Kodak gift chronicles company's history

he Department of Rare Books and Special Collections at Rush Rhees Library is now home to millions of pages of original documents and photographs that chronicle the history of the Eastman Kodak Company. Kodak donated the archive to the University as a way to preserve the materials for future generations and offer researchers a detailed glimpse into the development of photography.

"This is an enormous trove that hasn't yet been tapped," says Nancy Martin, the John M. and Barbara Keil University Archivist and Rochester Collections Librarian. "People who never would have had the chance to view and use these documents can--and to great advantage."

For generations of Rochesterians whose lives are intertwined with Kodak, the records are an affirmation of the human contributions made to a business that began in 1880, Martin points out. "What you see in the photographs and documents are a tremendous tribute to Kodak workers throughout the 20th century."

As Martin continues to open boxes and keep an inventory, she has found "absolutely fascinating" materials about the role of Kodak during World Wars I and II and the growth of the company abroad. A partial list of subject categories includes speeches, serial publications, annual reports, and files on topics such as cafeteria operations and picture contests. Labeled as the History of Kodak Collection and the History of Photography Collection, the archives are open to the public.

"Preserving Kodak's heritage through the gift of our historical records to the University of Rochester Library is important not only to Kodak and the University, but it is important far more broadly as an archive vital to understanding the growth of photography," says Michael Morley, Kodak chief administrative officer and executive vice president.

The University library already holds Kodak founder George Eastman's papers, personal correspondence and photographs, and related collections. Martin expects many surprises in this latest gift. "These collections have some organization to them," she says, "but we have to acclimate ourselves to them, and the preservation issues are not small."

Some select pieces will be included in a library exhibition marking the 150th anniversary of the birth of George Eastman this year. Once more of the material is reviewed, the Department of Rare Books is considering an exhibition in 2006.

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