. The museum’s camera collection was also on display, showing the dramatic change in the tools used to record visual history.

Shared Images at Western Illinois Museum By exploring visual documentation and the tools that have been used for over 150 years, it is possible to illustrate photography’s role in collecting history. The exhibit included examples of various photographic formats like cabinet cards, scrapbooks, photo albums, films and video that have all contributed to recording and preserving significant events and places. The current trend of using file-sharing media, like facebook, affirms the primary place visual information plays in our lives.

Through a close examination of what is depicted in each image, it is possible to recount a personal story as well as find reoccurring themes occurring throughout time. The exhibit was organized by some of these common themes including community celebrations, rights of passage starting with baby pictures to wedding photographs, places, and even conflicts like wartimes. These subjects, when examined as a whole, reflect the history of a region and provide a visual entry to understanding our collective past.

Shared Images at Western Ilinois Museum Behind every camera there is a person selecting what is recorded. The region has had some long-time photographers such as Laura Gaites as well as others who recorded significant moments in our local history, such as Peterson’s opportunity to photograph Abraham Lincoln in August of 1858. The exhibit draws from the museum’s collection of photographs showcasing the work of the area’s talented photographers.

Assistants with research for the exhibit from Michael Kolar and Dirk Yarker. Installation assistance from John Cox, Lowell Lueck, and Karen Mencel.

To accompany the exhibit, Michael Kolar, a volunteer at the museum, and the museum's VISTA, Lottie Phillips, have developed an outreach program that can be taken to local assisted living centers and clubs, bringing the current exhibit to those who cannot come to the museum. The presentation includes details about the different photographic processes and a look at a few of the local photographers and their work. To schedule an program contact Lottie at info@westernillinoismuseum.org.