Many of the most interesting turn of the century images of Oak Hill are from the Bell family (lots 498W & 6262E) In the 1860s Bell & Bros Studios on Pennsylvania Ave, took some of the most iconic early photographs of DC, including some of the earliest pictures we have of the grounds at Oak Hill. A daguerreotype of Nephi Bell was embedded in the family monument at Oak Hill when he was interred in 1862. In 1873 youngest son Charles left Bell & Bros and started his own CM Bell Studios, becoming one of the most popular portrait studios of his time: photographing presidents, dignitaries, popular figures, church leaders and a wide array of upper and middle-class Washingtonians. The Library of Congress holds the CM Bell Collection of over 30,000 of images from his studio. Join us for a talk about the Bells and the CM Bell Collection by Library of Congress Prints & Photographs Librarian Jonathan Eaker. We will look at historic images of Oak Hill and its residents, as well as famous and interesting images from the CM Bell Collection, while learning more about this important studio and early photography in Washington. We will be joined by DCPL Librarian and Old Time DC curator, Ryan Shepard who will share other historic photographs of Oak Hil and early Washington. Oak Hill Archivist Laura Thoms will share stereoscopes and photographs from the Oak Hill Archives. Bring your questions about research and care of the old photographs in your personal collections for a Q&A about research resources and best display practices after the talk. Gates will be open at 4:15pm for participants to walk the grounds and see the daguerrotype on the Bell family monument. Event is free but please register via the Eventbrite link HERE
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