Special Collections

Kodak ‘Trove’ Lands at Rush Rhees

KODAK’S MOMENTS: An 1892 photograph of the company’s early headquarters is part of the collection donated to the University (Photo: Courtesy Kodak Historical Collection #003/Department of Rare Books and Special Collections).

Scholars and others who are interested in learning the firsthand history of the Eastman Kodak Company have a new source for sharing the moments in the storied company’s life. That’s after the Department of Rare Books, Special Collections and Preservation at Rush Rhees Library became the repository for millions of pages of original documents and photographs from Kodak’s archives late last winter.

“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.”

Labeled as the History of Kodak Collection and the History of Photography Collection, the gift is described as a record of “the growth of technology; the founding and growth of a world-famous company and brand; [and] the management style of an innovator and humanitarian who set a standard which great people follow today.”

The gift also includes a sizable reference book collection.

Library officials plan to select some pieces from the new collection for an exhibition later this year to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the birth of George Eastman. Once more of the material is reviewed, the library is considering an exhibition in 2006.