Contact:Keri O’Keefe
Wisconsin Historical Society
Phone: 6082619597
E-Mail: keri.okeefe@wisconsinhistory.org
Madison, Wis. – Nowadays, we can produce a quality photograph almost instantly through our smartphones or digital cameras, but it wasn’t always so easy. On July 17, join the Wisconsin Historical Museum to discover the old-fashioned way of taking photographs, as it was done in the 1800s. From 5:00 – 6:30pm, David Rambow, site director at H.H. Bennett Studio, will demonstrate the process of wet plate photography at the Wisconsin Historical Museum.
“Wet plate photography is a tricky and painstaking process that can often look more like a science experiment, using chemicals such as collodion and silver nitrate, than traditional photography,” said Rambow. “We are excited to partner with the Historical Museum for a chance to demonstrate this rare, historic photography process.”
During this event, guests will have the opportunity to view a demonstration and participate in a discussion on the excruciatingly difficult wet plate photography process that was practiced “in the field” by H.H. Bennett. H.H. Bennett used this technique to photograph the rugged landscape of the Wisconsin Dells and he became one of the premier landscape photographers of the era (1865 – 1908).
David Rambow is a widely known “19th century period” photographer, one of only a handful in the United States proficient in wet plate photography. He is often seen at events throughout Wisconsin and the upper Midwest, reenacting the methods of wet plate photography. His “modern” tintypes have been seen in Hollywood movies such as “Cold Mountain,” “True Grit,” “Cowboys and Aliens,” “Sweetwater,” and “A Million Ways to Die in the West.”
The event is part of Downtown Madison BID’s Summer in YOUR City program. It is free to attend and open to the public. The event will take place on July 17, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on the stages outside of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum, located at 100 N. Carroll St. In the event of inclement weather conditions, the event will take place indoors at the Wisconsin Historical Museum, located at 30 N. Carroll St. For more information call 608-264-6555 or email museum@wisconsinhistory.org
About the Wisconsin Historical Museum
The Wisconsin Historical Museum, one of 12 Wisconsin Historical Society sites, is located at 30 N. Carroll St. on Madison’s Capitol Square. The Museum features four floors of exhibition space and a unique museum store. The Wisconsin Historical Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday 9 am-4pm. All Wisconsin Historical Society members receive free admission. Admission is by suggested donation: Adults $5, Children (5 and up) $3. Call 608-264-6555 for more information, or visit us online at www.WisconsinHistoricalMuseum.org.
About Wisconsin Historical Society
The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and most diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. The Wisconsin Historical Society serves millions of people every year through a wide range of sites, programs and services. For more information, visit wisconsinhistory.org
